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End of building work and completely skint

28 replies

Ryeman · 13/07/2024 07:49

We’re very fortunate to have recently completed an extension to our house, mainly financed through a re-mortgage with a bit of family help. We mostly stuck to budget with just a few small extras added in along the way, but did have a floor issue at the end which was an extra £3k. All that’s left to do is the final floor finishes i.e. vinyl and carpet. We’re about £1k short so trying to completely cut back on our spending so we can save this over the next month or two and finally finish things off. I’m putting essential spending on my credit card and reducing my payments temporarily. I’ve got a long list of furniture/furnishings we still need that I can’t even consider buying at the moment, and my car needs to go to the garage, our cat has been referred to a specialist for a neurological issue, and our tv is on its last legs, and so many other things. Any tips on getting through the next few months? It feels like we’ve taken one step forward with a brilliant extension but a massive step back in other ways - are we going to be feeling the pinch for years to come? Have we made a huge mistake? Can anyone relate?!

OP posts:
Ryeman · 13/07/2024 10:54

PickledPurplePickle · 13/07/2024 09:16

Sounds like you had an extension you couldn't really afford and have left yourself very short

Your poor cat, get him sorted out ASAP, and your car - the floor can wait

The cat is fine and insurance will hopefully cover any treatment so it’s just the initial vets bills we’ve had to pay so far.

OP posts:
Polarbear9 · 14/07/2024 07:27

I honestly think for most normal families this is the reality of having extensions these days. It's so expensive and you can't always finish everything but if you end up with a better home and you don't need to move then it is worth it.
We have had extensive building work done but now need to wait to finish the outside which all needs painting to match new rendering, carpets which have been trashed through the building will just get cleaned the best we can for now, can't afford new sofas or shutters.
Still don't regret going for it with the extension though!

CrapBucket · 14/07/2024 07:33

Congrats on your extension, not quite the same but similar- two years ago I bought an uncarpeted house, at the top of what I could stretch to, but worth it for securing the kids a decent home. Furnished it with a lot of freebie 2nd hand stuff. Now finally getting there with it all, gradually.

You have done the hardest part… the trick now is not to rush the finishing off.

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