The impossible dream

savingholmes

At least you now appreciate your home more in the context of what else is out there. That's worth a lot. I would love to be more rural - but our home offers great value for £ and is in the middle zone between both our jobs (assuming we ever return there!!!).

Tahlullah.H

Yes, you are right Savings.  Sometimes, you are better off staying where you are than moving to avoid a problem.

Update to my house saga - the Chimney man is quoting £5k.  Another quote was for £500!  One involves dropping a liner down the chimney, scaffolding, pulling the plaster of the walls etc.  The other involves climbing into the attic space and pointing the chimney stack where there is evidence of seepage of smoke.  So, I will try the cheap option first, and then if unsuccessful, I will go for the second option.  One is a fix and the other is a repair. 

The flooring man is charging £9k.  And that's before the cost of the actual floor is fixed by the builder - which I have no idea how much that will cost until he resurfaces from hibernation.

Anyway, regarding the parquet, I am just not convinced that any flooring is worth that much, so I might look towards tiling the floor once it is sorted.  I'm not really into laminate flooring and tiling would match the rest of the downstairs of the house.  I don't want to go with Welsh slate as it will be too dark, although it would be a continuation of the hall and the dining room.  Maybe it's because I am used to seeing a brown floor in that room and I'm not convinced that moving to grey is the right thing to do  So, I may look out to see what brown tiles I could get, perhaps something wood looking?

Anyway, the chimney to start.  Then the French door into the sitting room, then the floor in the sitting room, then whatever I am putting on the floor - but I know it won't be parquet!

greent

Karndean vinyl tiles laid in herringbone style? - looks very convincing as a parquet floor alternative 

Tahlullah.H

Thanks Greent, I will have a look.  Never heard of it.  Guess it might be something like Amtico?

Bargainhunter30

Just be careful if you go for one of those types Tahlullah, my mum had a black one - I think Karndean and it requires more upkeep than she realised and is now covered in scratches. My Auntie went for light coloured and that seems fine. Research is key 😂

Tahlullah.H

Oh thank you for that information Bargainhunter30.  The last thing I want is for it to damage easily or look tatty in a short period of time.  It's a shame your mum didn't know before purchasing it. 

I would be better off buying wood effect porcelain tiles.  The only thing to worry about would be dropping something heavy on it and breaking one, but I haven't broken any of the tiles that are down now, so I think I would be safe.  Found some parquet style tiles that would do the room for about £2.5k, which is so much cheaper than wood parquet.  I would be able to do the whole floor for the same cost of just the top - I would anticipate £8k for everything with this option, and it would be woodworm resistant!  I have sent for some samples - not sure if I should go with the dark or light wood colour.  The dark is much darker than the floor now, so I am conflicted.  But, all good.  Just have to wake the builder out of his self imposed slumber and get him ready to work next month - or perhaps some time this year.

savingholmes

Won't porcelain be cold? Would you consider under-floor heating or I am putting up your costs too much

greent

We have both black and dark oak karndean. The black is slightly softer and scratches a little more easily. The oak is in the hallway, 10 years old and still looks fab

Tahlullah.H

My saving money for the big spend went awol today.  The car battery died and it cost £150 from Halfords.  Couldn't afford to buy from JLR - stupid money.  Oh well, it's winter and I knew it was getting weak last year.  Did my first shop of the year, and spent £90.00.   I have set a budget of £200, which is less that last months £250, so I will see how it goes.  It included stuff for the cat and household items, not just food, so I have high hopes.  I am still eating from the freezer.  But I forgot to buy potatoes!  How can you do that?  I have plenty of pasta, rice and fresh veg, so I am going to tough it out as long as possible.

savingholmes

Sounds like the right idea to tough it out. Commiserations on the battery. Frustrating.