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Hello,
I am having the outer skin replaced on an old extension. They used the wrong size and colour bricks, and the masonry is horrible. If I kept it as is, it would need a full repointing job doing on it, which wouldn't be cheap. And it'd still look ****. So my builder will be replacing existing facing bricks with nice new ones. We will take the opportunity to fill the cavity with insulation bats and replace a stupid plastic fascia above the door with a lintel and bricks.
The purpose of the job is essentially an aesthetic improvement to better integrate the extension into the main house, although there will be some other benefits. Before anybody asks, no I don't want render as the extension is off to the side and will stick out even more.
Anyway... there is currently a small window in the side wall. It doesn't match the height of the nearest two windows, and is wider than the one opposite. This mismatch may detract from the whole objective, which is to improve the appearance. Changing the window to a taller one that matches the window opposite would be too costly really, bearing in mind I'd need a new window and to sort out lintels for the inside and out, plus fiddly blocking up, replastering, etc inside.
So I can either keep the current window and we will refit it into the new face, or we could just do away with this window.
Getting rid means a more straight forward build for the new outer skin, and the inside work wouldn't be too difficult - just block up the opening and plaster. It reduces the scope of potential arguments with building control since the current window, if refitted, is arguably too close to the leading corner of the structure. No need for a new lintel. I would have a more energy efficient building. And the window mismatch problem would disappear. The room in question, a lounge, has a very large door/window combo and that includes trickle vents. So wouldn't lose much in the way of ventilation and the window is above a couch, and always has its blinds drawn and is rarely opened - so not particularly valued.
Would you keep or lose the small window?
I am having the outer skin replaced on an old extension. They used the wrong size and colour bricks, and the masonry is horrible. If I kept it as is, it would need a full repointing job doing on it, which wouldn't be cheap. And it'd still look ****. So my builder will be replacing existing facing bricks with nice new ones. We will take the opportunity to fill the cavity with insulation bats and replace a stupid plastic fascia above the door with a lintel and bricks.
The purpose of the job is essentially an aesthetic improvement to better integrate the extension into the main house, although there will be some other benefits. Before anybody asks, no I don't want render as the extension is off to the side and will stick out even more.
Anyway... there is currently a small window in the side wall. It doesn't match the height of the nearest two windows, and is wider than the one opposite. This mismatch may detract from the whole objective, which is to improve the appearance. Changing the window to a taller one that matches the window opposite would be too costly really, bearing in mind I'd need a new window and to sort out lintels for the inside and out, plus fiddly blocking up, replastering, etc inside.
So I can either keep the current window and we will refit it into the new face, or we could just do away with this window.
Getting rid means a more straight forward build for the new outer skin, and the inside work wouldn't be too difficult - just block up the opening and plaster. It reduces the scope of potential arguments with building control since the current window, if refitted, is arguably too close to the leading corner of the structure. No need for a new lintel. I would have a more energy efficient building. And the window mismatch problem would disappear. The room in question, a lounge, has a very large door/window combo and that includes trickle vents. So wouldn't lose much in the way of ventilation and the window is above a couch, and always has its blinds drawn and is rarely opened - so not particularly valued.
Would you keep or lose the small window?
