Victorian terrace, Leamington Spa

Hannah (33, graphic designer) renovated her two-bed Victorian terrace on a spreadsheet and a deadline — first baby due in the autumn, budget doing the kitchen as well as the windows. Three local quotes for seven sashes came in between £11,000 and £14,000, fitted, opaque, and slow. Seven pine Victorian 1-over-1s in white came to a shade over £11,000 — but itemised, delivered in eight weeks, and installed by the joiner her dad has used for twenty years. Pine made the difference: sheltered street, regular repainting already in the maintenance plan, fifteen per cent saved without changing how the house looks from the pavement.