So, DP has convinced me. We're buying a "doer-upper"

[BatCrapCrazy]

I wanted a nice shiny, can move straight in and do nothing kind of house. But DP has persuaded me into a house that needs a bit of tlc.
We plan to build a double storey extension off the side to extend the kitchen into a nice big kitchen diner and to put another bedroom upstairs. DP is a builder so all this can be done for very little cost and fairly quickly. The whole house needs decorating and new carpets/laminate.
Am I mad?

[TunipTheUnconquerable]

Not mad at all, especially with your dp being a builder. It will be exactly the way you want it when it's done and just imagine how satisfying it will be.

[AClassyMove]

If your dp is a builder then it sounds like a good idea to me.

[betterwhenthesunshines]

If DP is a builder you are sorted. It will be just the way you want it. As long as he plans the work in - presumably for the time he will be doing the owrk he won;t be earning on other jobs - has he factored that in?

[MamaDuckling]

Not mad at all, just make sure he's working on your place solely and not doing it in his spare time...if that's possible.

[BlueSkySunnyDay]

Wow no I'm jealous, ours is all done and I miss it, I'd do it again tomorrow. You do have to have the right temperament for it though and not mind the mess.

Is your DH motivated? Will he get it done or will he lose interest halfway through?

[wonkylegs]

If your DP is a builder and has time he can dedicate to it - it sounds great as it can become yours properly.
We bought a proper doer upper and we are about half way through the large amount of renovations. We've rewired, got a new water main, new heating system, new kitchen, insulated & they are fitting the beautiful new hardwood sash windows as I type.
We've decorated 3 rooms (kids & kitchen) and are about to start on the bathrooms.
There are moments when I think we must be crazy but i'm so happy with what we've done the short term pain is definitely worth the long term gain. We are planning to stay here for a long long long time though so its worth getting it right.

[BatCrapCrazy]

We are currently living with MIL and plan to stay here while the bulk of the work is being done. Every rooms needs plastering etc, we would be without a kitchen for a few weeks as we plan on turning the kitchen, separate dining room and conservatory all into one big kitchen diner. DP is self employed so can take as much time off as he needs really. We had saved enough for 20% deposit but our mortgage advisor has got us a really good deal on a 10% deposit so the remainder will be put towards the renovations.
Im seriously panicking about how much all this is going to cost. DPs uncle has offered to lend us as much as we need but would like to do it without getting into debt.
We put an offer in on the house an hour ago. Fingers crossed :)

[50shadesofmeh]

We bought a doer upper in September , I was really hesitant at first but it's amazing now it's nearly done and we've made about 20k equity already. Do it.

[BatCrapCrazy]

What have you done to the property 50shades? And how much have you spent? Sorry for being nosey

[Glasshammer]

Some builders wives have it hard because the work never gets done. I'd ask DH when he was planning to do the work and then stick to a timetable

[50shadesofmeh]

We have plastered ceilings as were all hideous old fan designs and stripped back to walls so completely decorated every room, new radiators downstairs , new kitchen , completelyredecorated all upstairs 4 bedrooms including plastering replaced bathroom and en suite shifted about some sockets etc at 15k so far but that includes nice furniture and someone in my family is a tradesman so all done to fairly high standard .

[OnePlanOnHouzz]

it's a good idea to agree thats it's done to a timeline you both agree on and that you have a say in the finishes etc too ! good luck with it all !!! :-)