I've quit everything. Now what ?

another_casualty

TallGirl wrote: »

De-lurking as well I had carpets on two bedrooms (one master one second bedroom) last September cheap ones yes but fitted for £312 by a local company in my high street. They said people go to Carpetright/Allied Carpets once then they realise the price difference.

I'm sure Beales will change the delivery date they've had a big order from you. Enjoy your new flat you're almost there now.

Thanks tall girl

lessonlearned

AC. No I haven't nagged at you for spending money for some time ......:rotfl:

Actually I don't think you are doing too badly from what I can see.

Obviously you havent bought cheap carpets. We did a 3 bedroomed house, including decent underlay for £1100. They aren't the best quality carpets but then as long as DS gets five years out of them then that's good enough. He intends to move before then. We only have a cat, always remove our shoes so they are holding up well so should still look good when he comes to sell. I think we paid somewhere around £5 a square metre so as you can see they are pretty basic but with a couple of nice rugs they look fine.

Re Department stores for appliances etc. I have in the past used an independent department store for white goods. Like AC we were buying in bulk for a kitchen refit. The store in question were doing a price match so we knew we weren't paying over the odds but the clincher was they were offering an extended guarantee for free and free delivery.

They delivered the wrong more expensive model of tumble dryer. I rang them and they told me just to keep it because it would cost them money to exchange it.

So we did really well in that one,

On DSs house we used AO, again bulk buying for the kitchen and we got a good deal. I think there is so much competition out there that often there is little to choose between them. And often it's swings and roundabouts. Some items might be cheaper elsewhere but if you are bulk buying they will give you a deal and it usually evens out.

AC The only thing that concerns me is that maybe you rushed some things and I didn't want you to make mistakes.

We rushed our kitchen planning and although it's absolutely fine and works well - now having lived in the house for a while We realise we could have made it even better with just a few simple tweaks.

But the really big mistake was not having underfloor heating in the bathroom and kitchen. Both have tiled floors and both can get cold in winter. In the winter I do put down a big rug in the kitchen which helps but a nice cosy floor would have been better.

It wouldn't have added much to either the time frame or the budget, whereas to do it retrospectively would be time consuming, messy and expensive.

But hey we learned from our mistakes - as my nom de plume will bear witness. :rotfl:

As for your guy James, if he's done a good job and you are happy and feel you can trust him to do further work then that's what counts.

My own "Handy Andy" isn't the cheapest but he's the best. I can just give him the key and let him get on with it. He does a cracking job, is careful not to waste materials and even cleans up afterwards!!' And trust me that's very rare.

They are some very dirty wasteful Untrustworthy dodgy tradespeople out there. So like I say when you find someone you are happy with you look after them even if they charge a bit more than their competitors.

My guy Andy also lets me have materials at cost, and on the big ticket items like a boiler that makes a huge difference. Many don't. They will charge you retail and pocket the difference, so even if Andy charges more for his labour then I probably end up paying less anyway.

Yes I'm canny with money and like to really streeeetch the pennies but I tend to agree cheapest isn't always best and sometimes you do have to pay a premium for quality.

But AC. Maybe take a break from spending now. Take a breather and Do a stocktake. Once you've got the basics in place there's no rush to do the finishing touches.

We've been here nearly three years and there a few bits and pieces still to do. We intend to have a big push after my holiday and get it finished by Christmas.

Then next year DS will sell and do it all again, moving up the property ladder.

another_casualty

I knew you'd understand me LL:)
I haven't really got much left that I need to buy after all that.:)
I guess it's the fact that it seems like days rather than weeks to go.
By the next bank holiday, , I'll be in my new abode.

enthusiasticsaver

Are you just spending what you like on all this stuff AC? We always work out a budget and if we overspend in one area then we reduce another budget. We are also renovating our house as DH just retired so lists of costs going out for this that and the other. I record it all on a spreadsheet so I can see what we are spending.

I am just concerned you are spending without any control on things you want rather than things you need and when the time comes to reckon up either you won't have enough left to get rid of your outstanding debts (one of the reasons for the move in the first place) or that your remaining capital will be so low you will be forced to go back into debt again just to live.

But hey it is your money and your future and maybe you have a plan you have not shared yet.

Worrierwalker

Hi AC -

Have you tried a home chose carpet service before you go ahead with Carpetright?

The only recent purchase I regret is with one of the larger stores (Bensons for Beds) where a friend of my o/h said the manager would do us a good deal. I spent more than I intended and I still don't know if I like it. I wish I'd shopped around more and tried smaller places as I usually do. These large chain hike the prices right up to start with so you think you're getting a good deal but I don't think you are in many cases.

Meant to say we have a Beales in a little market town near us and it's so lovely, a little warren of departments, I always enjoy going there.

anna_1977

Hi AC,
I am echoing what others have said. I got a quote from Carpet right for my stairs/hall and then went to a local firm for a MUCH better quality carpet and it was nearly half the price.
I also think you're paying over the odds for that £1700 is v expensive in my eyes.
I did my hall, stairs last year and it was £750 for a 3 storey town house in Hampshire from a local shop. 2 flights of stairs and 3 hallways fully fitted with new threshold bars throughout.

Please get another quote before spending out that amount

gallygirl

I've just had a new bathroom installed in a btl. Not gone for the cheapest as it's a 'nice' house with excellent long-term tenants. Let's see how the prices compare at the end

lessonlearned

There is another reason I like to avoid the chains.

At the risk of sounding all noble and altruistic :rotfl: I like to shop locally and support local businesses and workers wherever I can.

I saw a great sign outside a local butchers recently.

It said something like.

"Buy from the big chains and you support the banks, the fat cats and often your money goes out of the country to support foreign economies. Buy locally and you will pay for someone's mortgage, their sons football boots and their daughters dance classes".

Having said that I know I have recently bought from eBay and yes I use the dreaded Amaz&n at times so it makes me sound like a hypocrite but hands on heart I do try to shop locally whenever I can.

If you shop locally Not only can you often get better deals and better service but you are supporting your local economy and keeping your high street alive.

Lecture over ......I'll get me coat :rotfl:

anna_1977

Sorry should have added (not trying sound totally negative) I am also concerned that you are spend spend spend without clearing debts. Personally (I know we are all different) I would be wanted to clear my debts before spending the money. you don't know yet what settlements your creditors will take, it may be higher than what you anticipate

another_casualty

Wow! Thanks again for your concerns for me . I must clarify things again , but please don't think I'm being stroppy : I wanted to clear debt with payplan a couple of months ago. I have the full amount to pay if I must .
They will contact me 1 st week in June . It may take longer but I'm gonna negotiate . It obviously looks like I'm buying stuff for the sake of it . I did mention that I'm constantly looking for the best deals . Beales gave me the best deals . Buying all I need at once looks worse than buying piece. Y piece . Take the bathroom: the eastern euro guy wanted 50% up front .He was looking to do both that and kitchen for £8000
On the rated people website you have to put a price you want to spend up to . James , on the other hand never charged for disposal of my old bathroom . So I have my eye on the ball at all times . I may come across like forest gump, but I'm far from it .
The loss I make at carpetright , I will have clawed back by beales and James imho .
One poster yesterday had the cheek to suggest I don't look at other polled diaries or look at less well off. Very patronising and untrue.
Apart from the health and slight loneliness I'm having fun , and spending within my means so far .
Now , you can continue ..:)