Money/first house question. Is it too late/how do I do this?

[ThunderGuts]

As said already, but you'll always "do better" out of overpaying on your mortgage vs saving (assuming you don't go over you limitations of your mortgage agreement). Mortgage interest rates will always track above saving rates so overpaying will net you a bigger gain (or a smaller loss, depending on your perspective) long term.

Saving is a good move; bigger deposits and smaller loans open up more competitive mortgage deals; you get a double benefit, smaller payments because it's a smaller value but also better interest rates too.

I don't envy you though buying anywhere near London though; 250k around here would net you a reasonable 3 bed semi, possibly with a garage, in an OK area.
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TG.

[notabikeranym...]

lol smashed it

still figuring out happiness though

https://i.imgur.com/omc8xk3.jpeg

[Ste]

That's a sexy garage.

One thing I would say is worth doing before your garage fills up with general accumulated stuff, painting the floor with sealant is good as it reduces dustiness and painting the walls white makes it brighter and nicer.

You only get one opportunity to do things before your garage fills up with stuff, building a decent set of shelves out of timber for storing stuff is also useful.

[Fat Angry Scotsman]

[ThunderGuts]

Yep agreed, plus white walls make a massive difference too. Choose the sealant though - you don't want it a mirror finish as if you come in and the tyres and/or your boots are wet you might go flying.
____________________
TG.

[blurredman]

[Fat Angry Scotsman]

[notabikeranym...]

Very good points indeed.

Will be getting the garage fully kitted out soon. It already filled up with a bunch of shit that I just cleared out for this photo. Removed all shelves, workbench, and boxed everything up so it's very empty now.

Work that's being done is:

Resin floor, cladding/insulation, panelled walls with the ability to move racks and tools around, ceilling will be fitted and a retractable ladder up to the loft section of the roof for overhead storage, fucking about with the lighting and also getting an ethernet cable & wireless AP stuck in there.

Theme will be white ceilling and walls, red cabinets, oak workbench, floor black resin with flakes.

I'll post another update pic in due course.

[notabikeranym...]

As promised, thread with before and after of the garage:

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=4792150#4792150

I feel happier now.