Newbie needs advice to avoid Drowning

fumken

I have a 3 bed house in London but also rented a studio in Chatham in Feb short-term to avoid commuting to a new job, with a view to either rent or sell the London house. I was thinking of buying in the Chatham area to reduce stress. Now most people are advising me to stay in my house in London and possibly rent out a room or two. The tenacy expires in Chatham in August. The house in London needs serious work, I have damp and mould problems after installing double glazing (on a loan about 12K) and installing a new bathroom. (The latter was done by a quack and has caused me loads of problems-long story but it cost 2K for a diy job which was also leaking- Is there anything that can be done about quacks?)

1. How do I avoid being ripped off again for any work to be done in the house e.g. to repaint the whole house at a reasonable amount and possibly re-do bathroom later and kitchen, which also needs updating but I cant now that new problems have emerged?
2. I cannot afford to sell as it is now badly damaged and even the bathroom has to be re-done as it looks like a DIY job.
3. I cannot afford to buy another house for about even as low as 150k as long as I still have my house. I don't even have a deposit anymore.
4. I rented the small room in Chatham for 350 and I have to pay bills and council tax. I have a contract for 6 months. If I found someone else who wants the house am I allowed to take them to the agent and leave?
All advice would be appreciated.
Thanks