Hiya Jill, thanks for sending those images over. In response to your first question about your bedroom, I can think of a couple of solutions that may work. The first is the same solution as my previous French window answer to @montbray and fit something that moves with the window, either a Pleated or a Venetian which operate under tension and open with a thumb tab rather than a cord. Alternatively, it would look quite nice if a blind, particularly a Roman blind was fitted right to the top of the wall above the window, at the ceiling. This will allow the blind to be ‘dressed’ to form a valance effect above the window when the blind is open, giving full view from, and use of the window and when it is closed, it will give the illusion of the window being taller. In the case of your bathroom blind, you might like to try a waterproof Roller blind made from PVC fabric. Alternatively, Faux wood blinds are a really great idea, as they have all the look of traditional Wooden blinds, but won't warp in wet or steamy conditions. Admittedly, it is a difficult window to dress and there are not a lot of options, but hopefully, these will give you some ideas. Sarah

I use nectar, rarely for a weekly shop but for money back on retail shopping, flights etc. Some of the bank accounts also offer cash back on household bills. I get a tastecard with my bank account but even if you buy one you recoup your money so quickly. My biggest saving is probably the weekly food shop so planning ahead so if you buy x ingredient, you can then use the next day for something else ie buy a whole chicken, make a curry out if it and the following day make a soup. Or the favourite with the men in my household is make a chilli and then the next day make chilli dogs (not the healthiest meal but a treat once in a while!)

Intelligent lighting was something we saw to be very popular last year, and for very good reason! As it becomes more mainstream and affordable we foresee most renovation projects employing an element of control in primary living spaces! But, as choice grows, which system should you choose? Here are some suggestions from our lighting team at Avinu: Controller compatibility and light fittings : LEDS should be tested before you buy. How many circuits? Consider a small controller for main living areas, or whole-house to reap the full benefits of a larger dedicated system. Have you cabled? If you have a retro-fit then there are great wireless controllers. However, cabling is best! Flexibility : wire for both traditional and intelligent systems where you can. Power Saving : don't forget to include occupancy sensors for turning lights off when rooms are vacated.

Hi Jonathan- in regards to why we chose pedestals… there were a couple of reasons. We had been warned about making any changes to the existing drainage channel and foundation air bricks because it might cause damp issues. We had been talking about building a side return extension, so it seemed a waste to install something permanent we would have to rip out. Similarly, our children were very young and we liked the idea of being able to fairly easily change the garden layout as they grew. I don’t recall making a straight cost comparison. I do recall ordering way more pedestals and sizes than we needed because I was nervous!