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In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Archives for April 2007

Do you clean your own windows?
If you do, what method do you use? We have moved into a home with lots and lots and lots of windows and they drive me insane, trying to keep them clean. I have tried the spray window cleaners, which seem to leave the windows smeary (when the sun shines on them)..no matter how much you try to buff them up. I have also tried…
Getting old water tanks out of the loft?
Hi - We have two old, disconnected, and empty galvanised water tanks in the loft - too big to get through the hatch. Can anyone suggest the easiest/cheapest ways of getting rid of them. We're about to have the roof retiled if this makes any difference. Thanks for any suggestions.
Where to get cheap but good quality carpet???
We're moving into a new home in about 4 weeks time - the previous owners had dogs and pretty much ruined the carpets that are in there, as we're renting we don't want to pay too much for carpets but with a toddler and a baby we can't afford to have manky carpets!! Any suggestions as to the best places to get half decent…
Help!!! Blue emulsion on brand new cream carpet!!!
Hi everyone, Any advice on this one would be greatly appreciated. I was about to touch up the paintwork on my son's wardrobe this afternoon using one of those little tester pots you get from Focus...thing is, I didn't realise the blimmin' thing had a brush attached to the lid so when I opened it and removed the lid, bright…
tradesman electrician selection criteria
Hello, I've recently started a electrician business, and I'm looking for help in the marketing of my business and as a point of reference, I'm looking for advice from people who employ tradesman as to the sort of characteristics that they find important in selecting a tradesman and what is important so that I can get the…
Fly/insect screens--any recommendations?
We're needing to get some insect screens installed on our two bedroom windows, not just to keep flying things out, but to keep flying things in (cockatiels). We're looking to get 'proper' ones, not just the velcro things, since we want them to be sturdy and tiel-proof. We're considering the roller ones like on this site:…
another double glazing question ;)
Hi all I've recently bought a 1930's semi which needs a heck of a lot of modernising done to it and in typical moneysaving style I'm hoping to do most of it myself, so I'm sure that this wont be my last cry for help ;) I'm a fairly new Dyer but competent and conscientious and have lots of common sense so fairly confident i…
Looking for good reliable roofer in Edinburgh Area.
Does anyone know a good reliable roofer in the Edinburgh area ? I have a couple of slipped tiles and about 10 or 20 that look like they need reseated or replaced. Cheers ! M.
Security of flat panel TVs
I have 2 wall mounted flat panel TVs in the house, and am trying to make them more difficult to steal - ie defeat the amateur quick "in and out" burglar. One idea is to replace the mounting and locking bolts (M4 and M5 15mm bolts) with ones with an unsual head requiring a special driver. Does anyone know where I can get…
Problem with combi boiler
Hi My Myson midas combi boiler is 7yrs old and I have had no problems with it until now. The pilot light went out and I cant get it re-lit. Ive followed the instructions but no joy. The pilot light will light and stay on until I stop pressing the grey push in button on the control panel. I'm not sure how I should proceed.…
Help with planning objection
Hi Our new next door neighbour has put in planning permission for his house. He wants to extend the loft, build ontop of the kitchen extending the first floor and extend the ground floor and add a conservatory. Must be costing him a packet! We don't object to the loft or ground floor plans but the first floor extension…
Replacing an asbestos garage
Hello, :j :j can any one help please? We have an asbestos garage, which also has an asbestos shed attached to the back of it. We're looking at replacing both with, making a brick (blocks) building. It will still be the same size (maybe slightly wider), but will be put in the same position as it currently is. Does that mean…
Repositioning of Kitchen Boiler - feasible?
Afternoon all We're in the process of making plans for our new house and are looking to open up the kitchen, utility room and dining room into one big kitchen diner. Only problem is that the utility is inbetween the kitchen and dining room and it contains the boiler. Typical modern boiler mounted at eye-level. Question is…
Miele Dishwasher HELP please!!
Hi, I have been quoted £98.00 for a callout to my Miele dishwasher. I have been informed that there are only a couple of Miele qualified repairers in the UK as this make rarely break down. The model is a G676SC. Have been through the troubleshooting guide but this makes no difference. The problem is that all the lights…
Gas boiler fires up but quickly shuts down
At the weekend whilst screwing our floor boards back down, I nicked a central heating pipe. We drained the system and relaced the hole with a compression joint. We then bled the sytem, however now when the system calls for Heat (Heating or hot water) the bolier fires up for a short while (up to a couple of minutes), then…
How do I dispose of old paint?
The council will only take paint tins if they are completely dried out. I've had a shed clear out and I've got loads of tins that are half full at least and loads of tester pots and spray paint tins. Some have been there for years and the tins are rusty. No one will take them. How do I get rid of them?
fitting a new sink........?
Hi there, how hard is it to fit a replacement sink? is it just a case of measuring the old 1, then going to get an exact replacement? I've looked underneath the sink and can see that the sink is sort of clipped on, how do i get it off, also, how do i remove the taps :confused: without causing a major flood? thanks for any…
Gas boiler make...?
We're going to have our boiler replaced - the options are (apparently) Worcester (Bosch group) or a Glow-worm. Any comments on these or others...By the way we've decided not to go with a combi... Andy
Garage door
Could anyone recommend a firm in the Leicester area to either repair or replace our standard single up-and-over metal garage door, please? The loop at the end of the wire it is suspended on has broken on one side. Not sure if it can be repaired (it must be 37 years old so it owes us nothing) or whether we should have a new…
Garage door
Could anyone recommend a firm in the Leicester area to either repair or replace our standard single up-and-over metal garage door, please? The loop at the end of the wire it is suspended on has broken on one side. Not sure if it can be repaired (it must be 37 years old so it owes us nothing) or whether we should have a new…

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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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