Property renovation

[warpig3]

Can anyone recommend a good site for property renovation. I have spotted a lovely place in a great location but it needs completely gutted and the loft converted. I have never done this before and dont know where to begin, basically it would be like an episode of Property Ladder with Sarah Beeney in that everything needs doing.

Can anyone help as I want to consider all the options and work involved before I make an offer on the place.

many thanks
warpig

[CheekyChops]

Well the Channel 4 website has some information to give you an idea: http://www.channel4.com/4homes/profitfromprope rty/index.html

[rabbitygirl]

Hi Warpig. Lots in u question. We have2 houses to renovate. Bungalow to live in & Victorian terr. to sell on. Both need loads doing. Have worked on houses b4 but have life change now, sold up, moved area and w/o jobs. We will be getting the trades in and doing ourselves too. Hubby is pro painter/decorator and gifted DIYer. BUT its not for the feint hearted. R trades doing it all? RU DIYer? U working? Who will manage the job? Get finances sorted - it costs more than u think. Get rough job costs now. And for Gods sake get a survey - know the full story. Had a survey within days of offer accept and chased others away cause I had one already. And cash helped. Negotiated �16k off with survey. Not bad return for �350. Search the net, read mags, watch TV, be certain b4 you jump and do it for love too Warpig - its not all about ���s. And if u miss this one there are others. Good luck, nothering ventured nothing gained and keep us info'd.

[warpig3]

Thanks for the link cheekychops, didn't think to look there.

Rabbitygirl, thank you too, you obviously know what you are talking about. The place I have in mind is a upper flat in an old sandstone building, when you come out the front door, you go down about 10 steps and you are on the canal towpath, and there are loads of barges passing by and moored, it is beautiful and idyllic. I dont work so could manage the project and I would be getting trades men in to do all that I and my partner cant. My problem is that I might fall in love with the place onve its finished! (presuming I got it in the first place). I do have the funds to undertake this but I also appreciate how these things can escalate. Don't laugh but I have also signed up for a plastering course, could be a new career direction for me and should come in handy!

Worst thing is I am in Scotland and you have to submit a sealed bid so you don't know what anyone else is offering and if you really want it you have to go over the odds to secure it. I will have a good hard think about it, am excited about it at present but I know how this excitement can quickly turn into a pain in the butt.

many thanks
warpig

[rabbitygirl]

Warpig - just got back from my 2 places. Trying to tackle garden ready for conservatory in bungalow. Had another look at Victorian horror before putting in cheque to solicitors. Am holidaying for a week then getting my tradesmen in to quote and then we really get going. Its exciting and scary 50/50. You seem to have same mix. Your find described so well. Sealed bids are a problem aren't they? but if you want it go for it. Courses are a great idea - enjoy. Shame you are in Scotland - you could plaster for us and hubby could do A1 on your painting and decorating!!

[warpig3]

Thanks rabbitygirl, am still thinking about it, but will no doubt be on here asking for advice if I do get it. Regardless of that I am going to do the plastering course anyway, what the heck, I have nothing better to do at the moment.

Thanks for your help
warpig

[RATTER15]

Good for you warpig, just tread very carefully, lots of money to be made also if it goes wrong you will lose a lot!!

I would only go for such a thing if you are a reasonably confident DIYer.

I am fairly good at DIY and I like to take chances but not sure I would take on such a job unless I have a fair bit of capital to fall back on should it go wrong.



Always seek professional advice if you can. We will all help with your project I'm sure, in as much as giving good advice where we can. If you get stuck on anything just take a photo with Digi camera and let us all have a look and somebody will help I'm sure!!

Good luck!!

[warpig3]

Thank you so much Ratter, this could be the house that AB built!

I am currently looking at all the possibilities, there are already plans drawn up which are included with the sale which is helpful, but my only concern is that it all seems a little weird. The guy who is selling it is a GP and he says he wants to release the money to carry out work on his own residence, which if fair enough, but at the back of my mind I am wondering if there is more to it than that, why did he go to the trouble of getting plans drawn up and not follow through, I am sure a GP could secure a loan for the renovations. Anyway, may be I am just being paranoid, its just that I am not famaliar with scottish laws etc so have been surfing the net re: planning permission etc.

As for DIY, I can paint and decorate no problem, but my brother and Dad are really good, they can fit kitchens and tile walls and floors. For the main work such as upstairs renovations, new windows, knocking through walls and electrics I would employ tradesmen. I do have the money to finance it and would not necessarily be looking to make loads of money, just enough - a years salary for 6 months work (which in my case would be about 25K), but part of me is sacred that I will lose the lot. But as you say, before I signed on the dotted line I would have structural surveyor in and a building contractor.

Well I will keep you posted on any developments.

thanks again
warpig

[warpig3]

Here is a view of it:

open link, go to 'for sale', on next page leave as it is except for location - choose Linlithgow, then go to page two, it is the property in Canal Terrace, for photo hit more.

http://www.peterkinandkidd.co.uk/asp/content.a sp

Hope that works.

[RATTER15]

It looks superb!! by a canal as well, I love it!!

[warpig3]

I know Ratter, you can see why I am so take with it!