Question Author
Thank you so much Ratter, this could be the house that AB built!
I am currently looking at all the possibilities, there are already plans drawn up which are included with the sale which is helpful, but my only concern is that it all seems a little weird. The guy who is selling it is a GP and he says he wants to release the money to carry out work on his own residence, which if fair enough, but at the back of my mind I am wondering if there is more to it than that, why did he go to the trouble of getting plans drawn up and not follow through, I am sure a GP could secure a loan for the renovations. Anyway, may be I am just being paranoid, its just that I am not famaliar with scottish laws etc so have been surfing the net re: planning permission etc.
As for DIY, I can paint and decorate no problem, but my brother and Dad are really good, they can fit kitchens and tile walls and floors. For the main work such as upstairs renovations, new windows, knocking through walls and electrics I would employ tradesmen. I do have the money to finance it and would not necessarily be looking to make loads of money, just enough - a years salary for 6 months work (which in my case would be about 25K), but part of me is sacred that I will lose the lot. But as you say, before I signed on the dotted line I would have structural surveyor in and a building contractor.
Well I will keep you posted on any developments.
thanks again
warpig