Worried sick about house problems and getting tradesmen

Robertson74

Thanks to everyone.

Brilliantbutscary, most of my relatives are too old now or no longer here and I don't have any friends, which is a problem. With social anxiety it's difficult to start ringing tradespeople and when they let you down, it's very difficult to keep ringing more. 

Caprikid, I have paid some tradesmen instantly, so the could ask them. Only problem you worry they won't know them. Gwylas. I do worry about being taking advantage of- people have handed letters asking if they can buy the house or saying they could help me.

I was going to ask someone about the sunporch, but the utility room floor came up and I thought they could do the hall ceiling at the same time, but that's not working out. Also you've got the problem if they wont do this job, I don't like asking the same people about the sun porch, when they have let me down. I think as you say, I really should sell the house. WIAW The house is worth about £200 thousand in it's current dilapidated state, but I live a rural area and someone else will get a lot more for it. I was just hoping that things could be done to make living in it better, in the mean time. 

Twopenny I agree with you about the more profitable jobs, I just wish they would be honest with people.

Freebear and oldcodger, I agree with you about DIY. It would need to be easy things first- I'd wouldn't like to tackle difficult things. My father was a builder, who built the house, but I didn't learn anything from him and I can't do DIY well. He knew a lot of tradesman, but they are all gone now. New unconnected tradesmen live locally now and I don't know who they are. 


The loft was treated for woodworm about fifteen years ago, but they are in other places throughout the house and I woudn't like the chemicals.  Also the drive and garden is prone to bad flooding in the winter. The sunporch is the worst problem in the house- there are ferns and grass growing in there. 

Also it's a bit worrying selling the house, with what's involved and I wouldn't know what to ask an estate agent.

BrilliantButScary

Hi @Robertson74,

I'm sure everything feels 'overwhelming' at the moment. It would suggest to me that if people have approached you showing interest in the property, that it might be more desirable than you think, perhaps due to it's location rather than it's current condition. If you didn't live in your current home, where would you like to live?

The key to making good decisions is to be well-informed, so the following links will provide information about the house selling process, if you decide that it is the right thing to do for you:

https://www.gov.uk/selling-a-home

https://hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-selling/step-by-step-guide-to-selling-your-home/?paid&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21797567728&gclid=Cj0KCQjwnovFBhDnARIsAO4V7mBh82xYwKulnMWJ2ex2Ag9uhQhny0ZmzPAKThbz6qJeTloACV7EbFQaAukXEALw_wcB

I don't wish to be intrusive, but do you have any health/social care professional support? 
You also mention living off an inheritance, have you also claimed any benefits that you might be entitled too?

Did your parents deal with a particular solicitor for their legal affairs? You might feel less vulnerable, if you were able to approach them if you feel they are 'trustworthy'.

WIAWSNB

Robertson74 said:

The house is worth about £200 thousand in it's current dilapidated state, but I live a rural area and someone else will get a lot more for it. I was just hoping that things could be done to make living in it better, in the mean time. 

Could you explain the figures above, please? 

It's worth around £200k in its current condition. What do you mean by 'someone else will get a lot more for it'? You mean once it's done up? Any idea what its 'top' value could be - have any similar houses sold in your 'hood which are in good order? 

From what you've mentioned, you have lots of different problems with the house, some pretty intrusive like floors needing replacement. You might be lucky and find a great general builder who will take it all on, but I doubt they'd want to do it in a 'bitsy' way. They'd want to get stuck in and do it all in one stretch. Or, you may find that you'll need to find the different trades yourself - a sparky, a chippy, a painter/decorator, etc. The more you need, the greater the risk of it going pear-shaped. 

So my gut still says you'd be better off selling as it is, and finding a smaller and better property to enjoy. Aaaand, relax

How much would a smaller property cost? 

As a first step, why don't you look at all the potential properties in your area that you'd consider going for? Link the best few on here, and folk will check them over for you, and give you a good starting point whether they are worth pursuing, and what to look for. Of course, you'll still need a survey, but we should be able to suggest what the good ones are  

Ectophile

The companies that offer quick house sales in adverts will usually offer a sum well below the current market price.  They intend to buy the house quickly, then sell it on at a profit.

If you do want a quick sale, particularly on a house that needs work done, consider auctioning it.  If you've ever seen Homes Under the Hammer on TV - that's it.  The buyers are committed to buying the moment the hammer goes down, so there isn't the long drawn out process that you usually get with house sales.  The buyers are mostly peoperty developers expecting to do some work on the house before either selling it on or renting it out.

There will be a company that specialises in auctions of land and buildings in most parts of the country.

FreeBear

Ectophile said:

The companies that offer quick house sales in adverts will usually offer a sum well below the current market price.  They intend to buy the house quickly, then sell it on at a profit.

If you do want a quick sale, particularly on a house that needs work done, consider auctioning it.  If you've ever seen Homes Under the Hammer on TV - that's it.  The buyers are committed to buying the moment the hammer goes down, so there isn't the long drawn out process that you usually get with house sales.  The buyers are mostly peoperty developers expecting to do some work on the house before either selling it on or renting it out.

There will be a company that specialises in auctions of land and buildings in most parts of the country.

The "we buy any house" outfits will always offer well below market value. Typical method is to hook you with a reasonable price, and then drive it down once they get to the point of "buying". The contract that you sign when appointing them will often contain some nasty, restrictive clauses that tie you down for 2 years (sometimes less) and commit to paying them fees should you sell via another route. And if you pull out from any "offer", expect to be on the hook for more fees.

Traditional auction is a quick route - A friend recently sold a place in need of some serious modernisation and structural repairs. It went up at £80K, and I estimated it would go for around £140K. Actually made £160K which wasn't that much less than what houses in good condition on that road would fetch (typically in the £180K to £200K range).

The modern method of auction is another questionable practice that some companies operate. The only winners are the agents, everyone else stands to lose big chunks of money, and there is no guarantee of a sale either.

Robertson74

Thanks to everyone for your replies. 

I have a lot to read and consider.

I just makes you feel really bad when you cant get tradesmen to do small things. I don't what people do to get small jobs done when tradesmen are only interested in bigger jobs. I really wouldn't like the thought of a handyman cutting out a section of my ceiling and dealing with collapsing joists. 

I am going to keep trying to get a joiner and hopefully someone will do it sometime.

Cherryfudge

It's nothing personal - honestly we have had lots of problems getting people to do work, they can pick and choose and I would imagine they go for the straightforward jobs that pay well while giving them the least hassle.

There are always plenty of supportive people here, and knowledgeable people with good advice, so keep us posted as to how it's going or whether you decide to sell and move away. By the way, trying asking your computer things like 'How do I talk to an estate agent?'. AI can be useful. And if it's easier for you to use email than talk face to face, that's okay.

WIAWSNB

Robertson74 said:

Thanks to everyone for your replies. 
I have a lot to read and consider.
I just makes you feel really bad when you cant get tradesmen to do small things. I don't what people do to get small jobs done when tradesmen are only interested in bigger jobs. I really wouldn't like the thought of a handyman cutting out a section of my ceiling and dealing with collapsing joists. 
I am going to keep trying to get a joiner and hopefully someone will do it sometime.

The more you tell us, Robertson, the greater my concern about you trying to have your current house fixed up.
It does sound as though it'll be a long term project, involving a number of different trades and trades folk, and with some involved tasks - like the structure of the roof. 
This will mean you'll need to engage with lots of different folk, almost certainly of different calibre. Each one stressful regardless. And if only one of them messes up, or tries it on, it'll be hellish.
I don't understand why you'd entertain this, unless this is the house you really want to live in? 
In your shoes, I think I'd only entertain this if I could find a solid general builder who can do it all, and ideally in one go. They do exist - our recent builder is a terrific person in every respect. You'd need to be prepared for the disruption, of course, and also have the funds to pay for it. Can you say 'yes' to both?
If not, then surely dealing with just one single person in an Estate Agent would be better? Read reviews of local companies, and shortlist a couple. Call them up and be frank about your worries and concerns. I'll bet you they'll have an agent that will be suitably understanding and empathetic, and who'll sort this out for you. 
I'd normally suggest to sell your house the 'normal' way, and not via auction. It'll attract folk who are looking for a doer-upper, and chances are you'll be pleased with what it'll go for. But, traditional auction may attract the more likely type of buyer for a project, I don't know.
For viewings, leave the EA to it and go out for a walk!
Yes, due diligence is also required - you should be able to work out the ballpark figure to expect. Look at similar sales in the 'hood, and the condition of each. Come back on here with your findings and folk can add their bit.
And start to look at more suitable properties for you to move to.
Just do the above as an 'exercise' if nothing else. If you like what you find out, then great. If you don't, you don't.
Also contact your councils social work department, if they aren't already aware of you. See what assistance they can provide. 
I presume your anxiety has a medical diagnoses? If so, are there any associated charities in your area? Can your medical centre re commend anywhere? 
In essence, it sounds as though you need assistance in dealing with an EA, far easier than with 5 trades people!
What do you think? Could moving be a better option for you?

sherbie28

I think suggesting selling might not be helpful. OP doesn't mention how long he has lived in the house, is it a house his parents have had since his birth? OP's ties to the house irrespective of it's current state will be strong. If it was a happy home, and he spent a lot of time there with his parents it's his only link to them. From a personal point of view even though you don't mean to sometimes people with anxiety can come across as rude, confrontational, defensive etc. Tradespeople don't understand how strangers coming into your safe space, your home, even if it is in a state of disrepair can be daunting and draining. If you had an intermediary who could bridge the gap between being supportive for you and your anxiety needs and also deal with the tradespeople on your behalf would help. Do you have anyone you you could reach out to? Cousins, old friends, friends of your parents? Without being rude, do you think your neighbours will be aware of your problems both in the house and health-wise? Are you on friendly terms with any of those? Do you see a local GP, might they be able to help? I know it's really difficult to reach out. It's difficult to reach out for help for people who have a close network of family, friends. If you don't have that support it's so daunting. I think it's great that you've posted on here, that shows you do want to improve your situation. If your finances allow, rather than look at the big jobs could you test out someone with a smaller job, maybe not even indoors? Just to get used to contacting someone and seeing something completed. I really wish you well and hope you're able to improve your living conditions.