First-time house renovation

latecomer

@jamtart - Did you not have links to the pics of the baths last night. I checked them as I was heading to bed and both of them seemed to have offset tap holes so I dont know whether your links were wrong or it was something I was doing?

I would think very carefully before trying to adapt the bathroom to fit the bath. OH's flat had that done and it never looked right. The side panel had to be cut and this made it really obvious as it lost a lot of its strength and hence shape. I'd cancel the order and find something else.

@andrewb - we just painted over our fresh plaster and beading with watered down emulsion and then with the Polycell basecoat as we were doing the whole wall. then it was just emulsioned as per usual. Could you maybe try something like the Polycell basecoat to hide the step?

@TM - sounds like your builders are getting on really well. Will definitely need to have a catch up on the blogs soon.

As for us - we (OH) issued our architect with an ultimatum as I wouldn't let her get someone else in before dealing with the existing guy. Dont think he was very happy but has promised plans will be with us by monday. will see what happens but I'm not that optimistic and as we've not seen him since September I'm not convinced he will come up with plans we like given that last time he pretty much ignored what we asked for and did what he wanted.

latecomer

@pipo - everyone is welcome to join us in this thread as we are all in the same boat. Certain members will recommend you start a blog so they can keep track of your progress (otherwise known as being nosey )

jamtart6

latecomer - yes I did have links but when I clicked on the one with central tap holes, it took me to a diff part of the website which wasn't what I had linked to (damn Java applets!), so I removed them. We're going to see if this bath fits and if it looks daft then just going to send the whole bathroom back and start again I couldn't face it looking daft!
pipo -
· Dampwork - no idea sorry
· Installation of GCH - gas central heating including boiler full replaced system ~£3000 excluding radiators
· Re-wiring ~ £3000 guesstimate based on quotes we had
· Kitchen and bathroom - depends on size but I'd say £2000 bathroom, £3-5000 kitchen

Thanks for the links andrew-b bathmart looks like a great site. I will investigate futher - not too expensive either

pipo

Sounds good. Will definitely keep a blog, as, like someone said on Page 1, it can provide that little bit of extra motivation, and possibly of some use to other people.

EDIT: to add - I was looking at getting some more experience in DIY and thought of 'advertising my services' as a low-paid volunteer, so would be helping people do DIY in their home in exchange for a pint and a curry or £20 (or less) for a day's work or something. Has anyone else done the same? Good idea, no?

latecomer

@jamtart - bathmart is where we ordered our bath and shower mixer from. Prices were good as was the customer service but as we've not received anything yet I cant say any more than that. Will keep you updated.

jamtart6

latecomer wrote: »

@jamtart - bathmart is where we ordered our bath and shower mixer from. Prices were good as was the customer service but as we've not received anything yet I cant say any more than that. Will keep you updated.

Thanks latecomer. When did you order it? I can't face another 11 week wait! :eek::rotfl:

TomsMom

pipo wrote: »

Kitchen and bathroom won't be "Grand Designs" standard but not cheapo either. I would be hoping to take advantage of units being sold at reluctantly cheap prices by doing a bit of haggling.

Anyway we haven't even bought the place yet so can't get too excited about planning anything. I may do a DIY diary though if we do and post lots of pics on here from start to finish (if that's allowed?)

Hi Pipo and welcome

Have you got a Wickes anywhere near you? If you can take a look at their kitchens and you see one you like, keep an eye on their website. In January they had a sale and some of the prices were ridiculously low - plinths 99p, base units as low as around £9. They fly out so you have to be quick.

Our CH was split between a local chap fitting the boiler and moving some pipework then the builders sorting out the rads and other pipework so I can't give you a total figure. But we went for a good boiler - a Vailant - which cost over £1,000. We've not moved in yet but builders have been living in house while renovating and say it's an excellent one, very quiet and very efficient.

Our rewire came to around £5,000 I think and it was recommended because the previous owner had made the biggest DIY cobble of wiring you've ever seen and it would have taken longer and been more expensive to trace it all. Mind you, we've had to pay for 2 electricians to come out numerous times to fit in with the builders, and they've had to travel 60 miles to get here so that would have put the price up. A local one (if we could have got one) would probably have been cheaper.

Oooh, do a blog :j do a blog :j , we love 'em.

Latecomer, I prefer the word interested .

latecomer

jamtart6 wrote: »

Thanks latecomer. When did you order it? I can't face another 11 week wait! :eek::rotfl:

Last friday (20th March) and delivery is meant to be 1-2 weeks so hopefully we'll hear from them next week. They said they would call when it came into stock to arrange delivery.

pipo

TomsMom wrote: »

Have you got a Wickes anywhere near you? If you can take a look at their kitchens and you see one you like, keep an eye on their website. In January they had a sale and some of the prices were ridiculously low - plinths 99p, base units as low as around £9. They fly out so you have to be quick.

There is one down the road as it happens. Like I said though, I’d better not get excited yet since I haven’t even discussed it with the missus, let alone put any offers in. I try my best not to get emotionally attached, as can be nothing but heartache at the end of it. The journey continues...

TomsMom

pipo wrote: »

There is one down the road as it happens. Like I said though, I’d better not get excited yet since I haven’t even discussed it with the missus, let alone put any offers in. I try my best not to get emotionally attached, as can be nothing but heartache at the end of it. The journey continues...

Ah well, that gives you plenty of time to research kitchens and short-list any you fancy. If there is anything at Wickes you like they might only do those mega bargains in the January sale so you'd wait a long time anyway :rotfl: