The Alarm, The Windows and The Wardrobe!

OK so the sun has been shining and we have been getting on with some smaller DIY jobs whilst waiting for trades people to get back to us.  I have been weeding, Miles put up some new fence panels (which I sprayed, along with adding a few extra freckles to myself!) and I have started stripping and sanding the window sills so that I don't damage the sealant that is put around the new windows when they are installed.  These are our current Windows;


We asked for quotes from 3 companies, 2 came back to us and one didn't bother....erm thought it was a recession! Anyway we decided to use www.micronwindows.co.uk mainly because they specialise in Aluminium and we were impressed with their showroom. Also because my Dad was friends with the owner many years ago and had his windows fitted by them.  We are having a side door and 1 bay window, plus full height glazed porch wall.  The average cost for each of the standard windows is £750-£800.  We are also going to use Micron for our bi fold doors in the new extension.                                                                   



Our Dressing Room

We trotted off to Ikea the other day, thinking we could refurbish our wardrobes, but unfortunately they aren't standard sizes so back to square one.  I found a great website www.diyhomefit.co.uk which will supply bespoke sized doors, drawer fronts etc.  We did price it all out, but I decided to get a local company to quote as well.  The local company only came in at £200 more and they do all the fitting, so this time we have decided to go with them, www.thecwc.com .  They are basically replacing all the wardrobe doors, drawer fronts and unit tops plus adding an internal chest of drawers, shoe racks, tie rack and some new shelves.  The carcases of our existing furniture are good so we are just updating the look.  We are also taking delivery of our Super King Size Bed from www.johnlewis.com next week, which is very exciting! Just need to remember to buy some new bedding!!  I will add photos of the new windows and wardrobe when they are completed (Although the bedroom won't be re-decorated until next year).

Finally we chose www.wickhamsecurity.co.uk for our new alarm, which is being installed next week.  Although the initial installation is about £400 more than ADT, once installed you just pay an annual service charge of £80 plus VAT.  ADT wanted £26.99 per month, forever, and that could go up at any time, so we should break even in 2 years and be better off in 3 years.  Additionally we will own the alarm so could take it with us if we decided to move (highly unlikely!!!).

I have also been busy gathering quotes for front doors, bathrooms, glass panels, tiling and builders............the list is endless.  It's all in the preparation, so needs must! I am looking forward to choosing the bathroom suites and new kitchen next...far more exciting!