Hi Claire. I had a quick look yesterday and one company quoted starting prices from £34sqm and another £45, however I'm guessing that may rise if just doing a small area rather than a room due to the actual process. I was actually due to get a quote last week but cancelled as it looked ridiculous with my room to ceiling proportions which is unfortunate as it could have given you an idea! I do think you could pull the tiles off but it might be tricky. I think texture works really well in an industrial scheme so maybe another option is wallpaper? These are all Osborne and little papers, names were something like metropolis, crocodilo, zingrina and mako in no particular order! The last pic is actually showing the black wall which looks like leather rather than the polished plaster

I’m no expert on this but didn’t want you’re question to go unanswered so I did a bit of reading up. Lead is indeed dangerous stuff, especially for young children and pregnant women. As far as gov advice says you’ve done all the right things, damp wiping everything using a vacuum with Hepa filter etc. I do hope whoever sanded it was wearing the appropriate mask and goggles. Having said that, lead paint is quite common in older properties and I think I read somewhere that it’s about a sanded area of 6sq ft before it can reach any dangerous levels. Years ago decorators and d.i.yers never give it a thought and had no protection whatsoever and they haven’t dropped dead from lead poisoning. Unless you’re children have been physically licking the dust then I shouldn’t worry too much. Interestingly lead in the blood stream acts in the same way as calcium. The brain mistakes lead for calcium and processes it in the same way. If you’re concerned for you’re children (understandably) try upping the intake of calcium for a few days. More milk please:) As for continuation of the decorating, if you want to strip off more paint then use a chemical stripper such as Nitromors or if the sanding is finished then paint over it to seal it in. Spray the carpet damp before removing to minimize any spread of dust and wash any bedding, clothing etc. with detergent. Do hope this helps to put you’re mind at rest.

Hi Nicola These are my ideas, but not knowing your family and needs, it is not that easy. Personally I love light! so closing south off with bikes and a toilet is an absolute no-no for me!!! But is does work well. (Trying to keep plumbing together to save costs.) To use house space for bikes is very expensive, but I know sometimes you don't have a choice. Downside of the design is, no pantry and the stair entry feels enclosed. (The storage/shelves are trying to make up for that.) By switching couch area and kitchen, the entry to stairs is through the kitchen, which I don't like, but upside of that is then you could have a separate seating area, and it is not so open plan. Not sure of your preference. I would then leave the new extension as an separate room, as a lounge. And incorporate glass side panel at front door for extra light. Hope this helps - but I am sure your ideas will be better, as you know your space and needs! Enjoy your project and adventure.

Thanks both for your comments. The corridor between the garage and kitchen is unfortunately the "outside" filled in at each end with a door and so it's about a 30cm floor height difference and we'd have significant structural work to do, so not impossible but costly. Similarly wih moving the living room/hall door sideways, it's load bearing so costly, but if it ends up being the best solution then we'll do that 😊👍