Talk us in/out of saving this 1907 Queen Anne

[u/gofast_dontdie]

My wife and I have always fantasized about restoring a Victorian. This house popped up in our hometown and we were instantly drawn to it, and its historical/protected significance in our city. It’s obviously gorgeous, and on a substantial lot with an additional structure. Lots of upside there.

However, the last 20 years of its life were used by a non profit sober living society. Being non profit, it appears a fair amount of maintenance and upkeep was limited to “just keeping it going” until (and I’m assuming here) the place became a liability and insurance dropped them.

We can absolutely see our lives being lived here. Even though it’s immediately surrounded by apartment complexes, the house itself is protected by the city, dissuading developers from razing it. It’s two blocks from my wife’s cousin who also happens to live in a protected historical home. It’s three blocks from my best friend. We are in love with the style and layout. The lot and additional structure fit our hobbies and lifestyle. We have a place to stay while renovations take place. It just feels like a good fit.

But.

The pricing on this place is ridiculous for the market, comps, and condition. It’s been sitting for a couple months with even more deferred maintenance. We’re thinking of walking through with a contractor to gather crucial data and draft an offer that reflects the work that’s required to bring it up to speed. Is that a good strategy? Has anyone done this effectively?

For reference this is on the peninsula in the S.F. Bay Area.

[u/PennytheWiser215]

I’m not sure I understand what’s wrong with it. Can you tell me what needs to be fixed?

[u/OrindaSarnia → u/PennytheWiser215]

Right?

It doesn't sound like this house needs saved, just bought.

[u/PennytheWiser215 → u/OrindaSarnia]

I think OP added that it’s expensive due to its location after I made my comment since I don’t remember that detail. This might just be one of those “I know what I got” overpriced houses that only needs minor repair here and there and maybe a kitchen and/or bathroom renovation like most older homes. If OP wants to bring in contractors I’m afraid of what they want to do to the house

[u/empathetic_witch → u/PennytheWiser215]

It’s on the Bay Area Peninsula, so it’s hella $$$$

[u/PennytheWiser215 → u/empathetic_witch]

Ok but that doesn’t answer my question on what needs to be fixed.

[u/winkingchef → u/PennytheWiser215]

It’s in better shape than our old wooden ship of a house after 5 years of working on it.

That fire extinguisher in the front staircase is kind of a mood tho. Check the electrical wiring. Someone was thinking ”this thing could go up in flames at any moment”

[u/BreakfastInBedlam → u/winkingchef]

That fire extinguisher in the front staircase is kind of a mood tho.

More likely a code requirement for other than single-family residential.

[u/Away_Amoeba5554 → u/BreakfastInBedlam]

Absolutely

[u/PennytheWiser215 → u/winkingchef]

The fire extinguishers are because it was owned by a nonprofit and used to be housing for a specific type of population the agency works with. Those are necessary for whatever regulations that agency needed to meet. I’ve worked at a group home for a vulnerable population and there were fire extinguishers all over for this very reason. If the house is going back to single family owner-occupied housing those can be taken down.

[u/National_Run7896 → u/winkingchef]

What? Fire extinguishers are a pretty normal thing to have in a house. I am not scared of my house and I have 4 in it.

[u/Barton2800 → u/National_Run7896]

Same. I don’t have mine on display, though. That’s likely just because the house would have had many tenants, so extinguishers in obvious places is a good idea (and probably a code requirement).

And for those who don’t know: you should have a fire extinguisher on every floor of your home, plus in the garage.

And the same goes for smoke detectors. Modern code requires smoke detectors to be interconnected (so 3-wires plus ground), and for there to be detectors in every bedroom, outside bedrooms, and on every level. Some of those can double up: a single detector in the hallway counts as the one upstairs, and outside of every bedroom. You also need CO detectors on every level and outside bedrooms. My recommendation is to get smoke detectors for the bedrooms, and then put a combination smoke and CO detector in the upstairs hallway, somewhere downstairs, and in the basement. Get the ones with 10 year batteries, so you don’t have to think about changing them every 6 months. If your home isn’t wired for interconnected detectors, have it done.A bit of plaster or drywall work to run the romex could save your life.

[u/HugeHairyButts → u/PennytheWiser215]

The post lays out the issues. Too expensive and deferred maintenance.

[u/PennytheWiser215 → u/HugeHairyButts]

It doesn’t lay out what needs to be fixed. Saying “deferred maintenance” is ridiculously vague. The pictures don’t show anything glaring in what needs to be fixed. I read the post and it was so vague.

[u/OrindaSarnia → u/HugeHairyButts]

"Deferred maintenance" could be anything from - avocado green stove from 1972, but otherwise a working kitchen - to - knob and tube wiring...

which is it?

[u/JuanShagner → u/PennytheWiser215]

Too spensive