Hidden costs of house refurbishment

hungrypig

I will be refurbishing a 1970s semi d in the next while. It has been updated over the years but needs work. I have a rough calculation of main costs (kitchens /bathrooms/ floors etc ) but just wondering what you found you underestimated the cost of or didn’t factor in at all. I’ve run out of money in past projects and don’t want to make the same mistake again. Thanks in advance

BryanF

Refurbed 60’s house

There is the potential for some big unknown unknowns, everything from asbestos to foul plumbing to gun-barrel HW the list goes on: Allow a significant percentage of funds as a contingency.

Get the best advice you can, allow a decent % of funds for that aswell.

Think heat retention and ventilation strategy before worrying about heating systems.

Decide how much you really want to do this yourself or whether it’s better to pay/borrowing for a main contractor to do the renovation efficiently

bri007

Would you start with insulating the house first ie attic and walls / new windows before looking at heating?

We are looking at an old house as well and unsure what to do first.

BryanF wrote: »

Refurbed 60’s house

There is the potential for some big unknown unknowns, everything from asbestos to foul plumbing to gun-barrel HW the list goes on: Allow a significant percentage of funds as a contingency.

Get the best advice you can, allow a decent % of funds for that aswell.

Think heat retention and ventilation strategy before worrying about heating systems.

Decide how much you really want to do this yourself or whether it’s better to pay/borrowing for a main contractor to do the renovation efficiently

monseiur

Start with the attic, preferable on a wet & windy day check for leaks, damp spots especially around chimney stacks etc.
Check for wet / dry rot & signs of woodworm in timbers - not cheap to treat.
Check gutters for repairs / replacement+ soffit & fascia
Upgrade insulation in attic
Electrics- total rewire or extra sockets.
Walls - dry lining or blown beads in cavity
Heating system - boiler, pipework, controls, etc (Grants available for upgrades)
External windows & doors
Internal & external painting & decorating when work is completed.

Mahogany Gaspipe

Waste removal. Allow ££££'s

hungrypig

Thanks for all advice. Definitely looking into good insulation first. Thanks again