Staircase? He suggested carpet, as the normal flooring could be risky....any options

The original fireplace? He suggested a fancy electric fireplace? Can I just plaster over it and paint it over

Still to be sourced:

Fridge Freezer, Washing machine and tumble drier

Can I get this myself and at a cheaper rate somewhere

Thanks Daisy, God bless you

Seen these water pipes, running through the ceiling of the utility room, which is below the bathroom. Look v rusted, wonder what the other pipes look like....

Can I spray them with WD 40 and scrub the rust off? Or like car brake pipes, then paint them over?

Asked hubby about the glass for the vestibule and yes it does need toughened glass.

Are you sure they are water pipes? Have never known water pipes to go rusty. You can gently scrub them clean as long as you don’t go through them but if they are so rusty they might be weak.

Out of curiosity Mel is this going to be a rental or your home and are you dealing with the builder alone?

Thanks Daisy

Not sure if they are water pipes, they looked like pipes..

This will be my home, or at least hope so, soon. Dealing with the builder alone, soo far it was okay until his reli joined this week with the exorbitant rewiring quote.

Is there any other way of dealing with him?

I might be wrong and hope I am but I’ve known this happen before when it’s a lone female. Some guys just take advantage, they shouldn’t but they do. Thankfully my husband and son who I work with wouldn’t even dare think along those lines.

Can you have someone else there with you as back up when discussing all things relevant with the contractors? I just wonder if they are taking advantage. I may be wrong.

If your builder has already started then I think you will need to continue with him plus trying to get any contractors is a nightmare at the moment as everyone is so busy.

Where are you based?

West Midlands

Thanks for the kind words

Anywhere close to Staffordshire?

It really depends on exactly what work you're getting done and whether your contractor is a skilled professional.

If you are rewiring the whole house expect to pay £3k to £5k by a certified electrician

Plastering the whole house is again £3k+

Just with those two you're already on £6-8k

Again it depends on exactly what you're getting done.

It's usually a mistake to gut the whole house before moving in if you are on a budget. Makes more sense to prioritise the main areas then work on the others when budget allows.

The pipe looks like an old water or gas pipe. It may be out of use so best to ask a plumber. If it's obsolete it can be removed all together.

If this diagonal wiring is your builders handiwork I would suggest getting another builder...

Thanks, I shall live and learn..

The initial quote for the rewiring was 5 k and after comparing and google, I chose him. Its the 1500 extra that irritated me.

I think the diagonal wiring is old/preexisting, will recheck pics

I still feel that the builder is a balanced/reasonable sort of guy

It's his reli, the electrician who seemed unreliable,with ever-increasing quotes

In Birmingham