So much work, where to start

[LittleMilla]

We've had an offer accepted on a 3 bed Victorian semi - everything seems to be plodding along well. Thankfully.

This is our first house and having first been excited about the idea of tarting it all up, having had the survey done I am now seeing £££ where I wasn't expecting it. Surveyor hasn't found anything that will stop us buying the house and I know that's why you have a survey. But still.

One big thing that's troubling me is that the GCH looks like it was fitted by our 1 year old DS. Pipes sticking out all over the shop and I am worried. It obviously needs sorting - but is this the sort of thing we ask the owner to sort out? She prob doesn't realise that Woody from Toy Story did the job badly.

Next big thing troubling me is that we want to knock through kitchen & diner and stick an extension on the back. How long do these things take? I'm impatient, but we are looking at completing by mid-June. Factoring planning etc, will it be wise to get this done this year. Or should we wait until next spring? How big a job is it? I am hoping to start TTC for DC #2 soon, so really don't want to have that going on if pg.

Sorry for slight ramble, but the initial euphoria has faded. We went there today and I actually felt a bit overwhelmed. I still love the house, but just don't know where to begin. Every room (except bathroom, one bedroom & ensuite) need full redecoration.

Not sure of protocol on posting links and looking like a nobber by showing how much you're paying. Happy to post if it helps though!

Yay a new house! Congratulations!

Yes damp is easy enough to sort out, especially when you are having work done already.

Can you identify the source of the damp? Is it an internal or external wall, is the bathroom behind the damp? Is there a leaking drainpipe?

Or is it damp from condensation because the bed was up against the wall?

Once you identify the source it is pretty straight forward to sort.

For the time being if your DS is sleeping in there, get some mould remover and clean the wall, let the air get to it, and leave the windows open a crack so it is well ventilated.

Just been back with a plasterer who has said it's coming through the walls - render on the back of the house is shoddy anyway, so not surprising.

Thing is, we weren't planning to start extension for at least another couple of months (need to get plans drawn up, go through planning etc). But this chappy (who's experienced with internal and external work) has said it's pointless doing up DS's room until the outdoor wall is done cause paint will come off and plaster won't hold etc.

I know that these things happen, but FFS. Day one! Going back with our surveyor (who's a mate) tomorrow am. Hoping he'll be embarrassed enough to offer to help in some way.

Thanks for excitement oreo . Good news is that the rest of the house isn't too bad and we've got a decorator/plasterer in from Thursday to try and do some bits before we move...

Can you put your DS in another bedroom untill you have the work done so he is not sleeping with the damp?

Its only day one as you say theres bound to be more, things can only get better .

As a first day goes thats pretty damn good. Most of my first days leave me close to breaking point as I discover something drastic! At least you didn't start work on a listed building and have it collapse on you.....now that was a bad first day 2 years.

It will start taking shape in no time. Good luck and do try to enjoy it along the way

Thank you Oreo , I have a feeling that this topic will bump sleep and become my favourite!

Yes, I have just had a good chat with MIL who reminded me (not in a patronising way) that we bought a period property and not a modern two up two down because we wanted the character. And with that will come this (and many more) challenges. I have a feeling i'll be repeating that mantra a lot over the coming months/years.

Jeepers, collapsing. I dare ask!

Thanks again fr words of encouragement. x