DIY Questions

finktank1

Hi

We're currently in the process of buying the flat that we're currently renting, and are planning a whole raft of home improvements. However, given that it's our first home, this is raising more questions than it answers, so I hope you guys can offer some advice!

1. Is it possible to remove a radiator permanently? Our lounge has two radiators and a gas fire and it's always really warm anyway - throughout the winter we never had the radiators on and only once or twice used the gas fire. If we could get rid of one radiator, that would free up valuable wall space.

2. We'd quite like to have the kitchen and lounge semi open plan rather than separate rooms as they are now. However, because it's a small one bedroom flat (just over 400sq ft) I'm worried this will make the place seem even smaller than it already is! We wouldn't have it completely open plan, but would replace the doorway with a 6-10 ft 'gap'. Does anyone have any thoughts about this?

3. Anyone have any tips on making best use of our limited amount of space? It's a first floor flat, so extensions/conservatories etc are out of the question - we'll have to work with what we have!

Any advice much appreciated!

FunkyMunkey

1. That's easy enough to do. We've just had central heating put in in our new house but have decided that we don't want the radiator in the kitchen. The plumber is coming around to remove it today. It should just be a case of capping off the pipes, depending how easy they are to access

2. I personally would never have a (semi) open-plan lounge/kitchen. In our old flat, the doorway between the lounge and kitchen had no door, and by the time we left the flat smelt like a kebab shop!

3. This website might be of some use. There's plenty of other similar resources out there.

Good luck!

finktank1

A further question:

How difficult is it to install recessed spotlights in the ceiling. obviously its a flat, so there's no access from above. can it be done from below?

jimbo_the_jetset

RE: Spotlights, not sure how you'd do it without access from above or below (e.g. take ceiling down) as you'd need to connect a transformer to the main circuit and run the feeds to each desired location for the spotlight.

I think that's how they work (never done spots and not a spark!!).

Why not invest in a DIY book?? Have a look in charity shops. I got the B&Q one for my birthday, it's actually pretty good.

Errata

The radiator is easily removed. Have a good hard think about going open plan. Even with the best extractor in the kitchen, cooking smells can seep into your soft furnishings in the sitting room.
Using pale colours for walls, carpets, curtains and upholstery and add colour with accessories will make rooms look larger and you can easily chnge the colour scheme with the seasons. Clutter always makes rooms look smaller, so keep it out of sight. Get some ideas by looking through home decor books in W H Smiths, or websites for programs like 60 Minute Makeover - or Changing Rooms if you're brave enough ! Good luck and have fun with your new home.

HugoSP

finktank1 wrote: »

Hi

We're currently in the process of buying the flat that we're currently renting, and are planning a whole raft of home improvements. However, given that it's our first home, this is raising more questions than it answers, so I hope you guys can offer some advice!

1. Is it possible to remove a radiator permanently? Our lounge has two radiators and a gas fire and it's always really warm anyway - throughout the winter we never had the radiators on and only once or twice used the gas fire. If we could get rid of one radiator, that would free up valuable wall space.

2. We'd quite like to have the kitchen and lounge semi open plan rather than separate rooms as they are now. However, because it's a small one bedroom flat (just over 400sq ft) I'm worried this will make the place seem even smaller than it already is! We wouldn't have it completely open plan, but would replace the doorway with a 6-10 ft 'gap'. Does anyone have any thoughts about this?

3. Anyone have any tips on making best use of our limited amount of space? It's a first floor flat, so extensions/conservatories etc are out of the question - we'll have to work with what we have!

Any advice much appreciated!

1. As said above, capping off the radiator pipes is easy. It is probably a mornings work for a plumber assuming he has to drain and refill the system. I would get your boiler serviced/checked out at the same time, and catch any other CH jobs that may need doing at the same time.

2. We have done similar in our previous house. This will give you more space and smells can be dealt with via efficient extraction above the cooker. However you MUST consider what effect this will have on escape times in the event of a fire. A chat with your local fire brigade or council on this subject may be a good idea.

3. Space can be an issue. Is your bathroom ensuite? If not then are you taking up unnecessary space to provide access to the bathroom? One single bed cottage we let out was remodelled by us to provide access to the bathroom off the bedroom. Although a gues would have to walk through the bedroom to get to the bathroom it is designed so they only have to walk along one side of the bedroom, and not accross it. Plus the bathroom is closer to you if you need to use it at night time.

This may be a good idea for your kitchen........

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/50051718

With regards to your lights, when you say spot lights there are a multitude of these. If you are thinking about the low voltage units then these are desiged to be fitted from underneath. It is however essential that fire rated ones, or fire hoods are used if there is living accommodation in the floor above.

weekendwarrior

You might find these pages of some use-

How to fit spotlights
Removing a radiator