First House Renovation / Do-er upper
Discussion
As some of you might have read in the other thread for the paint staining etc.. I've recently bough myself a 2 bedroom terraced house in my home village in North Wales.
Being only 23 I couldn't really afford to splash out on an all singing all dancing property, but rather have made a few compromises and after over 18 months of searching I've found myself a house that ticked all the boxes except for a garage (But has room at the back to build one)
So rather than posting multiple question threads I thought I'd collate everything into one thread and post the progress here - I'm aiming to 'complete' in two weeks.. everything has gone through just waiting on funds to be released by the mortgage company. Can't wait!
First time renovating a house so will no doubt have a LOT of questions..
So.. about the house..
2 bedroom terraced house,
New boiler and central heating,
New roof,
Interior is VERY dated/old and just needs replacing and freshening up.
Needs New kitchen/bathroom suite,
No damp or any building work needed (Which was my main searching criteria)
Pictures:
Outside (The one with the little porch)
Rear: - The garden is very 'long' as supposed to wide.. Could get three cars parked nicely if the shed and trees were removed..
Kitchen:
Living Room:
You can see through to the kitchen here..
Bedrooms:
Bathroom: (VERY dated!)
Downstairs toilet/sink (was another reason that swayed me towards this house..)
I'm VERY happy with the house and just looking forward to moving in sometime next yr, plans are (in order)
Strip all wallpaper and kitchen/bathroom so I have a blank canvas.
Plaster living room and kitchen ceilings (get rid of artex)
fit log burner and flue
Plaster living room walls
Paint bedrooms
Clad bathroom and fit new suite
carpet upstairs
New kitchen and tile floor
Replace downstairs toilet and sink and paint room
Paint and carpet living room
Somewhere in there I'll chase cables and replace all sockets just to freshen them up too.
Wish me luck!!
Dion
Being only 23 I couldn't really afford to splash out on an all singing all dancing property, but rather have made a few compromises and after over 18 months of searching I've found myself a house that ticked all the boxes except for a garage (But has room at the back to build one)
So rather than posting multiple question threads I thought I'd collate everything into one thread and post the progress here - I'm aiming to 'complete' in two weeks.. everything has gone through just waiting on funds to be released by the mortgage company. Can't wait!
First time renovating a house so will no doubt have a LOT of questions..
So.. about the house..
2 bedroom terraced house,
New boiler and central heating,
New roof,
Interior is VERY dated/old and just needs replacing and freshening up.
Needs New kitchen/bathroom suite,
No damp or any building work needed (Which was my main searching criteria)
Pictures:
Outside (The one with the little porch)
Rear: - The garden is very 'long' as supposed to wide.. Could get three cars parked nicely if the shed and trees were removed..
Kitchen:
Living Room:
You can see through to the kitchen here..
Bedrooms:
Bathroom: (VERY dated!)
Downstairs toilet/sink (was another reason that swayed me towards this house..)
I'm VERY happy with the house and just looking forward to moving in sometime next yr, plans are (in order)
Strip all wallpaper and kitchen/bathroom so I have a blank canvas.
Plaster living room and kitchen ceilings (get rid of artex)
fit log burner and flue
Plaster living room walls
Paint bedrooms
Clad bathroom and fit new suite
carpet upstairs
New kitchen and tile floor
Replace downstairs toilet and sink and paint room
Paint and carpet living room
Somewhere in there I'll chase cables and replace all sockets just to freshen them up too.
Wish me luck!!
Dion
Cheers, yes.. a Downstairs toilet was certainly a deal maker, I'm used to having one at my parents house too.
I was in two minds whether to modernise and move on but I've decided I'd like to keep it for at least 5-10 years until I've gathered enough money to be able to move on. I intend on doing it all on a 7K budget doing a lot of the work myself (Design and Technology Teacher) and as you said getting tradesmen in to do gas/plumbing and electrics. (Which shouldn't need much doing hopefully)!
Dion
I was in two minds whether to modernise and move on but I've decided I'd like to keep it for at least 5-10 years until I've gathered enough money to be able to move on. I intend on doing it all on a 7K budget doing a lot of the work myself (Design and Technology Teacher) and as you said getting tradesmen in to do gas/plumbing and electrics. (Which shouldn't need much doing hopefully)!
Dion
So - Completing next week. Date has been set and I'm looking at firstly tidying the front of the house and making it presentable straight after the 'sold' sign comes down.
So I'm thinking, new guttering (Black I think) and fascia, painting front door a tidy colour to freshen up and just paint the little fence and wall at the front - I'm off work (School) for two weeks over christmas so hoping to get the outisde sorted before going back!)
I'm thinking of painting the window reveals too but I don't know how this will look - anybody done this before? I was thinking grey and paint the little wall the same colour (Maybe uplighters on the side of the door of the porch too)
Getting the front of the house tidy will give me a proper boost to get going with it I think - But I've set my priorities of getting the front sorted first (As it's quite easy also)
Any ideas are welcomed: (Here it is for those who havent seen it in the first post)
Dion
So I'm thinking, new guttering (Black I think) and fascia, painting front door a tidy colour to freshen up and just paint the little fence and wall at the front - I'm off work (School) for two weeks over christmas so hoping to get the outisde sorted before going back!)
I'm thinking of painting the window reveals too but I don't know how this will look - anybody done this before? I was thinking grey and paint the little wall the same colour (Maybe uplighters on the side of the door of the porch too)
Getting the front of the house tidy will give me a proper boost to get going with it I think - But I've set my priorities of getting the front sorted first (As it's quite easy also)
Any ideas are welcomed: (Here it is for those who havent seen it in the first post)
Dion
I am planning on staying here long-ish term - 10 years maybe more, therefore I am looking at buying decent stuff but not splash cash where it's not needed either.
I'm on a fairly tight budget - but hopefully having the luxury of not having to move in straight away will come in handy. i.e. Being able to strip it all first and do it without having to get it livable at the same time.
The house is just outside Caernarfon for the ones who asked. about 5 miles south.
unfortunately yes, the house is pebble-dash and in fairly good condition (For what it is) so I wont be looking to spend on that - although one of the other houses in the street are currently having theirs done and I must say - it does look good!
Keep the ideas coming - I really appreciate them!
Dion
I'm on a fairly tight budget - but hopefully having the luxury of not having to move in straight away will come in handy. i.e. Being able to strip it all first and do it without having to get it livable at the same time.
The house is just outside Caernarfon for the ones who asked. about 5 miles south.
unfortunately yes, the house is pebble-dash and in fairly good condition (For what it is) so I wont be looking to spend on that - although one of the other houses in the street are currently having theirs done and I must say - it does look good!
Keep the ideas coming - I really appreciate them!
Dion
Spare tyre said:
My advice is make sure you can isolate water at the stopcock sooner rather than later
Guess how I found out I didn't have a stopcock
That's a very good note actually - i'd have never thought of checking that before i'd "Need it" - but as you said.. that's too late! I guess this is the type of thing that a novice like me would never have thought about - i guess it's where experience is valuable.Guess how I found out I didn't have a stopcock
Thanks,
Dion
Condi said:
You'd be surprised how long it can take if you dont get on with it... Things which are 'passable' you learn to live with and suddenly nothing happens!
a Few people have said this - this is why my initial plan is to not move in until easter and get 'most' of the work done by then where it will hopefully only be a few small bits left to do and then the back garden to tackle.. I'm sure there will be many things I haven't considered or will have completely slipped my mind by the time i get to it - but I guess it's all a learning curve!But as I said - my reason for not moving in straight away is to not let these 'passable' things go..
Dion
Craikeybaby said:
The other way of looking at it is that you find out what you want when you're living there.
Are you getting any really big work done - rewire/moving boiler etc?
Luckily theres no major work needing doing. The boiler is new as is the central heating etc. Biggest bits really are new kitchen and bathroom and maybe plaster walls and ceiling in living room.Are you getting any really big work done - rewire/moving boiler etc?
Dion
So - Contracts exchanged and first thing I want to do is to fit myself a Multifuel burner in the living room.
The room is only small so a 5/6KW should be ample - any recommendations at all? I'm not looking to spend mega money as it won't be lit every day just maybe twice a week. Budget is around the £500 mark for the stove and the other £900/1000 on flue and lining the chimney.
I'm doing this first as I'm hoping to get the fireplace/chimney opened up a little and getting all the plastering done before I've started to renovate anywhere else to reduce mess.
Dion.
The room is only small so a 5/6KW should be ample - any recommendations at all? I'm not looking to spend mega money as it won't be lit every day just maybe twice a week. Budget is around the £500 mark for the stove and the other £900/1000 on flue and lining the chimney.
I'm doing this first as I'm hoping to get the fireplace/chimney opened up a little and getting all the plastering done before I've started to renovate anywhere else to reduce mess.
Dion.
Edited by dionbee93 on Tuesday 13th December 09:27
So - completion date has FINALLY been set to the 20th of Jan so Can't wait 6 months from my offer being accepted!
Few issues following contract exchange with a boiler on a government grant etc. all sorted now though. Bought myself a Villager multi fuel stove and sorted for the fitter and plasterer to be there on the first week in Feb to fit it and line the chimney for me.
My plan is to start with one of the bedrooms so I have somewhere 'done' to store all the crap that I'll no doubt have in the house during the refurb.
Dion.
Few issues following contract exchange with a boiler on a government grant etc. all sorted now though. Bought myself a Villager multi fuel stove and sorted for the fitter and plasterer to be there on the first week in Feb to fit it and line the chimney for me.
My plan is to start with one of the bedrooms so I have somewhere 'done' to store all the crap that I'll no doubt have in the house during the refurb.
Dion.
So for the last few days I've been signing papers, cheques etc, and sorting out insurance for the house and so on..
and from the threads I've been reading on here it seems like I've done a PH first and actually completed a day EARLIER than expected!! Excited to say the least - Can start to get some proper work done now... Collecting the keys on my way home from work tonight.
Wish me luck! (Still can't believe I'm now a homeowner!!)
Dion
and from the threads I've been reading on here it seems like I've done a PH first and actually completed a day EARLIER than expected!! Excited to say the least - Can start to get some proper work done now... Collecting the keys on my way home from work tonight.
Wish me luck! (Still can't believe I'm now a homeowner!!)
Dion
So for the last few days I've been signing papers, cheques etc, and sorting out insurance for the house and so on..
and from the threads I've been reading on here it seems like I've done a PH first and actually completed a day EARLIER than expected!! Excited to say the least - Can start to get some proper work done now... Collecting the keys on my way home from work tonight.
Wish me luck! (Still can't believe I'm now a homeowner!!)
Dion
and from the threads I've been reading on here it seems like I've done a PH first and actually completed a day EARLIER than expected!! Excited to say the least - Can start to get some proper work done now... Collecting the keys on my way home from work tonight.
Wish me luck! (Still can't believe I'm now a homeowner!!)
Dion
Thanks all! So it's been a busy few days since thursday evening! Keys picked up after work..
You might remember the old electric fireplace:
..which was taken out straight away friday evening and the old back boiler was taken out to leave bricked up / closed fireplace which we knocked out to leave a very nice, large inglehook with a very nice slate lintel and an already lined flue, winner winner!
Wallpaper was all stripped in the downstairs living room And ceiling artex was also taken down and de-nailed to re-wire and plaster board the ceiling after stripping all the house. I've decided to re-plaster the whole house and all the ceilings to make sure it's all plumb and square. Looks like we're going backwards but i think i have a plan! Carpet also thrown out.
Also finally, started to strip the kitchen tiles and units. Finishing this is the next task.
Bought myself some new toys from screwfix too, an axe, mitre saw and a couple of new hammers.. See how much mess i can make this weekend.
Dion
You might remember the old electric fireplace:
..which was taken out straight away friday evening and the old back boiler was taken out to leave bricked up / closed fireplace which we knocked out to leave a very nice, large inglehook with a very nice slate lintel and an already lined flue, winner winner!
Wallpaper was all stripped in the downstairs living room And ceiling artex was also taken down and de-nailed to re-wire and plaster board the ceiling after stripping all the house. I've decided to re-plaster the whole house and all the ceilings to make sure it's all plumb and square. Looks like we're going backwards but i think i have a plan! Carpet also thrown out.
Also finally, started to strip the kitchen tiles and units. Finishing this is the next task.
Bought myself some new toys from screwfix too, an axe, mitre saw and a couple of new hammers.. See how much mess i can make this weekend.
Dion
A little progress - Doesn't seem like much but de-cluttering and sorting everything out has taken longer than anything else in the room.
So Took all the flooring up to reveal a relatively new/fresh concrete floor with waterproof/damp proof membrane underneath.
Radiators have been taken off. All rubble disposed of in the local tip (5 trips!) and stair banisters as well as the wall in the top of the landing which has also been ripped out - I plan on fitting banisters here instead to keep it light.
so a few pictures, I can finally see progress now the place is cleared:
Before:
After (Much Lighter)
My mate lending a hand!
In other news, Kitchen is also nearly stripped (No pictures unfortunately..) and I've bought a very good condition second hand full kitchen (Minus cooker) for £200 that fits perfectly to the sizes I already had and leaves me 3 spare cupboards too!
Here it is still fitted to the sellers' house. It's being removed in March which is absolutely ideal for me.
In the middle of taking the skirtings off and finishing the fireplace then it's on to finishing stripping the kitchen, progress finally!
Dion
So Took all the flooring up to reveal a relatively new/fresh concrete floor with waterproof/damp proof membrane underneath.
Radiators have been taken off. All rubble disposed of in the local tip (5 trips!) and stair banisters as well as the wall in the top of the landing which has also been ripped out - I plan on fitting banisters here instead to keep it light.
so a few pictures, I can finally see progress now the place is cleared:
Before:
After (Much Lighter)
My mate lending a hand!
In other news, Kitchen is also nearly stripped (No pictures unfortunately..) and I've bought a very good condition second hand full kitchen (Minus cooker) for £200 that fits perfectly to the sizes I already had and leaves me 3 spare cupboards too!
Here it is still fitted to the sellers' house. It's being removed in March which is absolutely ideal for me.
In the middle of taking the skirtings off and finishing the fireplace then it's on to finishing stripping the kitchen, progress finally!
Dion
I'm looking at ideas as of what to do with the stairs - should I be replacing the banister with something similar and adding the same upstairs? or replacing? I don't know enough about stairs to be making a decision!
Looked into putting spindles but i feel like it would be closing it up again?
Any ideas welcomed.
Dion
Looked into putting spindles but i feel like it would be closing it up again?
Any ideas welcomed.
Dion
Thanks both
Really not sure what to do with the stairs. The pole at the end of the stairs to the ceiling has been taken out as it wasn't holding anything - just decorative. So the stairs are totally open to use whatever option (Within reason) I want. I'd also like a matching style on the top of the landing area.
White with wooden (Pine or oak) handrail on the top is the only real constraint at the moment but I'm happy to listen to other options.
Cladding (£580), Gripfill solvent free Yellow (£125 for 45 tubes) tanked floor and shower former floor ordered for the bathroom too.. Feels Like progress!!
Dion
Really not sure what to do with the stairs. The pole at the end of the stairs to the ceiling has been taken out as it wasn't holding anything - just decorative. So the stairs are totally open to use whatever option (Within reason) I want. I'd also like a matching style on the top of the landing area.
White with wooden (Pine or oak) handrail on the top is the only real constraint at the moment but I'm happy to listen to other options.
Cladding (£580), Gripfill solvent free Yellow (£125 for 45 tubes) tanked floor and shower former floor ordered for the bathroom too.. Feels Like progress!!
Dion
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff