Well, we've been in and had a good look around. We're both very happy.
The Artex plaster is just in the kitchen on the walls above the high cupboards and the ceiling. I'd like to think it won't be too big a job to remove, if that's required.
The area where there was a high damp meter reading in the dining area does feel cold/damp but no staining or peeling of wallpaper so it's either minor or just cold with some condensation because the place has been empty. I'll try to get on to a local firm on Monday.
The smoke/nonenal smell wasn't bad at all so I think cleaning/airing/ redecorating will sort that without much effort.
I'm meeting the Gas engineer at the bungalow on Monday morning so that he can advise on the state of the system and quote for the upgrades I want. He's acting quickly so that he can order materials before the suppliers have to shut. I know he does a wide range of plumbing work as well as heating systems so I'll see if he can do the bathroom for us - he came as a referral and seems eager and keen so that would be handy.
The removal firm have been booked for 6th Jan so we have until then to clean etc.
Other than the kitchen and bathroom(old tiles) the walls/ceilings are either painted textured wallpaper or painted plaster and all are in great order, apart from a couple of hairline ceiling cracks, so they look like a simple enough painting job.
I'm waiting for the electrician to get back to me so that I can arrange a check of the system and some upgrading.
The surveyor did say that once I had the kitchen and bathroom refurbed it was basically a maintenance and redecoration job and that seems accurate enough.
As soon as we have the work done we'll be adopting a couple of kittens from the local rescue shelter.
Happy days by mid January and even happier days by next Summer.🤞
The work is all getting underway.