To think I won't get this credit but I now have an useable bathroom

[witcheshats]

Probably not really AIBU but I really need some advice, please.

My bathroom has a history of leaking - the ceiling of the sitting room was stained when I moved in and the bath had to be replaced due to some unexplained issue. That was 5 years ago, and after a few minor and isolated leaks, it now gets a wet floor which seeps through whenever the bath, sink or toilet is used. There is obviously an underlying problem and the floor would have to go up to find it, and maybe fittings be removed also. That wouldn't be an issue aside from the cost.

Luckily I have a small ensuite shower room and downstairs toilet so the bathroom is closed off atm, but it's not a long term solution for me and two boys. I have just paid for a divorce and have no savings. I have had to add to my mortgage to pay off ex and also have to save to give ex a lump sum in 13 years.

Obvious solution is to use B & Q interest free credit offer, but I was recently turned down by another store when wanting to spread the cost of a £500 purchase! I earn about 45k, mortgage is 1/4 of that and I have debts of about 5k on top split between a fixed rate loan and on an interest free credit card. I have had a mortgage for 12 years and never missed a payment and never missed any payments on any loans/credit I've had. I've got rid of about 4k of debt since splitting with ex 4ish years ago, but that was all on interest free cards and no payments had ever been missed. I never use the credit cards since separating and live very comfortably within my means. Having looked at calculations I would easily be able to afford monthly repayments for the cost of the bathroom.

But I'm not going to get credit am I? I ordered the Experian report and use Noddle and my rating is well above the middle. The Experian report seemed useless to me and just listed loads of stuff I don't use anymore/insurance checks?? Ex is absolutely shit with money and had bad debts but I couldn't really see from the report that I'm linked to him.

What can I do other then live with a locked up bathroom for 4 years while I save up?

Do you not have any interest free payment time left on the credit cards you already have?
Mine are always sending me offers of new 0% offers. That way you are using credit you already have access to if you see what I mean.

Go to Money Saving Expert, look at the credit cards with 0%/low rate interest for spending and do a pre-eligibility check. It will tell you how likely you are to be approved. Don't apply for anything unless you have a high chance of getting it.

If you can pay it back over a year, why don't you put money aside for a year and do it without credit.

If you have too many open accounts this will be counting against you. Close down any credit accounts you don’t use.

It was on one of the money programmes that checking your credit score can go against you as lenders can see how many times it has been checked and makes them think you are applying for other loans.

If you are just going to leave it closed off anyway why not just have a look yourself? It could be any easy fix, if not for you then for a professional or competent friend once you have identified the issue. If not you have not lost anything as the bathroom is still unuseable!

What actually happens, does the floor get wet and then seep down through? If the floor gets wet where does the water come from? Is it from under the bath/back of the loo etc?

Was the other shop IKEA? They can be a bit weird with their credit - I have known people with excellent credit scores get rejected.

Does your insurance cover search and find type thing?

You should be and it'll just cost you the excess

I never use the credit cards since separating and live very comfortably within my means

You say this then say you'd have to save for 4 years to do it

I don't really understand...have a couple of lean months and get a plumber in to have a look. Or if you can't do it yourself, get a handy man in to rip up the flooring and have a better look.

Leaks are usually from pipes which can be replaced or repaired for reasonable amounts. No need to turn it into a complete bathroom renovation if you can't afford that, just fix what's there.