Moved from modern house in good condition to old fixer-upper. When does it get easier???

[BasketballScoop]

We moved last year from a 3 bed semi in turnkey condition to a large old period type property (in need of modernisation but liveable). We love the new house, its character and the potential it has, but we’re a year in now, and despite saving diligently for the last 9 months (in the hopes of a new kitchen and flooring), all the savings have been eaten up by upkeep/things that ‘crop up’ and need immediate attention. It feels relentless, and all the things that didn’t matter too much to me in the beginning (crumbly archtraving etc) are really starting to wear on me now. Dh is very good and hands on with maintenance and jobs around the house, but we both work long hours so not much time for him to do any meaningful work apart from the upkeep jobs (which also seem to consume a good chunk of most weekends).

We have a plan but like I said, all the money gets swallowed by one thing or another.

When we bought our first house it was in need of modernization and we did it over the space of a few years, so it’s not like we were totally blinkered or inexperienced. I don’t remember it being this hard though!

Anyone whose had a similar experience who can tell me it will get easier?

You may not want to hear this. Although it does get better, old houses can be like the Forth Bridge painting - you finish and then it's time to start at the other end again. Having said that, we're moving from a 100yr old house to a 120 yr old house sometime soon, as having looked around more modern buildings, I just can't do it (personal preference). Our current house is a pain for this and I'm hoping that the older one, which has had more modern bits added, will be a little better than ours for it....or not, in which case we'll just have to cope!

For us I'd say the 3 year mark was a turning point. 5 years in now and still lots to do although feeling more "optional" so we can pick and choose a bit more.

How long is a piece of string? *

You have my sympathies.
Been there, bought the T-shirt (worn it out and thrown it away) but decided that in later life we wanted something a bit easier to manage.

If you can't afford to gut the place and get everything done in one hugely disruptive stint then I am afraid it will drag on but WILL be worth it in the end.
With an older property there is always "something" to be done so maybe you need to break the cycle, be brutal and turn it around?
Have known people who spent ten years working on a property only to get to the end and decide that the kitchen needs to get done again (or a bathroom but you get the gist) or even worse, sell because it no-longer fits their needs.
Of course there are those who constantly "paint over the cracks" (so to speak), get by and find living in a period property a less than fulfilling experience.

It can be like owning a vintage car.
For some, the constant repairs & maintenance are part of the pleasure of owning the vehicle and they invest the time & money to do so (us).
Others want to drive such a car but have to buy a fully restored example and then pop it into a garage whenever it needs work.

• Twice as long as from middle to end.

I think the point you're at is probably the worst and it will get better from now on as long as you can eventually access some money to do the work. The only people who manage renovations quickly are those who move in with money to spare or who are actual builders themselves. We've done it a few times but a while ago when I'm sure things were cheaper. You'll get there in the end!

Yes, we are in an Edwardian fixer-upper, and every bit of spare cash is going towards this, that, and the other. Oh, and tools we need to do this, that, and the other!

We've decided to consider ourselves as the guardians of a lovely old property that will always need TLC in one way or another. That's part of the joy of living here. But we aren't ever planning on leaving so everything is a long-term plan.