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In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Archives for May 2006

Oak Table
Hi we have just got a solid oak dining table, what is the best way to clean it ? will Mr Sheen do it any harm ?
Removing old hard putty
Hi Im replacing a peice of glass, Is there a quick way to take off hard putty in window frame. Thanks
Economy 7 wiring structure.
I've just bought a flat with Economy 7 heating. I've had a quick look at it and there are two elecricity distributions units in the flat and two circuit breaker boxes on the main block board. I assume that this means that the flat has two sets of circuits; one for normal items and one for the heating system. I also assume…
Garage door - retractable vs sectional?
We're planning on getting a new garage door and plan to automate it. Does anyone have any thoughts on the advantages/disadvantages to having a sectional vs retractable (up and over) one? Currently we have a retractable door in a timber frame. The frame has started to deteriorate so needs replacing too. I've had a few…
Plaster/tiling question...
We recently took some tiles down and had to replasters a small area (about 12" x 12") cos it was a bodge job underneath. We used the ready mixed plaster from a tub. Now I need to retile the wall - do I need to seal the plaster with something before I tile, or can I just tile over the top? Any help appreciated. Many thanks…
which dyson do i choose?
There are so many dyson cleaners to chhose from and i am totally baffled! The price range varies alot as well. Is it worth spending more than the basic one and if so what extra does it do? there must be a limit to how much a hoover can do! Any help appreciated. Thank you
shop policy
I'am thinking of buying a new leather reclining chair. Went to the local furniture shop to look at the make of chair I wanted,(ekornes stressless) after being directed there by the ekornes websight. I was quoted a price, and went home to check the web and other shops to see if it might be cheaper elsewhere. No prices on…
Help - Superglue on my leather suite!!!
Sorry if this is the wrong place to post but I need advice - quick!!! I have stupidly :mad: got superglue on my brown leather suite and do not know how to get it off without damaging the leather. Any suggestions???? Thanks
Gledhill Boilermate 2000 Room Thermostat
Would anyone know if I can replace the simple dial type room thermostat attached to my heating system with something for sophisticated. The boiler is in a cupboard upstairs and it's a pain going up and down just to turn the heating on for half an hour, something programable in the hall would be better. Thanks.
External Rendering
I have a portacabin that needed refurbishing. I have re-cladded the external walls with ply. Can somebody recommend how to render it?.....please
Needing a Shower for my Bathroom
Just moved into Property and my bathroom doesnt have a Shower but I want one. In the local paper a company, will provide a Shower and price includes installation. ranging from £185-£220 depending on Shower selected. Redring super 7x - £185 Redring super 7s - £195 Redring plus 8 - £205 Aquatron Sigma - £205 Triton T80 -…
clematis cuttings
My friend has a lovely clematis and i was wondering if its possible to grow a cutting from it - any budding gardeners out there know?:think:
Ikea Tundra Laminate floor
Im very very skint but have just enough on my 0% barclaycard to get laminate put down in my living room and hall. It really needs doing coz the carpet is UGLY 70's brown swirly horridness. So ive been looking round and the Tundra Ikea range looks quite nice. I know you get what you pay for but is it really really rubbish…
Help - Hotpoint washing machine smells
My girlfriend's Hotpoint WMA57 washing machine is under three years old but has been smelling of stagnant water for the last six months or so. The waste pipe is separate from the kitchen waste and she has tried changing from liquid detergent to powder to get around the problem. Changing to powder has slightly improved…
How do I cut very long grass?
Hi Would appreciate advice from gardeners. I have about a 1/4 acre which has ver long grass and cant be cut using a mower. Can anyone suggest how I can get it to a point where it can be mowed? Thought about using a strimmer but seems a very long job! Can I hire something which can cope with this? All suggestions…
Cracks in roughcasting - Help please
We've got a couple of minor cracks in our roughcasting which I want to repair. I could do the whole side of the house, but its expensive and I wondered if there was a cheaper solution that would hide the cracks. Any help gratefully appreciated. Thanks
Shower fitting is this a good price?
We are buying a new build home off plan and have asked the company building the house for a price for having a shower fitted over the bath. They have quoted us £650 this includes all plumbing and electric works for the shower, the actual shower & glass shower screen plus tiling on two walls to ceiling level. Is this a good…
fun door stops
I am moving into a 3 storey house in a couple of months. These houses are fitted with fire doors. I want to buy or make some fun door stops. I know they sell them in John Lewis but they are £15 each. I have looked on ebay but as they are heavy even if they are a few pounds the cost to post is as much again. Any…
Laminate Flooring
Been looking at a house that has been refurbished. Unfortunately the lounge and dining room has laminate wheres I prefer carpet. Can carpet be laid over the laminate or would it have to be ripped up? many thanks
help with ceramic bathroom sink taps
can anyone give me some advice, in respect of my bathroom ceramic 1/4 turn sink taps, i have a dripping tap, it is not the first time, i have enquired about ''new ceramic '' cartridges but alas i cannot aquire any, does anyone hav any suggestions on how to clean these ceramic cartridges or what is the best method, i have…

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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
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Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
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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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