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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would this put you off buying a house

172 replies

SensationsThaisweetchilli · 29/06/2019 23:40

We live in a standard 3 bed semi detached 1930s house.

We’re already having a bit of work done to the electrics/ loft this summer.

I think while we’re having it done we should get minimal/ low profile white ceiling fans fitted in the bedrooms, at quite minimal cost. I’m originally from a hot country and all homes have them. I know they’re uncommon in the UK, but we’re in the south and every summer since I’ve lived here (2010) we’ve had to drag our flimsy pedestal fans which don’t provide as strong/ evenly distributed air and break down constantly.

DH thinks they’ll look silly and out of place and will put off potential buyers.

AIBU to want ceiling fans?

OP posts:
HeronLanyon · 30/06/2019 06:42

corner I did not know that - interesting.

dudsville · 30/06/2019 07:23

Ooh, I wasn't a ceiling fan now... getting ah electrician in for another thing... I'm going to look into this! (SoUK)

TowerRingInferno · 30/06/2019 07:50

I wouldn’t like them (visually) and I wouldn’t use them and would want them removed, but if I fell in love with the house I’d probably overlook them. It would be irritating to have another job (and not an easy one) on my to do list when I moved into a house though.

If you plan to stay for some time do what suits you though!

UserThenLotsOfNumbers · 30/06/2019 07:56

I'd love ceiling fans! Thing is, when people buy your house they are going to change things anyway. It's not like you've artexed your ceilings or done DIY electrics. What's more important is everything is installed properly in line with building regs etc.

exLtEveDallas · 30/06/2019 07:58

DD is currently still asleep with her ceiling AND pedestal fan going like the clappers. We don't have one in our room and I often threaten to move in with her when the nights are hot!

We are waiting for some money to come in, and it's the first purchase when it does (have to get an electrician in to move the light position first).

People saying that they are '80s' or 'tacky' - how much time do you spend looking at your ceilings? Weird.

londonrach · 30/06/2019 08:01

Think it put alot of buyers off. Yes it can be removed but you need electrian in. They look tacky and 80s. It wouldnt put me off buying house but id reduce the price id pay

BeyondMyWits · 30/06/2019 08:02

www.henleyfan.com/shop/minka-aire-52-light-wave-ceiling-fan-with-led-light-and-remote-control/

this is ours - has a remote - 3 speeds, light, reverse - is fantastic (and IMHO stylish)

londonrach · 30/06/2019 08:03

@exLtEveDallas it ruins the look of the room. Its strange you cant see that. It will effect buyers but if op wants one she goes for it

stucknoue · 30/06/2019 08:04

It's just a few nights a year, even last night was ok without a fan with the window open. Unless you have exceptional high ceilings I would be concerned how low they came

Grasspigeons · 30/06/2019 08:05

I think they are great and think air con is worse for the envitonment. It wouldnt put me off

BrightYellowDaffodil · 30/06/2019 08:27

I think they look naff. If it’s hot, I use standing fans then put them away when not in use.

Would it put me off? Depends how much work it would be ripping them out.

WitsEnding · 30/06/2019 08:31

I've had the old-fashioned type in a previous house. It would put me off, I'd assume the windows were inadequate to provide good air circulation.

Sindragosan · 30/06/2019 08:40

South of England, would be a good idea. Further north, maybe not so much, although its nice to see some newer options.

Dippypippy1980 · 30/06/2019 08:44

I would factor the cost and hassle of having them removed into any offer.

Pinkfinkle · 30/06/2019 08:46

They’re severely antiquated and yes, they would deter potential buyers.

We don’t have enough hot days in the UK to justify such a monstrosity Grin.

Reith · 30/06/2019 08:51

I think that they're quite imposing in a room, collect dust and cobwebs and I know that I'd need an electrician and possibly a plasterer to deal with, so it would put me off.

ByTheSea · 30/06/2019 08:52

Wish I had ceiling fans! Wouldn't put me off at all. Go for It!

Skyejuly · 30/06/2019 08:54

I'd be over the moon if a house had them!

k1233 · 30/06/2019 08:56

They don't damage the ceilings. I replaced mine 4 years ago with new ones. Quick to do and ceiling is fine where they go. Would be easy and quick to swap out for a light fitting (mine ate fan light combos so lights are wired).

Seriously thinking of getting a wall fan in the bathroom as it's impossible to put make up on in the mornings over summer without a fan keeping your face dry. Plus then I could leave it on for the dogs during the day.

Eliza9919 · 30/06/2019 09:00

I had them put in, in a previous home. I don't think they do much to cool you down, just create a bit of a breeze. My current pedestal fan is better, but I've just realised I've got the air con pointed at me too actually.

When it was hot, it was better with them than without but there are better options.

I would buy a house that had them.

PettyContractor · 30/06/2019 09:03

it ruins the look of the room. Its strange you cant see that.

I find ceilings ruin the look of a room, the sky would be so much nicer to look at. And walls, wouldn't you rather look at the garden than an artificial surface?

Seriously, it's a bit nuts to say a functional object is unattractive, regardless of its specific design.

I think what you are saying is "I grew up in a country without these, therefore they look weird to me." I know some people from a certain country who wouldn't regard a terrace as a proper house, they shake their heads sadly at what they regard as the slums of Britain. If something as important as what constitutes a house is cultural then what fixtures constitute an attractive room is hard likely to be universal.

MRex · 30/06/2019 09:03

It really doesn't matter, one of the first things we've changed in every house is putting in new light fittings. The main issue you have though is that your DH doesn't like them and he has to live there, he's trying to be nice by giving you logical facts instead of explaining his feelings clearly. You might want to be more worried about his feelings than about the long-term resale value of your home?

Kescilly · 30/06/2019 09:06

We were just debating getting fans put in! I think we will go with air con instead although I worry that will put buyers off down the line as well.

Everyone says that it never gets that warm but last summer was horrendous and we can’t keep the windows open because of my allergies.

Scratchyfluffface · 30/06/2019 09:20

We bought a house a couple of years ago and it has one in the master bedroom. We were a bit bemused but my god it was a life saver last year so now I wouldn't be without one

Coulddowithanap · 30/06/2019 09:21

We have ceiling fans and they are fantastic in this heat. Planning on putting them in the bedrooms too as the portable plug in ones aren't great.