Lessons I’ve learned from watching property development TV programmes

  1. It will cost more than you think.
  2. It will cost more than you have.
  3. Presenters of property programmes will usually know more about property and building than the people appearing on the show.
  4. People appearing on the show will usually ignore any and all advice given by the presenter (or their builder … or their architect).
  5. It will take longer than you think. (This is especially true if your plan is dependent on good weather … in the UK … in November.)
  6. Doing things yourself may save money but will rarely save time.
  7. Living on-site is always a Bad Idea.
  8. Not visiting the site regularly to manage contractors is a Bad Idea.
  9. There will always be a problem with the structure of the building that cannot be seen until work starts. (If it’s a period property or listed building, this will immediately double your costs and amount of time required … at least.)
  10. I will ignore any and all of the above lessons when it comes to working on my own home.

One thought on “Lessons I’ve learned from watching property development TV programmes

  1. So true! I am addicted to Grand Designs, and they make the same mistakes every week!

    I will ignore any and all of the above lessons when it comes to working on my own home.

    I can see myself going down this route already…particularly since we are buying a listed building! Luckily it seems to be mostly in good nick…fingers crossed!

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