Anyone out there got some golden rules for buying and refurbishing (not too radically) a period property? Is there something experience tells you we should absolutely avoid? We're looking for a house post-thatch and pre-second World War, not a ruin but we'd be happy to do some work to it. And yes, we haven't done this before and no, we have no idea what we're getting ourselves into.
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Gervase
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Learn to keep a check on your heart and listen to your head.
It's all too easy to fall in love with somewhere and convince yourself that you can rescue it, but cold reason must prevail. For every budget, double it; for every timescale, multiply by two - and that's just a start.
That said, there are few things more addictive.
Join SPAB and get their introductory pamplets on old houses. Avoid your average builder like the plague and be prepared to do a lot of the work yourself if the budget is limited (end even if it's not, unless you've just won the lottery).
By doing so you will learn new skills, amaze yourselves and bore all your friends and relatives into submission!
Don't be afraid to ask for advice - that what forums like this, SPAB, the IHBC and the like are for. And don't do anything to a building that can't be undone and don't throw away anything that can't be replaced like for like.
All else is just renovation, and that's not what old houses are about.
It's all too easy to fall in love with somewhere and convince yourself that you can rescue it, but cold reason must prevail. For every budget, double it; for every timescale, multiply by two - and that's just a start.
That said, there are few things more addictive.
Join SPAB and get their introductory pamplets on old houses. Avoid your average builder like the plague and be prepared to do a lot of the work yourself if the budget is limited (end even if it's not, unless you've just won the lottery).
By doing so you will learn new skills, amaze yourselves and bore all your friends and relatives into submission!
Don't be afraid to ask for advice - that what forums like this, SPAB, the IHBC and the like are for. And don't do anything to a building that can't be undone and don't throw away anything that can't be replaced like for like.
All else is just renovation, and that's not what old houses are about.
andrew gayton
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read the 'do's and dont's of cttage restoration'...... off the homepage............
Gervase
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Doh! Good point, Andrew - there's a wealth of information accessible from there addressing almost every issue that might arise.
skier-hughes
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Gervase said:Learn to keep a check on your heart and listen to your head.
It's all too easy to fall in love with somewhere and convince yourself that you can rescue it, but cold reason must prevail. For every budget, double it; for every timescale, multiply by two - and that's just a start.
That said, there are few things more addictive.
This is so very true, we are in our second year of doing just this.
You have to learn to live with the house, don't expect to make the house liveable by you, the thread of the 6 footer and beams at 5'6" comes to mind.
Graham
If the house is not a ruin, then you should have no major problems really.
You can make it comfortable and then tackle any restoration and repairs in your own time, in the meantime this will give you a chance to learn how to tackle a particular problem.
If you intend to do the work yourself, a lot of money will be saved.
You can make it comfortable and then tackle any restoration and repairs in your own time, in the meantime this will give you a chance to learn how to tackle a particular problem.
If you intend to do the work yourself, a lot of money will be saved.
jess marley
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Don't spend too much to buy it!
Penners
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This forum can be a valuable source of advice and information as you progress through your project.
But (noting your location) remember that methods, materials and regulations in France might be different from the UK.
But (noting your location) remember that methods, materials and regulations in France might be different from the UK.
DaveBrigg
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Get to know your house well, before you start any major work. Look in all the dark corners, work out the relationship between rooms, the materials used etc. I've always had an urge to wade in with power tools the morning after the contract is signed, but have learnt now to wait, and think for a few days before attempting anything which can't be undone.