Building/ re vamp advice wanted

Andypandyboy

We may move if the house we have always wanted comes onto the market, but, if we decide to stay I suspect we will embark upon major re vamps of our current living spaces.

I have a few logistics questions that I hope someone with building knowledge can help me with.

In our living room we have a traditional bay with two angled side windows and a centre pane. Upstairs in the master bedroom we have a flat window. How easy would it be to mirror the bay upstairs? Any ideas on cost? We have visions of either a window seat or dressing table built into it.

In the living room we have a limestone fireplace and a living flame gas fire, we covet a log burner, but would we need to change the surround?

We are considering knocking through into our kitchen diner and making the ground floor one big open space, but still want the option of closing each room off. Does anyone have the internal oak bifold doors and can advise if they seal off noise?

In our dining room we would like to build in cabinetry either side of the fireplace - shelves and cupboards with molding and lighting, any ideas of the cost of this?

phill99

Your option on the bay will depend on the foundations. If it is an older house, the bays were typically built on vey poor or no foundations. If you are looking to add to the weight of the bay by adding a first floor bay, the foundations may not be sufficient and you would need to determine as to the appropriateness of current foundations.


In terms of your point 2 - no idea.


In terms of point three, no one can give you an idea of cost. How big is it? Fixed shelves only? Adjustable shelves? Cupboards, TV cabinets with electrics etc? Interior lighting? Finished in what? MDF, MFC, Veneer, solid timber? Oak? Walnut? Pine?


There are far too many variants to give an indication of cost.

Davesnave

Andypandyboy wrote: »

In the living room we have a limestone fireplace and a living flame gas fire, we covet a log burner, but would we need to change the surround?

Limestone won't catch fire, so if there's no wood involved, it'll be fine.

If it's a standard fire opening size, not an inglenook etc then you will find manufacturers usually make inset models to cope with this.

A log burner is a fashionable accessory at present, but it isn't really the best thing for most people who have mains gas.

If I had gas, I'd not bother, but I have access to cheap wood and all the space I need to store and dry it, which is something most town dwellers don't have.

andrewf75

Davesnave wrote: »

Limestone won't catch fire, so if there's no wood involved, it'll be fine.

If it's a standard fire opening size, not an inglenook etc then you will find manufacturers usually make inset models to cope with this.

A log burner is a fashionable accessory at present, but it isn't really the best thing for most people who have mains gas.

If I had gas, I'd not bother, but I have access to cheap wood and all the space I need to store and dry it, which is something most town dwellers don't have.

fashionable for a reason - because its much nicer than a gas fire

unless you live somewhere like Central London sourcing wood is pretty easy and most gardens are big enough for a log store

I know a lot of people with wood burners and all of them without exception love them. As soon as I have the money I will be joining them.

Davesnave

andrewf75 wrote: »

fashionable for a reason - because its much nicer than a gas fire.

I've had both, so I know the ins and outs of both, but your opinion is as valid as mine. That's what both of us have: opinions.

Many never get to see the better gas fires. Mine fooled a few people who didn't look closely.

Now I love my wood burner too, but I'm not blind to the effort involved in running one, or the cost of new installation, or the dust.

Andypandyboy

I know they are fashionable, but I think that they look fantastic and are so cosy. Great to know we can retain the surround.