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If you are looking to purchase a property, maybe a doer-upper or one that needs a lot of renovations, you may be wondering how much the renovation work will cost before you buy the house.

 

In some cases, the amount of work you thinks need to be done might be overwhelming or anxiety-inducing about how much more you will need to fork out to get your house up to scratch.

 

Take a builder

 

Most people assume they will not be able to get a quote for building work this until they are settled in. And in some cases, this is too late – leaving you with hefty, unexpected bills.

But, why not get a clear idea of costs and renovations required before you even put an offer down for the house. If it’s going to cost too much, you can look elsewhere before committing to the property.

Many people don’t think of taking a builder along to a viewing – but this is very much possible. By taking a builder with you on your second or third viewing, they can find out what you want doing, have a look at the condition of the property and give you a rough quote on how much it will cost to achieve your desired look.

Andy Simms, a construction expert MyBuilder, a site that matches tradespeople with homeowners, says that using a builder at a viewing could end up saving a prospective buyer hundreds or thousands of pounds.

Simms believes anyone contemplating buying a doer-upper or a new build, should contact a builder and ask for pre-purchase advice.

 

“Buying a house is probably the most important and expensive financial decision most of us make,” says Simms.

“Whatever the condition of the property – from new build to character building – it’s always wise to seek the view of a builder.

“They can see the property from a completely objective point of view, help you calculate the expense of any work you may need or want to do, and check for any worrying cracks or other construction issues.”

 

Isn’t that what a survey is for?

No. A house survey is an expert inspection of a property’s condition, which identifies problems, such as structural or environmental issues to a prospective buyer. These can cost hundreds of pounds and are carried out after you have had your offer accepted.

Whereas, if you take a builder on your viewing, they can work out what you want doing, and have a vague idea of the condition of the property to give you a quote. If the renovations are out of your budget, you can look for something else.

However, it is still advised to get a house survey carried out once you have your offer accepted – even if a builder has looked it over.

 

Amy Reynolds, head of sales at Richmond estate agency Antony Roberts says:

“It’s advisable to take a builder to view a property if it is of serious interest and the only outstanding point is how much it will cost to make the changes you need.

“Some builders will charge for their time, which is reasonable given the lower chance of securing work on a property not yet owned by the interested party.

“While an exact quote might be difficult to obtain on the spot, a ballpark figure is usually achievable, and a builder can assess whether your ideas are realistic for the property.

“This can save buyers from unforeseen structural or design limitations, such as issues with load-bearing walls, plumbing, or electrical systems, which might not be apparent to an untrained eye.

“Additionally, a builder might highlight potential pitfalls such as damp, subsidence, or outdated wiring, which are better found out before a price is agreed and a survey paid for.”

 

Do I still need a survey?

Andy Simms adds: “While this cannot – and should not – replace a full survey should you proceed with the purchase, it can help you make a fully informed offer, and save you any nasty shocks down the line.

“While a survey is necessary for a purchase, it often only points out potential issues. A good builder with comprehensive knowledge can give you more information on what’s an issue, including a cost to rectify it.

“It may also raise issues that mean you decide against making an offer, saving you time and stress.”

 

Further reading

Purchases – Oakwood Property Solicitors

 

WHAT TO DO NEXT

To make a start on the next step in your property journey, get in touch today to book a consultation with a member of our team. Call us on 0113 218 5727 to find out how we can help you.

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