Has anyone ever done major building work to ahouse in the UK while living overseas?

[Mayura]

I can imagine the structural stuff is sort of ok to deal wth from a distance, but I get stuck on the idea of making decisions on things like kitchen/bathroom fittings without being in the country.

Or is it simply a crazy idea all round?

I wouldn't do it, unless you can find a project manager / interior designed you trust 100% to do something to your taste.

We went the divide and conquer route, with dw moving back to the UK for 14 months to manage the build while I finished up my contract in Tokyo. Not easy, but couldn't imagine doing it without - as you say the structural stuff might be OK, but once you get to first and second fix there are so many small decisions needed day to day you need to be on the ground.

Our friends have just done it, redoing their entire house (structural and decoration) in the U.K., while living in Asia. So yes, seems like it can be done! They went back a couple of times to make design choices (kitchen cabinets, tiles) but did everything else remotely, I think.

I've done it and I'd never do it again. Builders took it as carte blanch to try and take the piss.

I'm doing it right now. But we chose builders / architects / kitchens and bathroom fittings before we left. Everything sat "pending" until the builders needed it eg the bathroom fitting is being done in 4 weeks so next weeks I'm going to pay the balance over the phone and have it delivered. Apart from that I ordered doors, light fittings online.

Be prepared for sleepless nights worrying.

I get weekly photos but it's not exactly enough, it's doable but tough.

I do this regularly for homes I am rebuilding and/or renting out. I think I find it easier because I'm doing it quite a lot and I'm home once a month. I know which contractors to use and they know I have my spies (my plumber and electrician are brothers of my best friend and don't suffer fools gladly) on the ground checking in on things.

It's much easier for the work to get done quickly if you aren't living in the home. However, you will need to check in more frequently as work gets done faster.

Thanks for the replies. There isn’t really the option for regular trips back so I don’t think it looks possible.

We’re the opposite to you FarAwaySeas, as we are away now but going back in the next 12 months or so. And trying to work out whether it’s worth getting the tenants out early to start the work before we get back.

I think the most we’ll aim for is getting plans drawn up and all the paper work in place so we can move quickly once we’re back.

I can recommend researching architects, planning permission, and starting that whole process very early, I think most of that can be done while not in the U.K. Not sure if you need planning permission but it took us two years and 4 months from finding an architect to the builders starting with a lot of talking to planning permission office at the council. If you are planning big changes then maybe consider doing the worst of the build (the demolition phase) when you far away!