“The bones are good. The walls tell a straightforward story — but the numbers tell another.”
Interwar Semi. 1930–1945. Cavity brick, concrete tile roof.
Chapter 1
What You’re Looking At
Period Features
Original sash windowsvisible
Ceiling cornicingvisible
Timber floorboardslikely beneath carpet
Cast-iron radiatorsvisible
Fireplaces behind boardinghidden — inferred
Chapter 2
What It Could Become
DRAG · FRONT EXTERIOR
NOWPOSSIBLE“honest, warm, rooted in place”
Avoid: grey composite, chrome fittings, vinyl plank
Chapter 3
What to Investigate
WHERE THE REAL DECISIONS ARE.
Damp staining on chimney breastmoderate
Dated window seals throughoutminor
Cannot be assessed from photos
Here’s what all that means in money.
Structural & Shell£8k–£15k
M&E Services£5k–£12k
Kitchen & Bath£6k–£14k
Finishes & Decoration£4k–£8k
External Works£3k–£7k
Contingency (15%)£4k–£8k
£22K – £62K
ten-year cost of ownership beyond purchase
Structural
M&E
Finishes
External
Other
Phased Budget
Move-in Basics£8k–£12k
Rewire, boiler, damp treatment
Year 1–2£12k–£28k
Kitchen, bathrooms, flooring
Complete Vision£4k–£8k
Garden, external works, finishes
Key Cost Drivers
Roof condition
Unknown age — could add £5–12k
Electrics rewire
Likely needed — £4–8k
Desktop appraisal based on listing photos and public data. Not a survey. Not a tender.
“This one has warmth. But warmth alone doesn’t fix the roof.”
YOU READ THIS FAR.
This is one building. Yours is different.