Bought an old house ... where to start?

honeybear

Hi all, currently buying old farmhouse. It’s in move in condition but a little dated in decor. Any suggestions re ideas for farmhouse interiors - I’m not sure yet whether I’ll go traditional or modern or ? Any recommendations for magazines or websites? Budget is small

dok_golf

Join self build and renovations on FB

The Princess Bride

The fact that it's in move in condition, is a bonus.
Move in and get a feel for the place, then improve as your budget increases, do it room by room.

I moved into an old house almost 4 years ago,and have only just finished everything.
And not only do I love it, but I know had I done everything immediately, no doubt, I'd have changed my mind lots since then.

honeybear

The Princess Bride wrote: »

The fact that it's in move in condition, is a bonus.
Move in and get a feel for the place, then improve as your budget increases, do it room by room.

I moved into an old house almost 4 years ago,and have only just finished everything.
And not only do I love it, but I know had I done everything immediately, no doubt, I'd have changed my mind lots since then.

Thanks for replying-what room did you start with?

jlm29

Make sure you check the electrics and plumbing first! We had a few bits done in our old house before we realised the house needed a rewire! Doing things twice is very annoying!

The Princess Bride

honeybear wrote: »

Thanks for replying-what room did you start with?

It's a 2 up 2 down house originally, with 2 bathrooms.
Downstairs the 2 rooms had been opened up and an extension added to create a large open plan living room- kitchen.

I started by upgrading from double glazing to triple and improving on insulation, I did this in 2 stages 6 months apart to allow for budgeting.

Removed carpets all over( did this first week as they were smelly and I hate carpet ) and sanded/varnished bedroom floors. Apart from this and insulating and windows, upstairs only required cosmetic changes.

Downstairs, was a big job.
I had entire ground floor tiled with same tile 9 months after I moved in. Then new kitchen followed.

Following year, replaced bathroom tiles and units, sourced everything online and saved a fortune.
I changed the stove for a better model last winter, that was 3 years later. And put in an attic ladder for easier access.

And carpet to stairs and landing just recently, once all the tradespeople had finished in the house.
I did all the removing and cosmetics myself, YouTube helped!
And all within my own budgeting capabilities, as I wasn't gonna go into debt to make a house my home.

As per jlm29, get everything checked.
I almost had my electrician on speed dial, the wiring here was crazy and very unsafe.

Best part is I still love it and nothing felt rushed.

It’s almost 30 years since I bought my house. This is what we did in order
Electrics
Bathroom
Windows and front door
Heating
Living room
Kitchen
Carpets and curtains as I had the money.
Bedrooms last
In the last 10 years, we’ve had a new roof and redid bathroom and living room.