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In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Archives for August 2007

Burglar Alarm Quote
My burglar alarm went on the blink and the guy from the company came round. He said it was the fuse in the main unit so he put a new one in and that went also. He tried it another couple of times and it kept blowing. He said I need a replacement keypad and the main board. The quote that has been given is 180 + Vat. It is a…
Kitchen - white or oak?
Ok guys. I'm narrowing it down...... Oak with black granite or white with black granite (or block wood). Its more of an off-white rather than stark white. Which would you choose?? I like the white. Hubby likes the oak. (haven't got a big enough kitchen to mix the both). Can't decide!! What do you think??
Healthbed memory flex mattress
We are thinking of getting one of these Healthbed memory flex mattresses seeing how well they have done in the Which report. I have heard a few negative comments though which has made me think twice. Firsty I am quite a hot person (modest too...:D ) and my wife is more on the cool side. I am concerned I will sink into the…
Painting fridge door?
My fridge door is covered in millions of tiny rust spots. I think I overcleaned it:o Does anyone have any experience of painting or spraying over rust? I went to Focus and saw some spray paint, but not sure if it will cover the rust. The same thing is on my chrom (I think they're chrome) shower poles. Can I paint over…
White Kitchen - Black Appliances - ESPECIALLY Fridges...
Hi All! What do other Moneysavers reckon to this - I'd post a pic, of the plan, if I could work out how to get the scanner working properly!! OK, decided the kitchen in our 'upsidedown house' is to be open plan, so living area 10m x 6m to include the kitchen. The units run 5m along one wall & wrap around to a 2m breakfast…
Cutting a 'floating' shelf in half?
Hi I've got a LACK shelf from IKEA that I want to use as a shelf across the top of a boxed in cistern in my downstairs loo. Is it possible to cut these shelves? THey seem to have some kind of metal fixing in the back. http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/60103632 Any help much appreciated.
Lawnmower Help....
Hi, Can any of you gardeners out there help me please, I am on my 2nd Flymo and it's got to the stage where mowing the lawn is a nightmare. I think it's packed up as it doesn't cut properly or collect the grass anymore. I haven't got a massive garden but want something thats easy & quick to use. Not sure whether I should…
Lifting and relaying carpets
I want to be able to lift and relay parts of my carpet to fix a few squeaks in the floor. Does anyone have any advice about what tools are essential for this task? Thanks, Mark.
Protective pads for oval table
My parents used to have a very nice oval dining table, and to protect the top from heat etc. they had three table pads which were put on under a table cloth every time it was used. The table was used every day, but stayed unmarked because of the protective pads. I know also have a (different) oval dining table which is…
How to replace a re-circulation pump
Hi All, Can anyone tell me the process for replacing a circulation pump? You can see a picture of my existing pump here: http://bp3.blogger.com/_6jKgSIpXSlM/RtgCNrRfbUI/AAAAAAAAAAU/DWTBLNvMLsM/s1600-h/DSC00325.JPG The main problem I have is with the big nuts at either end of the pump. Do I need to use two wrenches for…
New Bathroom install
just bought a new house but bathroom needs some work! quote was £2600 Remove tongue and groove panelling from ceiling Remove Wall tiles Remove laminate flooring Remove shower tray, hand basin, toilet fit new spotlights into ceiling and plaster skim fix new wall tiles (floor to ceiling) fix plywood to floor and tile floor…
Security issues- doors
I have a basic wooden back door with single pane glass. Do I need permission to install a double glazed door? Any advice on where to purchase a new one? Would it be cheaper to buy one and have someone fit it or use d/g company? Front door is not secure enough for my liking, I think it's UPVC, can extra bolts, chains etc be…
Underfloor heating in victorian house
Hi all Can anyone tell me if it would be possible to install underfloor heating in our Victorian house and retain the orignial stripped floorboards? Would this be a lot less efficient than standard central heating? Any ideas on what a reasonable quote would be (we're in SW London). Thanks so much in advance Anna
Grants available for homes improvements & energy efficiency
This thread is to discuss Grant Grabbing for your home article To discuss or ask a question - click reply
Vaillant vs Glowworm
Getting quotes for heating and plumber says that…. Vaillant and Glowworm are owned by the same company. and the combi boilers more or less use the same parts but Glowworm are cheaper Is this correct? He suggested the Glowworm 30 CXi but I am thinking of asking him for a quote for the Glowworm 38 CXi to have that bit better…
Cheaper floor?
Hey all, Just in the process of buying a new build and need to carpet/tile/laminate the whole of it. Have decided to do lino for the bathrooms, carpet for the bedrooms and living room and then the entrance hall, kitchen and downstairs bathroom with tiles. What does everyone think? we have been looking and it seems cheaper…
Bare brick / stone walls (currently plastered)
Hia, Well I'm finally moving into my new house and have lots of DIY to get on with... In my basement kitchen, I would like to get the effect of stripped walls either side of the chimney breast - there will be eye-level fitted cupboards, then just a breakfast bar below (both sides the same), and I'd like to see the walls…
Recovering a sofa - likely cost?
I have a three piece Multiyork lounge suite that is in rather tired condition. I quite fancy the idea of having it recovered in a washable fabric. Has anybody done this recently and if so, what was the cost? If it turns out to be hundreds of pounds, perhaps I'll invest in a couple of cheap cotton throws instead! Any ideas…
Soundproofing: is it effective?
Hello, As the title suggest, does anyone have any experience of this and its overall effectiveness at reducing airborne noise? With the party wall in my end terrace not being overly thick, we can hear a lot of noise coming from next door (mainly music which I'm sure they don't think is as loud as it is - speaking to them…
Cheap Lawnmower sought
HI All, I am looking for a cheap lawnmower for my mother. At the moment I have found this one http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/7303212.htm which is probably the type of thing she is after. Does anyone know of something cheaper? I would like to order it in the next day or two. Does argos appear in quidco? I…

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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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