with floating floors you need to level the floors first ..have you try self levelling concrete? a bit expensive but it works a charm we did it when we renovated and found a dip in our floors ? easy to use hubby did it himself.

I would have another windowdoor (glass) similar the one above or timber door if light not an issue, have the edges of the stone cut to straighten and then use the same timber cladding as upstairs all around the new window/door cheers

I think that your builder's quote seems fair and reasonable, and am surprised it is not actually more. You have an old house with old walls that are not straight or square, and you want to make it all perfect for your square set for your ceiling/wall junction? As mentioned above this is precision work, and needs a fair bit of preparation to get right. Why don't you research Edwardian plaster cornices to see if you like any of them and ask your builder to quote as an alternative to labour-intensive square-set, which has a more contemporary feel? As quotes for variations are not in competition with other builders who are quoting your builder doesn't need to be super-competitive. I know some builders who make a lot of their profit from variations. I don't think your builder is one of them. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Interesting to see the previous floorplan, but what we need is the width and depth of the current laundry and Wine Cellar. A couple of 3D versions of what I suggest, please understand that my CAD program was produced in 1997 hence thee old style furniture appliances etc, mind you it's still an excellent program which is no longer produced. I had considered having the fridge on the return wall but! if it was done within the current kitchen floorplan it would reduce the length of a lovely big island. Then guessing the size of the laundry, Taking space from the current laundry to fit the fridge on the return wall would leave nothing for a good Pantry without moving walls. So trying to work with current walls and doors and windows and still having separate WIP and Laundry, I suggest the following, when you enter the house from the side door you will be in the Pantry, if you turn left you would be in the Laundry Mudroom, The fridge could be slid across into the WIP but this would require removing the window. Configuration of the Pantry cabinets to be decided by you, but it could be great for appliances, making tea and toast in the morning and dropping shopping (select the drawings to enlarge)