I hate my house

I got a decent deal on my house because I bought it from a relative. It's in a neighbourhood I wouldn't otherwise be able to afford to buy, but I've come back here after some time away and realised how much I hate it.

It faces the wrong way. The house is south-west facing but the rooms we use are facing north-east. The back garden is dark, the neighbours have high trees. I work out of the attic which also faces north and is pretty damp... the house just isn't working. The best light comes into the front upstairs bedrooms (pointless), and the stairs; that's another thing — there is a stairs behind its most scenic window. I don't need to live in this area for social life or work.

So here's my question. How possible is it to reform a house which has all the wrong features? What has your experience been, and what did it cost to reform your house? I can't afford Dermot Bannon.

Tempted just to sell up at this stage. The neighbourhood is considered desirable (in Dublin) but the house itself is structurally fine, after a bit of work. Have you ever transformed a house that you dislike and how did it go?

Wanderer78

Could be bad time to sell, but if you're unhappy, there's probably no point staying, best of luck whatever you chose

Queenio

Maybe try get an appointment with a quantity surveyor or an architect. They might be able to come up with alternative lay out that you haven't seen /thought of. Best of luck whatever you choose. Not pleasant to hate your living situation. For what is worth from my experience of buying in dublin this is not a bad time to be selling. Very busy few months with limited supply especially on desirable areas.

Irishphotodesk

How long have you lived there ?

It can be easy enough to make a house a home, or personal touches etc to make you feel more comfortable, but if there are issues about the direction the house is facing that is something which you know/realise before purchase and choose to accept it or not.

If the direction that the house is facing is going to continue to bug you then you may have to accept that you may need to keep looking for a better place.

A word of caution though, if you manage to flip the property for a profit, the relative that sold it may feel like they were cheated, they might think it was always your intention to sell it on, people are funny when it comes to money.

handlemaster

Dermot will get the light into the house. Have you 600k for an extension and upgrades?

drunkmonkey

We had a pretty dark kitchen when we moved in but swapped out one of the kitchen windows for a double door that opens out on to the garden...it's a cheap extension but the inside and outside feel all the one now. €150 to the builder for cutting out the shape and a little bit of plastering + the cost of the door.

AngryLips

Have you tried maybe painting the rooms a lighter colour? Consider glass or frosted doors between rooms that get lots of light and rooms that don't. You also mentioned damp, sometimes it's as much about the air in the house that feels off as it is the orientation - is there adequate venting and do you need to invest in some insulation or double/triple glazing? Small things like that can sometimes totally change the feel of a place from a house to a home, but you have to be willing to invest a bit of yourself, your time, effort and money into the place first.

tvjunki

There is a lot you can do to improve a house. You can change the lighting by put mirrors to reflect light up the stairs and in the attic. Change the colours to light and bright colours. Use nets instead of blinds.
If you have damp in the attic this due to moisture from the kitchen and bathroom. Look at improving ventilation, extractors and install insulation.

If the back garden is in the shadow you can paint the walls a light colour and put plants in that like shade. You can cut back plants that hang over into your garden. If the trees are hanging over then trim back. Bit of work and this will be improved.

Staplor

Bulbs can make a world of difference, my kitchen has always been dark, and I was always advised to get warm white bulbs, biggest mistake ever. Losing that yellow light has transformed the room.

Little Miss Fairy

Good suggestions above. It’s amazing what a small change can make. I recently replaced a very small frosted en-suite bathroom window with a small picture window and the light thrown in is stunning.

blackbox

Why not swap the sunny bedroom into your work room (for a first step)?

Ush1

Damp and a lack of light are two different issues. If you sell up, where are you thinking of buying? Probably a bad time to trade up in Dublin with high prices.

To answer your question yes, I generally want to change things about any house I've lived in and when you make the changes it improves the house. But this is all too vague and pointless.

Engage a proffessional to have a look and give you a quote to alter the house and if it's possible to achieve what you're looking for.

Don't worry about Dermot Bannon, he didn't realise that glass reflects at night until last year.

bocaman

My God. You're singing my song. Unfortunately I can't afford to move and my own situation is somewhat similar. However there are many good suggestions here which you should consider.

radia

Sounds as though the darkness is the thing getting you down most.

A Tyrant Named Miltiades! wrote: »

It faces the wrong way. The house is south-west facing but the rooms we use are facing north-east.

I'd be looking at this. Can you swap around your use of the rooms? There are no rules about what has to be at the front of the house and what at the back - or even upstairs v. downstairs. Spend a day looking at how the sunlight moves around your house, and what you typically do (or would like to do) in the house. Then decide what configuration of rooms would suit you best. Darkness can be an advantage in a bedroom where you're not woken up at crazy o'clock in midsummer by light streaming through the curtains (or kids aren't woken up who then wake you up). That could be a reasonably cheap first step.

As others have mentioned, increasing window size, enlarging an ordinary window into a taller french window, or even changing glass type from frosted to clear can make a huge difference. So can new windows such as a velux in the ceiling.

Also, it's possible to create light tunnels/sun tunnels into most rooms even if they wouln't normally get much natural daylight or be adjacent to the roof. Essentially they're a skylight leading into a tunnel with reflective surfaces designed to reflect the light all the way to where it needs to be. Google and you'll see loads of examples.

Edit: Blackbox got ahead of me while I was typing!

khalessi

Have you had an architect in to see if llvinginareas can be redesigned? A friend had the same issue got architect in and then the builders, the living areas were swapped from one end to the other and ended up gorgeous. They had a bungalow so living and sleeping areas swapped.

Bass Reeves

Even if you cannot afford s builder or s massive revamp done changes can be done for modest money.

If it's an old house the insulation may be poor. Houses build in the 60's-80's had poor insulation. Varies can now be pumped this is a cheap fix but not as good as external insulation. Windows and doors may be teak upgrading to PVC down the line can change this.

Painting and deco can change the dynamics of a house going from carpet to tiles or wood floors, changing paint colours from dark to bright colours. In the garden cutting back overhanging growth, painting walks and boundary fences bright colours will also change the garden. Plant flowers that thrive North facing gardens etc.

krissovo

I replaced a bunch of bulbs with Philips Hue and that has made a big difference to dark areas of my home. It can change the mood of the home in seconds and the daylight feature really brightens up dingy rooms. They also have have stand alone lamps for areas that a single bulb cannot cover. Also works with Alexa and siri so I don't even have to move to get a the mood I need at the time.

The attic room damp could be blocked ventilation or just a era conversion that was shy on insulation. Mine was similar, a desiccator from Aldi initially helped until we found blocked roof ventilation and cleared it. Since then and with some new insulation and decent lighting it's a habitable space.

One last point is that I checked out tips from Scandinavians who live in northerly areas and have long dark winters. They have some interesting ideas to combat the dark and stay sane which is very valid for dark homes.

Treppen

Wanderer78 wrote: »

Could be bad time to sell, but if you're unhappy, there's probably no point staying, best of luck whatever you chose

On the 'bad time to sell' opinion. I'm not so sure. With supply very limited in the Dublin region (-23% this June compared to last year) prices haven't moved that much (<3% compared to June last year). Look at the latest daft reports for trends in specific areas of Dublin https://www.daft.ie/report?fr=touch

Obviously this trend could change next month, but consider the change in your equity Vs change in prices in other areas of Dublin. Waiting to buy mightn't make any difference. Also factor in the cost of a refurb and offset that with walking into a complete house with work done.

spaceHopper

We did an extension, the architect did and initial consultation for about 100 to 150 euros, it was to stop time wasters. They'd give you good idea. First things I'd do is get a price from a tree surgeon to deal with the trees and offer to split the cost with the neighbours. See if you can fix it. Selling and moving will eat up 30 grand and you'll probably end up doing the work to the next house.

Pkiernan

spaceHopper wrote: »

We did an extension, the architect did and initial consultation for about 100 to 150 euros, it was to stop time wasters. They'd give you good idea. First things I'd do is get a price from a tree surgeon to deal with the trees and offer to split the cost with the neighbours. See if you can fix it. Selling and moving will eat up 30 grand and you'll probably end up doing the work to the next house.

This is a very good post.

Op...talk to your neighbours see if they're open to thinning out the branches to let you get some light. Most people are reasonable about this sort of thing.

A professionally designer to view your house is also a great idea.

blackbox

Thanks guys, some really excellent suggestions here. I'm going to look into the lighting,

blackbox wrote: »

Why not swap the sunny bedroom into your work room (for a first step)?

Attic is a little damp, but it is properly set-up as an office. I'm in one front bedroom and I've a friend staying/ renting in the other one. I'm not overly bothered about the view from the attic, just illustrating how badly planned it is... you cant change the orientation of a house, but why would someone convert an attic to face north? Other houses on tbe street have front-facing attic conversions.

There are examples like this all over the house. They put a partition wall in the kitchen to make one dark room into two smaller, darker rooms. Stuff like that (obviously that came down).

Irishphotodesk wrote: »

How long have you lived there ?

A word of caution though, if you manage to flip the property for a profit, the relative that sold it may feel like they were cheated, they might think it was always your intention to sell it on, people are funny when it comes to money.

Very true, that's one of the biggest problems. I've only lived here for a couple of years. She was moving back down home after retirement, and wanted this place to be a family home.

Has anyone got any personal experience of an architect in dublin that you'd particularly recommend for alterations to a building? Yes to Dermot Bannon, No to his disregard for budgets.

anewme

So is your back garden facing north East?

shenanagans

Cheap solution is paint everything white....the walls in dark rooms, kitchen presses, stairs, garden walls, the fireplace, furniture in dark rooms etc. Whatever walls in the house are hit by light .....stick up large mirrors. Ask neighbours to cut back trees. Improve lighting throughout house. Buy white radiator covers etc. Take down curtains....they block valuable light coming in and replace them with roller white blinds (must cheaper to order them online and install yourself.....blinds2go website).

If you still hate the place then you haven't spent a fortune and it will help if you put the place on the market.

The white walls in garden is effective at reflecting in evening light if it's a north or west aspect but it can be a bitch painting unplastered walls.

anewme

There have been a few posts on will I buy a north facing house lately and this is the reason for saying no.

OP needs to decide whether he dislikes the house because of the light (which can be amended) or the quality of light which is probably impossible to fix.

All the big windows, painting white etc, will not bring sunlight into your home. The light coming into a room with no sunlight is a slightly grey dull light as opposed to the mood lifting warm sunlight.

Personally having lived in house with a north facing back garden it was the lack of sunlight rather than light which made the house not feel cosy. I'd never do it again as it's just too much if a mood dampener.

Sitting outside the back door on a dull patio when the sunlight beamed to the end of the garden was a no no.

If its the sunlight that's causing the issue rather than the light, I'd not waste time money or effort re configuring the interior. You cant change the fact that no sunlight shines directly into your back garden at the back of the house, where you enjoy living.

I'm going against the grain here, agree with the paint etc as an interim solution where you haven't spent a fortune, but if you are someone who sunlight rather than light is an issue, I think you should consider moving.

Point about flipping and relative is a consideration.

I didnt realise it was sunlight I needed until I had it.

CBear1993

Queenio wrote: »

Maybe try get an appointment with a quantity surveyor or an architect. They might be able to come up with alternative lay out that you haven't seen /thought of. Best of luck whatever you choose. Not pleasant to hate your living situation. For what is worth from my experience of buying in dublin this is not a bad time to be selling. Very busy few months with limited supply especially on desirable areas.

I don’t know too many QS’ who can come up with layouts !! The architect wags the finger and then they put the costs on it

Woshy

We just bought a house that was darker than we expected. We have builders starting next week to replace two small velux windows in the kitchen extension with one big long feature window, getting bigger bifold doors installed to replace the small patio doors and we're getting a pillar in the middle of the kitchen diner and visible beams removed to open it all up more and create more light. I've also bought a brilliant white paint and the whole of the downstairs will be repainted and the flooring replaced with a much lighter vinyl. We're also getting a lot of new lighting installed.

The previous owners had a fondness for a dark teal colour which I do like but it doesn't suit a house with a dark downstairs. One of the walls in the kitchen/diner was wallpaper in a dark coloured paper. We've stripped it in preparation for the builders and behind it was a plain white wall - even that has made a big difference. We do have some sunlight coming in though so that helps.

I'm looking forward to seeing how our house will look - there are things that you can do for sure. If you like the location and you got a good deal on the house it may be worth staying. You can do a room at a time, it doesn't need to be a Dermot Bannon job. Only you know if it would be worth it or you hate it so much you need to move on.

afkasurfjunkie

I wouldn’t even mention Dermot Bannon. I like watching his show but spend most of it giving out about him. There are a few good shows on tv with the likes of George Clarke or Sarah Beeny or Phil Spencer and Kirsty Allsop’s Love it or List it, where they reconfigure old dark houses. Might be useful for ideas.

Wildly Boaring

Can you get a velux into the attic?
You spend hours a day up there.

I'd sort it first and quick.
Will improve your humour.

Dehumidifier in short term when youre out.
Look to sort the damp asap

Woshy

afkasurfjunkie wrote: »

I wouldn’t even mention Dermot Bannon. I like watching his show but spend most of it giving out about him. There are a few good shows on tv with the likes of George Clarke or Sarah Beeny or Phil Spencer and Kirsty Allsop’s Love it or List it, where they reconfigure old dark houses. Might be useful for ideas.

I love Love It or List It! We've got some great ideas from it.

Then I watched the Australian one and the houses are all mahoosive which doesn't interest me as much. Anyone can make a bigger house look spacious and bright, it's the clever changes to smaller houses that are more interesting.

Treppen

Woshy wrote: »

We just bought a house that was darker than we expected. We have builders starting next week to replace two small velux windows in the kitchen extension with one big long feature window, getting bigger bifold doors installed to replace the small patio doors and we're getting a pillar in the middle of the kitchen diner and visible beams removed to open it all up more and create more light. I've also bought a brilliant white paint and the whole of the downstairs will be repainted and the flooring replaced with a much lighter vinyl. We're also getting a lot of new lighting installed.

The previous owners had a fondness for a dark teal colour which I do like but it doesn't suit a house with a dark downstairs. One of the walls in the kitchen/diner was wallpaper in a dark coloured paper. We've stripped it in preparation for the builders and behind it was a plain white wall - even that has made a big difference. We do have some sunlight coming in though so that helps.

I'm looking forward to seeing how our house will look - there are things that you can do for sure. If you like the location and you got a good deal on the house it may be worth staying. You can do a room at a time, it doesn't need to be a Dermot Bannon job. Only you know if it would be worth it or you hate it so much you need to move on.

Would op have the same budget for a builder? Maybe even if it got a makeover it might help to push up the price a bit if they decide to sell.

If the OP got the house for very little they'd have a lot of equity to afford a move to another area. As they said, they're in a good area of Dublin but no social or family ties to the area.

Would you move out to the stix op? Like meath.?

Yellow_Fern

You need a CoeLux :Phttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ4TJ4-kkDw

Lightening is very hard to get right. People often get colour and colouring rendering index choseon incorrectly.

Sunrise_Sunset

Woshy wrote: »

We have builders starting next week to replace two small velux windows in the kitchen extension with one big long feature window

Can I ask what price this part of the job is costing? We are looking to get something similar done.

Bobbins

Yellow_Fern wrote: »

You need a CoeLux :Phttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ4TJ4-kkDw

Lightening is very hard to get right. People often get colour and colouring rendering index choseon incorrectly.

Was excited to see this option but then found the cost!!!! 40k+??? For an artificial skylight?! Have you seen one insitu? Surely cheaper to knock out a wall and stick in some glazing?

beggars_bush

Wildly Boaring wrote: »

Can you get a velux into the attic?
You spend hours a day up there.

I'd sort it first and quick.
Will improve your humour.

Dehumidifier in short term when youre out.
Look to sort the damp asap

A row of double velux are great. You can even get a velux with a mini balcony on it!

Paint the house interior with lighter colours.

Repaint kitchen units

Get rid of curtains, blinds are the way to go.

Declutter furniture.

Get cheap outdoor seating to start using and enjoying the garden space

Change front door to allow more light in

I know a good architect who's also a qualified interior design architect. Give me a pm

fishy_fishy

beggars_bush wrote: »

I know a good architect who's also a qualified interior design architect. Give me a pm

Was about to say it's an interior architect who will really help in this scenario. Doesn't sound like OP needs more space, just needs to use the space more effectively.

Cheaper to rethink layout carefully than build a huge extension. Even if you just talk to a good interior architect and get a feel for their ideas, you don't have to actually proceed with anything. The suggestion of an architect who's also an intetior architect sounds great.

I've sold two houses because I didnt like them. I look back now and I'm glad I no longer live there.

Woshy

Sunrise_Sunset wrote: »

Can I ask what price this part of the job is costing? We are looking to get something similar done.

I don't have a breakdown of costs but to get the back door replaced, the velux windows replaced with the big pane of glass, pocket doors installed, a kitchen island built and our flooring replaced (we bought the flooring) is around 12k