Would you buy a project?

[FlingonTheValiant]

We've found two houses that we really like.

One is exactly on budget, has been completely renovated and is tastefully decorated. We could move in with no further work. The downsides are that the garden is smaller than we were looking for and it's not an area we're familiar with (but still a nice area), also it's about 40 mins from the beach and I was hoping to be closer.

The other needs some work downstairs, and the upstairs is basically just the exterior walls. The owner was going to redo it, so he stripped it all out but now can't finish it, so he's selling. We'd be left with 25% of our budget to sort it, which will cover it, it's just the time etc. Plus we wouldn't need all the money upfront, so we could borrow less and save for a while. It's in the area we were looking at, although we're not familiar with its exact location iyswim. It's 5 miles from the coast, so lovely in that respect.

It's a bigger house, but the garden is too big if anything, so it'd be more work all round.

I should add that although we're looking to buy now we wouldn't be moving for another 18-24 months, so we have the time to work on it during holidays (DH is a teacher). DS is only 3 months.

So, would people go for ready to live in, or take on a project?

Thanks for any input!

Have just been through a house renovation project where we were able to rent a flat while we did the work. My DH worked on the house in the evenings and weekends and I found trying to do everything at home and look after DS on my own AND work as well really hard and very lonely. Have a really good think about what resources and support you have apart from your DH and whether it's enough as essentially you may find yourself being a single parent. I also found it hard to relate to everything DH was worrying about on the house project because I wasn't involved due to trying to juggle everything else. But now we've moved into our beautiful house, the pain has faded and it has been worth it. Good luck!

Having done 2 projects, living in both whilst we did them, the thought of doing one where you could live elsewhere and work on it during holidays sounds fab.

Go for it, you'll only regret it long term if you don't.

Definitely - I only buy projects.

Good point social. Although x-we'd do it in the holidays rather than evenings and weekends which I'm hoping would reduce that effect as wed be staying there together. Also, it'll be me rather than DH doing the work :o he's a bit useless at such things.

My parents have done lots of renovation work and have said they'll help as much as we would like, which would be a huge help for us.

See it's the fact that you say that it's been worth it despite all that that makes it hard to decide!

We did, not quite finished but nearly there, just the kitchen to go, glad we did, absolutely love the house, would I do it again.... probably not, BUT... glad I did it once.
I would say, do it!

Sorry for the appalling typing.

ScaredofCrows that's a very positive reaction, it's pushing me towards it.

lala my Dad keeps raving about how it's "a blank canvas" and how perfect that is for making a home. It is tempting to be able to lay out and size rooms exactly how I want!

Good to hear proper, thanks!

It's all about potential isn't it this one has a lot of it.

I think I might be more scared of the huge garden than the upstairs :o

Thanks all, we're off to view again this weekend, so at least I'm more positive now :)

from what you have said flingon I would go for the project! Your parents are willing and abloe to help, you have plenty of time and your DH has lots of holidays.

So long as you have the money to do it. Dont forget a LARGE contingency plan; these things always cost more than you bargain for.

but yes, do it! I feel excited for you. [bgrin] dont forget to take before/during/after pictures as you often forget how much you have done and it is good to remind yourself exactly what state the house was in to begin with.

The house we are in now is a project, and we are living in - personally I wouldnt do it again unless we could live out and afford to have it all done in one go, but that is just me.

Good good everyone, you're helping lots!

I just saw on another thread "location counts, you can change the interior but you can't move a house", this one has a better location, plus it's bigger and has more garden, and it's 10mins from the beach.

I'm not really sure why I'm hesitating, just have to talk DH into it. Oh, and hope that it's structurally sound.

Jax, good point about the contingency plan, how much would be sensible? We can do things bit by bit, so I'm hoping that will help.

Pictures is an excellent idea!

Is it mainly the large garden that's worrying you about the project? If so, there are usually ways around that too - is it big enough to plant an orchard (low maintenance and good fun for kids), large decked/paved area to cut down on mowing etc, large flat lawned area and ride on mower? Large gardens can be lower maintenance in some ways that small gardens that have to be kept looking tidy all the time.

Am very jealous at anyone living only 10 minutes from the beach

Oh, an orchard is a great idea, it's 9500m2, so definitely big enough. We'll definitely need a ride on. I was thinking a huge veggie patch might help as well. Maybe some sheep

It's in N France, so it's a chilly beach! But still sandy :)