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Any photoshoppers out there?? my house needs major facelift!

4 years ago

Hi all, so we are in the process of finalising window order, Minor detail of colour left!!either black or anthracite grey. The house will be fully rendered I’m hoping a nice white colour, not too bright. Any recommendations feel free to give. The porch and the bottom right room will both be extended forward, the upstairs middle bathroom window has been blocked up and all drains etc won’t be visible. I know the current situation is awful. I was thinking of timber cladding but I’m not sure. What would you do if this was yours? Can anyone show me rough idea of what it would look like the way I’m describing? I’d love to have a go but I’m so clueless with the technology! Any help or suggestions please!!

Featured Answer

Juliet Docherty

4 years ago

I think your house is too pretty to put really dark windows in. Perhaps a pale stone coloured render and white windows or almost white render and slightly darker windows like this? Some paving that picks out the roof tiles, and a wisteria? That is how I see this house.

Comments (47)

E D
4 years ago
Looks like a good house.

What style/type windows are you ordering?
Sal89
Original Author
4 years ago
Would have loved aluminium windows but these may be too expensive. Just confirming. A very dark frame (upvc/aluminium) slim profile. For the porch it will be more like this.
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Juliet Docherty
4 years ago
I would not put in anthracite or grey windows. It's a lovely house, and I am not convinced that is the right choice.
Sal89
Original Author
4 years ago
Any suggestions colour happy?
Juliet Docherty
4 years ago
Will you still see some of the brick as you do now?
Sal89
Original Author
4 years ago
We were planning to render over it but nothing is set in stone yet
Sal89
Original Author
4 years ago
I was thinking something similar to this
Juliet Docherty
4 years ago
Dark grey looks smart, there is no doubt about that, but I also think it is a bit generic. It is such a lot of money to spend on all of this work, it is worth investing time in really thinking about the right way to go. We almost had aluminium windows and the company tried to bully us into Anthracite windows. They are really peeved when I asked for the RAL fan deck and in the end cancelled the order. We went with timber ones in the end and so glad we did, sprayed F&B Light Grey 17. It is down to personal taste but I think the anthracite trend may wane soon. What do others think?
Sal89
Original Author
4 years ago
Yours sound lovely. More than anthracite I was thinking black, do you think it’s the same case? You’re right it is a lot of money and I do want to get it spot on.
AMB
4 years ago
I agree with Colourhappy about the window colour (glad I'm not the only one!).

I think black frames against white render looks smart, but only I got you can get the thin Crittall-style windows - otherwise it will look a bit heavy.

I don't think you will need cladding on the house, it is already characterful.

Also, I think if you block up the window above the porch/front door, it will look a bit weird. There will be a large blank space that would look unbalanced. Consider adding a stained glass window or brick work feature instead.
Sal89
Original Author
4 years ago
AMB I absolutely agree on the blocking window but it seems too late!! I initially didn’t like the window as it was just uneven and too small and the planning is very strict with a lot of things and I can’t get permission to make it any bigger so I thought I’d rather get it blocked up. Which I have now but feel like I’m regretting it! Unless I got the builder to somehow put it back in, also at the moment there is a bathroom behind that window but we have knocked that out and that will just be a very small linen closet. This is what I like but I know it won’t be like this. I don’t want the windows bulky at all! Does anyone know cost of timber windows? Are they much more expensive than UPVC. (I don’t like UPVC but cost wise seem the most affordable). I know this pic is very optimistic but that type of look. What do you think?
AMB
4 years ago
Timber windows are more expensive, and require regular maintenance, however they will last, whereas uPVC gets thrown in the landfill every twenty to thirty years. It sounds like you are very conflicted about what you want and can afford so maybe put the windows on hold before you make an expensive mistake? If you can?
AMB
4 years ago
You could clad above the porch to add interest or add a brickwork design? Maybe ask your builders what they could do?
AMB
4 years ago
I agree with Colourhappy. It would also be a shame to lose the brickwork.
Sal89
Original Author
4 years ago
Yes to be honest I wanted aluminium but now the option is the thin (or thinnest available) profile UPVC. We are doing a double story extension so a big project and lots of decisions so I would still need to decide Windows soon as really. Colour happy that is very pretty and just completely different vision than mine but so interesting. What material would you say those windows are in that picture? Well on the plus side I have now been giving till morning to make my decision about the middle window and then builder can change again! But yes if no window I thought cladding/brickwork would look nice.
Sal89
Original Author
4 years ago
AMB - brickwork....Hhhmm do you think
Juliet Docherty
4 years ago
I couldn't be certain but I think they look like timber.
AMB
4 years ago
Yep, I really like the brick around the bottom. It is an original feature and adds character. You could still have white or off-white render. If the window has been given a stay of execution, could you consider putting in a porthole window? Or is it too late?

With the window frame colour, it would be good if you could post the style of window you have chosen?

In terms of (my thoughts on) colours...

White/off-white - timeless, helps reflect light into the rooms
Black - modern contrast with white render - suits thirties Crittall-window houses
Grey - softer than black but a bit of a fad
Sage green - country cottage, goes well with cream render
Wood effect - wood fashions change so I would stay clear - remember the mahogany colour windows everyone put in in the 80s?!
Sal89
Original Author
4 years ago
Your right it does add character but don’t they look a tad battered? My vision was the more contemporary look. Yes the window has already been blocked up but my partner will ask builder in morning if we can have it again! Haha. But I said I want it more central, and I think if I suggested a porthole window I’d certainly get it in the neck! But I might try!

Il post pictures of potential windows, we are asking for the thinnest profile available in the UPVC. Give me your honest opinion.

I just find white UPVC worse than black! Haha and yes I definitely remember the mahogany ones!

Window pics - The third beige in a black/anthracite. What do you think? Are they really awful?
AMB
4 years ago
It's a personal preference thing... all those pictures of beige and anthracite make me feel queasy!
AMB
4 years ago
In terms of the little window... it's your house and your money so you are free to be demanding.
Sal89
Original Author
4 years ago
Hahahaaa queasy! They are awful then! Yes I do also think that! We have the right to be demanding.
AMB
4 years ago
If you like the modern look, then the white render and black or grey windows (have you considered pale grey, just to be different) will go well. However I would keep the bottom brickwork exposed to add warmth and interest and keep the original feature. You can have your builders (or yourself) repoint the bricks (trust me, like good grouting, it works wonders) and any crumbling bricks can be replaced like for like (yes, this is possible). You can always cover it with render later if you don't like it. Speak to the builder doing the render - they might start top down so you will have an opportunity to see what the house looks like when it's rendered with the bricks exposed, then you can decide if you want to render over them.
AMB
4 years ago
Like Colourhappy has said, have you had an opportunity to see the range of RAL colours available for your windows. Maybe just go wild and have pink or turquoise windows! Ha ha..
LTS
4 years ago
Hi that looks a great house. Ours is red brick at the bottom & off white render first floor....I’m trying to achieve something like these pics. Our rear first floor extension already has anthracite bifolds/windows which is why the pics has the same colour bifolds. Good luck.
AMB
4 years ago
That looks v. nice LTS. The window style gives it a more traditional feel but the colour combination works well.
E D
4 years ago
I would certainly try to incorporate the existing brickwork. It will, as said, add character but also be sympathetic to the house’s history.

You've mentioned the bricks being tatty but I feel they can fairly easily be overhauled to look fresh again.

LTS‘s photos are an excellent example I think!

I also feel render at the bottom of a house might start to look tatty quickly.
LTS
4 years ago
Thanks AMB we haven’t chosen our window style yet, the photos are for colour options really :)
Sal89
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks all, so many suggestions. AMB, that’s a very good idea, yes builder will start render top to bottom so I could use that opportunity to have a look if I like the exposed brick. The builder has already said we have to keep the bottom 2 black bricks exposed due to regulations. I hadn’t actually considered light grey but now looking at those pics it looks really nice
Sal89
Original Author
4 years ago
This is the house opposite ours and I think it’s really lovely, I love the window style but again I think they are timber? Also the concrete around windows (sorry don’t know what it’s called) I have loved that from the start but now we would have to apply for planning permission etc to change. And this building is all flush whereas ours certain bits are out and some in.
AMB
4 years ago
That house is lovely. 'Lintel' is the word you are looking for. You need to be sympathetic to your house's architectural era and style, and the styling of your neighbourhood. It doesn't mean you can't be modern, you just need to be sympathetic. Conservation areas and grading and planning restrictions are in place for good reasons. I think pale grey windows, off white render and keeping the brickwork exposed will modernise your house but also keep it sympathetic to its era, architecture and surroundings.
E D
4 years ago
That example of bay windows is lovely.

This looks to be a victorian property with original (style) timber windows.

However, these days most well known window companies produce a range of very authentic looking UPVC windows, often with such names as 'Heritage'.

Both in timber and UPVC are not cheap. Worth it if you want/need that type though.
E D
4 years ago
I think, as colourhappy already mentioned, something this important will take considerable time to mull things over and get it right.

TBH I feel you are perhaps not ready to be confident and clear enough in your mind to take all the right decisions for your home.
E D
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Do you have or can you find photos perhaps of how your house looked not long after it was built?

Do you know its age?
Sal89
Original Author
4 years ago
Yes I suppose those regulations are there for a reason, even though at times it’s frustrating. You are right it would be nice to keep some of the original characteristics. I hadn’t considered pale grey but will look at the RAL, tbh after looking at the across road ones I do like white. So many options!!!

Tbh up until now I hadn’t considered other options as I have loved the white render, black windows with lots of green plants and maybe some cladding/or big heavy door. That was the imagine in my mind. Now many of you have made some good points and I need to consider other possible options.

I don’t know the age - maybe 50’s. This is the oldest photo of the house. And this White House is identical to mine, exact same floor plan etc is on sale down the road.
E D
4 years ago
Ooh yes, your house is super.

Again, take your time. It might upset the plan (and some people...) but it deserves to get things right :)
Juliet Docherty
4 years ago
Put it to a vote. I would stick my neck out and say don't do black.
E D
4 years ago
I'd take some inspiration from the identical house.
Sal89
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks E D...I’ve never viewed it as anything wow, probably because at the moment it’s the ugliest house on the road. Yes I’m taking a step back now and having a good think!
Helen C
4 years ago
This is a beautiful house, I would definitely spend time considering your choices. Do you know when the house was built, can you check the title deeds? It looks Edwardian to me. Personally I think with period houses it is best to keep the facade as was originally intended and if you prefer the contemporary look apply that to the back of the house. Please keep the brickwork at the bottom, it’s a lovely feature and I’d be concerned rendering over could create damp issues. If the house is Edwardian the window frames would have been originally white. I live on a street with houses just like this, most of them have thankfully kept the original facades. One was modernised in the 90’s with mahogany windows and fully rendered and one was modernised a couple of years ago with black windows and grey render. They both look awful and stand out like a sore thumb! Best of luck with your project, I’m sure it’s all very exciting!
Sal89
Original Author
4 years ago
Hi no I’m not sure when it was built but I am going to investigate this tomorrow. Thank you for your advice.
Sal89
Original Author
4 years ago
This has been my inspiration from the start and what I was visualising with the black windows. I’ve also seen this with the white windows which is pretty.
PRO
Timberlook - Heritage Flush Sash Windows & Doors
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Hi Sal, late to the conversation here, but I spotted the first window photo that colourhappy posted - the cream one that looks like timber. That's one of our uPVC Timberlook windows! Could I invite you to have a look at our website and perhaps contact me for some more info? thanks! Jason

Lake District Cottage Renovation · More Info
PRO
Timberlook - Heritage Flush Sash Windows & Doors
4 years ago
I'll also pop below a few examples of the darker coloured windows - again, uPVC with a 'butt-joint look' to the corners instead of the regular diagonal ones. In some photos it can look chunkier than others, but always in proportion. If you are looking for a slimmer flush window, our sister company have an aluminium alternative but I believe that Timberlook might look the most in keeping. I hope that these are of some help :D

Customer Installations (Assorted) · More Info

Customer Installations (Assorted) · More Info

Customer Installations (Assorted) · More Info

Customer Installations (Assorted) · More Info
Sal89
Original Author
4 years ago
Hi Jason, thank you for those pictures, they are very nice windows. Il contact you in regards to a quote.
LTS
4 years ago
What did you decide in the end?

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