Areas that I can make a saving?
Hi Everyone,
My budget now is well over 10 grand, and so is my anxiety.
Just a few areas I thought I could make a difference?
1) Wardrobes- The builder
Bedroom 1
Room 2
Builder showed me some fancy Howden's ones Any way I can plaster these over and do something about it?
Comments (15)
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Staircase? He suggested carpet, as the normal flooring could be risky....any optionsHU-768402840
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The original fireplace? He suggested a fancy electric fireplace? Can I just plaster over it and paint it over
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Re doing my kitchen area
Comments (17)I personally like the kitchen, kind of a Scandinavian modern look. leave the skirts, doors and trims as is. Paint wise, I am going to invite you to a kitchen gallery that I think works well with the existing aesthetic you have now. I like the "Melrose Kitchen" in this instance, as an example of wall color. The trim is painted here, but leaving yours as is, I believe, would be fine! Happy Houzzing....See MoreNeed help for kitchen/living/dining area
Comments (8)Oh wow! Thanks everyone... So so much... I would never have seen some of the things that you have pinpointed. I have already got the cabinet and under cabinet lighting, it was turned off when I took the earlier shots. I totally get the suggestion to remove the cabinets etc near the window but would prefer not too just yet... I am back pocketing that for next year! I will add some items on top of the cabinets, and the artwork that you suggested too in the meantime. The window seat I had in mind was for the living room area, instead of the two seater. Would that look better than the two piece, with colourful cushions, and if so should I add a built I cabinet for the tv (right beside it) in the same painted wood colour as the window seat? Also should I put curtains either side of the window seat if I opt to go with that, or stick just with colourful roman blinds? I will look into fixtures for lights and have already started the fabric hunt for curtains/roman blinds/ cushions etc. Also, what colour would you recommend to accessorise the room with?...See MoreIn a new passive house, tiles or wooden flooring in open plan area.
Comments (5)If you are doing in-floor heating (hydronic heating) I would go with tile. If you are not, go with wood. That's from the energy and comfort perspective. It's OK to look at the two options and choose the one that's most attractive. Don't feel like you need to optimize for energy with every decision. Also, both flooring materials are reflective acoustically. Plan your other surfaces accordingly, or you'll drive yourself batty with echoes....See MoreHelp with ugly view from living/dining area
Comments (13)I would use plants to brighten the space. The hardscapes are all good, they just look a bit naked and grim. It can be hard to make a space pretty but usable for the kids too, but its not impossible. You have a lovely sitting area to enjoy. Plant some lovely feature bushes in that gravel area. You don't need to completely hide the clothesline, but having something pretty and showy in front will create a boundary and the eye will be drawn to the plants instead of the washing. If you can't plant into the soil there, some large size pots will work. Maybe some medium sized (1-2metre) ornamental trees in pots, like citrus, a weeping ornamental cherry, or bay trees, moptop robinias are nice too. They will be compact. You could cluster some pots of herbs underneath or plant them and let them ramble a little. Herbs like thyme and rosemary and lavender will suit the gravel area and the heat and be hardy with kids playing around, the odd bike falling on them or crushing underfoot would be quite okay. bulbs in pots or planted around the edges of the lawn are great value low maintenance and hardy colour. You can get great seasonal variation in your view then. Online bulb stores like tesselar and garden express sell bulk landscaping bulbs at very reasonable prices. You can get hundreds of bulbs for $30-50. Bulbs are great hardy plants that won't be killed by the odd soccer ball either. The flowers may get knocked over or the leaves, but the bulb is safe under the soil. Cheap and cheerfuls like nasturtiums are good value colour that will self seed every season. Also, plant some very bright flowering shrubs behind the soccer net and against the far wall. Maybe some hibiscus? You need something to catch and entice the eye, plant some large flowering shrubs with larger or bright flowers or foliage you will be able to appreciate from a distance....See MoreHU-768402840
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last monthSeen these water pipes, running through the ceiling of the utility room, which is below the bathroom. Look v rusted, wonder what the other pipes look like....
Can I spray them with WD 40 and scrub the rust off? Or like car brake pipes, then paint them over?
HU-768402840
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Daisy England
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last montharc3d
last monthlast modified: last monthIt really depends on exactly what work you're getting done and whether your contractor is a skilled professional.
If you are rewiring the whole house expect to pay £3k to £5k by a certified electrician
Plastering the whole house is again £3k+
Just with those two you're already on £6-8k
Again it depends on exactly what you're getting done.
It's usually a mistake to gut the whole house before moving in if you are on a budget. Makes more sense to prioritise the main areas then work on the others when budget allows.
The pipe looks like an old water or gas pipe. It may be out of use so best to ask a plumber. If it's obsolete it can be removed all together.
If this diagonal wiring is your builders handiwork I would suggest getting another builder...
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Daisy England