I moved to Aus from the UK to be with my partner last year and, after 6 months of work, we've managed to sell our 5-bed house and are looking for an apartment in Sydney.
My partner and I have a fortunate choice between two apartments in 30s art-deco blocks.
Option 1
Is a 1 bed 75sq M restored flat with galley kitchen and bathroom and great views over Sydney harbour that needs no work.
Option 2
Is an unrestored 150sq M penthouse flat with 3 (small) bedrooms, small bathroom, reasonable kitchen and views of both Sydney harbour and the bridge from the balcony.
The downside is it has ornate plater ceilings in all rooms all of which have peeling paint. The plan is to knock 2 bedrooms together and steal some of this additional space to create a shower recess for the bathroom and a wardrobe/store area. Also knock down the dividing wall between the bedroom passageway and the living room to create more space. It also needs a new kitchen and bathroom.
We've had a quote for the whole job of AU$150K (~£75K) which we think is on the high side - especially as the builder just wanted to put a false ceiling in all rooms (much easier for him than stripping the ceiling, I'd suggest).
See plans and photos below
Painting Questions:
1. What are the options for successfully stripping the old paint from the plaster without damaging it.
2. Is it a DIY job or should we get in an expert
Non-Painting Questions:
3. Given that the ceiling is lath and plaster, is it possible to put halogen downlights through it without creating too much damage?
I have to persuade my partner that option 2 is a good idea and that we can survive the mess involved
Thanks in advance
Paul
Photos and plans
Ceiling Photo
Ceiling Detail
Existing layout (NOT TO SCALE)
Modified layout (NOT TO SCALE)
My partner and I have a fortunate choice between two apartments in 30s art-deco blocks.
Option 1
Is a 1 bed 75sq M restored flat with galley kitchen and bathroom and great views over Sydney harbour that needs no work.
Option 2
Is an unrestored 150sq M penthouse flat with 3 (small) bedrooms, small bathroom, reasonable kitchen and views of both Sydney harbour and the bridge from the balcony.
The downside is it has ornate plater ceilings in all rooms all of which have peeling paint. The plan is to knock 2 bedrooms together and steal some of this additional space to create a shower recess for the bathroom and a wardrobe/store area. Also knock down the dividing wall between the bedroom passageway and the living room to create more space. It also needs a new kitchen and bathroom.
We've had a quote for the whole job of AU$150K (~£75K) which we think is on the high side - especially as the builder just wanted to put a false ceiling in all rooms (much easier for him than stripping the ceiling, I'd suggest).
See plans and photos below
Painting Questions:
1. What are the options for successfully stripping the old paint from the plaster without damaging it.
2. Is it a DIY job or should we get in an expert
Non-Painting Questions:
3. Given that the ceiling is lath and plaster, is it possible to put halogen downlights through it without creating too much damage?
I have to persuade my partner that option 2 is a good idea and that we can survive the mess involved
Thanks in advance
Paul
Photos and plans
Ceiling Photo
Ceiling Detail
Existing layout (NOT TO SCALE)
Modified layout (NOT TO SCALE)