DIY is doing my head in!

want2bmortgage3

I moved into my (previously letted) flat in december, and since then I've been in a mess with DIY jobs. The kitchen needed updating so without much thought I started removing the old one, leaving me without a kitchen for several months, I've only just got a sink working and oven working! It still needs the cabinets fitting properly and painting!

I also decided to remove a cupboard and use it as extra bedroom space, this created a load of dust and I've only just got the door lining and bi-fold doors, still to be fitted.

My bathroom is dated with a green suite and mould on the ceiling. Lounge has paint peeling off walls, I scrape what I can off and a few days later its coming away again. Main bedroom is full of a flat pack wardrobe removed from the other bedroom so I cant do much here til I can move it out the way.

Anyway what I'm saying is from a money point of view I wish I didn't have all this work to do! I'd be better off in a clean modern flat which needed no work, so then I could work overtime every day and come home to a clean home.

What are other peoples views on DIY? Do you enjoy it ? I cant say I've found any particular job enjoyable. Being my residence, its sometimes been hard to not get personal with things and be too fussy, or get too worried if i make a mistake. If this was a place I wasnt living in and was just planning on selling on or renting then I think it would be easier. I feel that maybe in your own place (if you want to stay for a long time) you are better to pay professionals?? (for example fitting a kitchen)

ukwoody

The bigest mistake DIYers make is to start several projects at once and not finishing them off. That is why Tradesmen do things in oder and sections at a time. That said, on big jobs even we get idheaterned sometimes as it seems you're in a worse mess then when you atarted, but it does all come together eventually. Do one room well, at a time - it far better. Good luck!

woody

Canucklehead

Good evening: My OH benefits from other people's DIY...he gets to rectify the aftermath and makes a living out of it.;)

Canucklehead

want2bmortgage3

Hey Woody, I think it doesnt help that I'm living in the property and my comfort is compromised by all the jobs i'm attempting! At least I still have a working bathroom!! I think in the future the only big DIY tasks I will do wil be on a second property if I am fortunate enough to afford one at some point. When it doesnt become personal (ie selling on for profit/renting out) then I think you can get on with things quicker and not take as long over decisions.

ukwoody

Yes, it is difficult living there at the same time, thats why it is always better to be away from it if at all possible, unfortunetly for most of us we can't. However, the key is as I've already highlighted. Try to work on a limited area at one time.. I know it's hard, and the ripping out is far more fun then the rebuilding, but it is the way we always try to do it within the trade.
Mind you, lets be honest here, my own house has a half finished kitchen, and the oak flooring for the hallway is still in it's boxes 3 years later... still as I say to my partner, if you want a really nicely decorated house... don't marry a painter!;-)

If bet Canknuckles house has dripping taps! lol

Woody

phill99

Woody is correct -one job at a time. Also, don't over estimate your own abilities. Like c/head, I benefit from peoples (or more usually the friends or families) of DIYers. I've been to a number of jobs and people have said 'My brother/friend/cousin did this and its rubbish but we haven''t got the heart to tell him so will you put it right?' Fixing someone elses !!!! ups is always more time consuming than doing it from the start and invariably gives a worse result as half of the job has been (badly) done. Sometimes its worth saving some money up and getting someone in. Granted it will take longer (as you have to save the money), but if you have got a good tradesman, then it is worth the investment.

olly300

I moved into a flat that needs work on it mainly due to the previous owners not updating the décor for 20-50 years, and doing the kitchen badly themselves. Apart from ripping bits of wall paper off all the rooms to see what was underneath I've been doing one room at a time.

One of the things that can make your life easier is if you can when you get your bathroom done go and stay with friends or family. That may help speed the work up they don't need to ensure there is a fully working toilet. However you need to go to your flat everyday to check on the workmen's progress.

And yes you are better of paying professionals to do things particularly the kitchen, and bathroom if you are moving things around.

bookduck

want2bmortgage3 wrote: »

...I think in the future the only big DIY tasks I will do wil be on a second property if I am fortunate enough to afford one....

How wrong you are - unless your loaded and money is no object!

You will find that to rent/sell, for every day/week is costing you money in no tenants, and you still have to pay mortgage and bills. Not only are you not making money, but you are paying out too, in effect loosing twice - loosing income then paying for the privilege of loosing that income. At best your tenants will ask for a reduced rate, or you'll get the bottom end of the market. You will find that you will get things fixed asap, or loose cash and might go bust.