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In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Archives for May 2010

noisy washing machine
my 5 year old washing machine is making a right racket now when its spinning, a pretty loud 'droning' i guess, gf says its a kind of hollow hum and its definately speed related, i live in a really hard water area, its disgusting to be honest, always use calgon tho (just to be safe), any ideas what it could be? Thanks in…
Homecare 300
I already take homecare 200 with british gas. I am having a leaking pipe behind my washing machine and wonder if I take their plumbing and drains cover, will I be able to call them to fix it? It does not mention anything about having to wait for 2 or 4 weeks before asking for a repair? I know with the boiler and central…
'Cheaper than MFI' Kitchen to buy or not to buy?
I looking to buy a new kitchen but decided to have just one more look before signing up with B&Q. I came across 'Kitchens-Now' web site, linked to 'Cheaper than mfi' and 'really cheap kitchens'. This in its self is not an indication of a scam, may just be good way to get hits from a search engine, but I'm concerned. I know…
blocked sink
hiya does anyone have suggestions for clearin a semi blocked bathroom sink the water takes ages to drain i've tried a plunger but doesnt seem to clear it dont want to waste money on supermarket items if they dont work ta if anyone can help
Two electric showers running at the same time (in the same house?)
Hi! We're renovating a house and have planned for two electric showers (one in an en suite and one in the bathroom). The electrician has told us we'll need some form of complicated device otherwise should the showers ever run at the same time we'll blow all sorts of circuits. Anyone ever encountered this sort of thing…
door closers - which kind?
hi folks, what's the best thing for closing a door? I have had the perko kind with a chain in the past, but am now changing doors and am looking at other possibilities. I've come across raised butt hinges and springed hinges as alternatives. What are the pros/cons of the different types? purely from a installation point of…
Help needed, shared entry way between 3 houses - considering trying to buy it -
Hi All, We live in a mid terrace house in row of 3 (used to be 4 but 2 were bought and converted into 1 larger house) There is a shared entry way running up the side of our house and directly up our garden, which currently allows our 1 neighbour to access his garden from the rear (however its never used). Our neighbour in…
Boundary question
We have recently had an extension built. We live in a semi, but the extension didn't quite go up to our boundary on the side which adjoins our neighbour (it's about 30cm short of it. My neighbour also wants to build an extension and has asked if he can join right up to ours to save building himself another wall 30cm from…
What's the best way to paint a chipboard table?
I want to paint one of those small circular 'flat pack' chipboard tables white, instead of having it covered with a tablecloth to disguise it. Can somebody advise the best procedure & type of paint to use to get a good result.
cordless drill advice please
i am self employed and need a drill to fasten some boxes into concrete and some items onto tile. the location is away from the electical supply so i would need a cordless drill. screwfix have an offer on a dewalt 18v combi drill. it may be the last years range selling off cheap, i dont know. i dont need it to have 2…
Renovating Bathroom
I am looking for a guideline price for the following: Plumbing - Replacing Old Bath, WC and Basin with new, but Bath to a Shower Bath - Minimum pipework alterations to this will be needed - Add isolation valves to Basin and toilet Electrical - Remove electric Shower(going to have a bathtap shower) - Remove a wall light…
House rewire advice
Hi everyone – hope you’re enjoying the Bank Holiday! :) I’m at a daunting stage with my house renovation. I’m at the point where I need to get an electrician and I worry that I may get some dodge pot that doesn’t do a great job! I’ve done the usual and asked around but I can’t seem to get any great recommendations. :/ My…
CCTV Camera's in Neighbours garden!!!!!
My parents are in their mid 70's and the next door neighbour has just installed CCTV camera's in his garden. The neighbour told dad that it was a security issue (they live in the middle of nowhere fields as far as the eye can see) and when asked said the cameras do not look into mum and dad garden but they have since found…
Dishwasher – 1 person household
I am due to move next month and am currently researching appliances. I have never owned a dishwasher and am after some advice. All of the posts I have read suggest that tabletop dishwashers should only be purchased if space is limited. I will have the space for a full-sized appliance however I will be living alone. I was…
Replacing Flat roof on loft conversion
I was just wondering if anyone could give me an idea as to what sort of money I'd be looking at to repair/replace the flat roof on the dormer in my loft conversion. The existing one is about 13 years old and I'm sure it must be worn as we have a few damp patches now appearing along the corners in the ceiling and also one…
materials for a puppy play pen
Hi, we are getting a new puppy in the next few weeks and I am thinking of making our own "bespoke" puppy play pen. The ones you can buy online are only 25" high and he would be able to jump out of it within a few weeks. We have quite a large kitchen were he will be staying when we are out but we want a play pen to put in…
Nimbus cloud 9 or durafit500/600
Which is the better option for underlay under seagrass please, thanks:beer:
Sliding Doors needed prob bespoke!
Hi I need two large sliding doors, mirrored in walnut if possible. I didn't think my interior through properly and as a result I cant get four doors the same size because then some of the drawers etc are blocked! The way round it is to get two large doors but I cant find the doors I want and in the right size, I have the…
Condensation between double glazing panes
Hi I have just noticed a build up of condensation in between the glass panes in my double glazing, after thinking the whole thing would have to be replaced at first (devastated) my dad has been over today and said I can get someone to replace / treat the glass to get the condensation out. Has anyone got any recommendations…
Buying Tiles
I've spotted some porcelaine floor tiles that I really love but as usual they are over my budget at £50/m2 then today I found them at an online shop called "web tiles" also called "walls and floors". Has anyone used these websites or even bought tiles on line or know how I can get these tiles cheaper? On line they are only…

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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
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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