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In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Archives for February 2012

Graffiti problems
Any ideas on how to remove Graffiti from concrete? I haven't a clue where to start? Any Advice would be helpful
Rogue/Cowboy/Bad Builder - Basingstoke/Hampshire borders area
Hi All, New on here, but need your help already! :o Have you had a bad experience with a Builder who is based in the Basingstoke/Hampshire borders area? I can't be more specific for obvious reasons, but suffice to say I have had a very, VERY bad experience with a builder who is based in that area, although he has also…
3/4 Mattress
Hi, We are looking to replace our 3/4 size mattress. Could anyone recommend a good dealer (shops or online) that sell good quality mattresses? Not bought a mattress for along time! Also what do people think is a reasonable price for a new mattress? Thanks
uneven plaster/wall
hoping you can help with a quick and cheap way to fix this theres a strip of 10cm across and 148cm down at the side of my fridge that looks like http://www.flickr.com/photos/14728274@N06/6795906018/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/14728274@N06/6942020269/ seems as if theres been tiles as can see and feel them beyond the…
Carpet a flat
Hi all, my daughter is moving in to a flat in Glasgow and I seem to remember seeing places that do deals to carpet the whole flat for a fixed price. Does anyone have any info?Forgot to add that she has a tight budget.
Windows UPVC vs. Timber
Be really appreciated if as many people as possible would vote/give opinions on this. For context this is regarding what to put into a newbuild bungalow with low maintenance in mind The windows are stipulated as white on the planning permission. Given the above which do you think the end user would prefer, timber or…
This leak is proving a mystery to me!!
I had a leak from washing machine few months which I thought I have resolved by cleaning the filter. Yesterday I noticed there was a damp patch on the carpet opposite the kitchen door. I have checked everything and had somebody checked the washing machine for leak apart from a little leak from the washing machine door,…
Timber frame extension on BSIF house ??
Hi everyone :wave: I am new on here but would like a little advice if possible ... We are currently thinking of getting a 6.5mx3m single storey extension to the side of the house and a 6.5mx3m single storey extension to the back which would have bifold doors across the back and loads of veluxs in the roof. We have a BSIF…
Finishing off stripped pine beams
OK I am laboriously returning my beams to their original state. For those who have done this - did you coat your beams with anything afterwards? I believe someone mentioned linseed oil in another thread. Cheers
Bath Panel and Plinth fitting
I've been asked by a friend to replace the cracked plastic bath panel with a solid oak wooden one. He's purchased it, and it comes in 2 parts, the panel and a plinth. No instructions cames with it, and looking at various images on sites, I'm not sure where the plinth should go. Is it fitted behind the panel or in front of…
home improving
Hi I am thinking of moving in with my mum and dad they are going to sign the house over to me. im then going to remortgage the house and fix it up both parents are disabled. Im looking to see what grants are available they will need a downstairs bedroom bathroom etc. they have been passed for a grant but because the house…
Replacement Window Schemes
Hi there, i'm in Halstead, Essex and wanted to know of any government schemes in place anywhere that will offer discounts/ scrapage reductions for me to get the cheapest possible replacement windows. They need to be replaced pronto. Thanks.
I Need an Armchair! Where From Though?!
I know, totally random, and at 29 i should be able to pick out an armchair, but i can't! I have a sofa from the Go Create range from Homebase, and it bleedin awful. Sagging everywhere and the cushions go flat etc. Ex display though, so lesson learnt! Obviously I don't want the matching chair, which is a cuddle chair…
Moth damage to your home
You may think that moths are merely night time butterfly-type insects that flit around your lampshade in the summer, or lurk in the tapestries of a stuffy grand manor houses. But some species of moth will creep into modern homes in search of a meal! The clothing moth larvae will happily eat your jumpers and carpets, and…
Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaners
Little sis has always been pretty allergic to strong artificial smells such as floor cleaner, bleach, oven cleaner and the like. Do a little spring cleaning in the house and well ALL windows are open no matter what the weather!! Anyway she has asked me to find out a little about steam cleaners thinking that the steam might…
re-using storage heater wiring?
Hi all, Sorry if it's a stupid question :o but is it possible to re-use wiring that previously serviced a storage heater for a plug socket (or a double plug socket if that makes a difference!). I had a storage heater, prior to having central heating installed, and when the CH was put in, the plumber got an electrician to…
Structural engineer costs
Hi I am in the process of applying for planning permission to build a dormer onto my house, I have been quoted £386 for structural engineer and report for this. I am in Scotland, just wondering if this is a reasonable quote? Thanks
Blacknened silicone seal in bathroom
What is the best way to tackle this? We get a lot of condensation in our bathroom (with 3 of us having regular showers) and the water runs down the window and collects on the sill. Looks like the silicone seal that is round the window sill is completely ruined and is going all black. Is it easy enough to replace it myself?…
Ikea Delivery
Hi, We've found a sofa that we really like from Ikea but it can't be ordered online, so we need to go to a store and order it. However as Oxford appears to be a slight black hole for Ikeas, our nearest choices are Coventry and Milton Keynes. We know that MK doesn't stock this sofa, so Coventry is our only option, however…
John Lewis - Excellent Shopping Experience!
Don't know if this is the right place to post this but I had to congratulate John Lewis on its excellent prices and customer service. I had looked for ages for a cooker hood and decided to go for John Lewis as the price was as low as any other web site but their guarantee is extended free to 2 yrs. I ordered the cooker…

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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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