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In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Archives for November 2004

Need a stainless steel fridge freezer
My old faithful (Lec) is about to go to fridge-freezer heaven. I'm looking for a stainless steel one (fridge on top, freezer at the bottom) to replace it. The height and depth won't be an issue, but I need one that's no more than 52cm wide. I've seen some silver ones, but the silver looks like a good rub down would take…
Reputable Builders
Does there exist a website which lists builders, by area, and peoples experiences with them? I am looking for a reputable builder in the Harrogate area, to do some work on roofing and guttering. Any pointers would be appreciated! Cheers, Wayne
potterton suprima 30 boiler locked!
my boiler has apparently locked up. the red led light is flashing and pressing reset doesnt do anything. will this cost much to repair? or can it be easily fixed. any help greatfully recieved.
Need new bathroom
We're coming to the point when we really need a new bathroom.. .. but on a tight budget....can't stand that avocado colour anymore!! We live in south london/north surrey... any good tips on cheap and realiable bathroom stores?? thanks in advance.
A good plasterer - London/Kent borders
Here's hoping Anyone have any recommendations for a good plasterer in the South East London/Kent borders - a bit of ceiling and a bathroom ???
Boiler Advice - Halstead or Vaillant?
I'm currently having a new boiler and central heating sysyem installed (8 radiators,2 heated towel rails, bathroom, shower room with power shower). The plumber has quoted me a Halstead Platinum Combination boiler to run the system. However, he turned up today and installed a Vaillant turbomax plus 824e. Should I accept the…
Electronic Scale Inhibitor
I've decided to invest in one of these, probably one of the plug-in ones so I can take it with me when I move. I have only seen one so far, in a local DIY shop for about 72 pounds. Can anyone recommend a good one for a good price? Thanks, :) PS I know, I can't find the pound sign. I bought this in the US and it has a…
Shower Screen or Curtain for a corner bath
Hello I've been looking for ideas on how to screen or curtain off a corner bath to allow use of the over bath shower. The screens I've seen so far cost £200 + (My first time buyer budget is all stretched :( ) Anyone got any ideas or maybe tips on various solutions ? Or done something similar. I'm now thinking a curved rail…
Need a new gas fire
Our old gas fire, flame effect not the type that goes right in chimmey (12 years old) is in need of replacing. I am sure I can get it repaired but TBH is getting past its date and some of the paint is chipped coals are broken, gas thing that lets the jets of gas out is cracked and fires hardly is warm at all now. My wife…
VAT free on building extensions?
Just wondering if anyone can help me on this. From reading previous threads, I understand new build properties are exempt from VAT. Does anyone know if extensions to an existing property would be classified as a new build? The reason I am asking primarily concerns grants for loft insulation. I know there are grants…
Sauna rooms
The drunker one in this relationship decided that a sauna would be a great way to waste some money. We have neither the money nor the room so it will not happen! But we spent an hour researching on the web and were stunned to find portable saunas (very cheap), infra red ones (surely steam is a requirement?) as well as…
Which DAB radio
Someone I now has asked for advice about buying a DAB radio for someone else. Something like the Evoke model (as opposed to a hi-fi component), but there are plenty of others to choose from, including some nice new Roberts models. Any recommendations, things to avoid, or tips?
Moth balls?
Hi! Where can I buy Naphthalene Moth balls? I want to protect my clothes from Moths/other insects. Could you suggest any other alternatives? Cheers!
Camera/video mobile phone
My son would like a camera or video phone for his birthday but I'm only just getting to grips with an ordinary mobile! In other words I don't have a clue. Has anyone got any advice about a PAYG phone please? Sorry if this is the wrong place to post but I'm working my way through the site!
HAVE YOU HEARD OF "CELLIT BANG"!!!
Can you help mu Mum has seen this stuff advertised it's called CELLIT BANG and it's a cleaning spray for almost everything, I saw the ad but it was too quick for me to get anymore detail's ??? now it was advertised on SKY. I did a search for it and I only got adult like stuff come up :o So does anyone know anymore about it…
Which portable TV?
I'm looking for a cheap, reliable and good quality (I know - "which two do you want"!) portable TV, possibly a wide-screen model, for use in a bedroom. Any recommendations, particularly for current offers and less-well-known-but-quality brands?
Carron Phoenix Kitchen sink
??? Does anyone know where I can get my hands on a Carron Phoenix kitchen sink called a Cygnus 150 in Slate? Lot's of places do them but they are quoting 4 wks before it can be delivered and Bob the builder is coming in 2 wks to do the work on my kitchen. I live in Birmingham so it needs to be in the West Midlands area or…
Integrated fridge/freezer
Hi All, Hope you can help me, I have an integrated fridge/freezer which has packed up. I am covered under one of these schemes and they are paying 75% of the cost, luckily. However, I have to go through a certain website and they do not fit such things, so I independently have to get this fitted. Any ideas on the type of…
Options for replacing a boiler
Our current boiler - a dinosaur of a thing - has packed and rather than trying to fix it i was thinking of replacing with a combi-boiler and moving it. At the moment the old boiler is in front of a closed up chimney breast in the kitchen with a cupboard built around it and a flue into teh chimney stack (i believe its…
Calculating size of radiator to size of room?
As you may have gathered from my post about boilers - I'm trying to sort some new central heating. I'm contemplating buying the boiler and radiators myself and getting a corgi plumber to fit it all. Does anyone know how to calculate what size radiators are required for the size of the rooms? Does a double radiator give you…

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MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

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In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

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