Move in and do it up or do it up and move in?

[JellyBellies]

Hi, We are looking to buy a property and then convert the garage into a bedroom. The kitchen and bathroom could also do with an upgrade. We are renting at the moment.

So what would you do? Buy it, do all the work and them move in? Or move in and then find builders etc to do it?

Thanks

If I could afford it I'd pay another month of rent and get as much as possible done before moving in.

Do up and then move in!

Thanks! That is what my mum is advising us to do. OK. What is the best way to find a good builder please? I've been on the master federation of builders website and found one in my area specialising in conversions and extensions. Is that right or do I need to contact an architect first please?

Do up and move is unaffordable most of the time! You're effectively paying 2x living costs + building costs.

Live in it, get used to it and spend time planning it. So move in then do up.

I understand the getting used to bit and will probably do that with the bathroom and kitchen. I was thinking manly of the garage conversion.

Also, our rent is really low at the moment, about a third of the mortgage that we will be paying! So to stay an extra month will not break the bank IYSWIM.

Do you have kids?

I'd get the kitchen and bathrooms done plus any major structural work done. Replanted and rewire where needed too.

Everything else can be done once you move in.

Yes, 2 kids 7 and 5. Thanks! Luckily we can afford it. Problem is I don't know who how to go about it. Do I go to a builder or an architect?

Aha those rental/ mortgage costs make a difference. Look for any builders signs on the road and contact some. You can apply for pp before you move in- a local builder is probably best placed to advise.

Without a shadow of a doubt, I would do it up, then move. We are currently doing up a property, from completely gutting it, and there is no way we could be living in it, but even doing much smaller work, it's so much easier to not be in the house. More work can get done faster and more effiently if you aren't having to sleep there.