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In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Archives for August 2013

any electricians here
Hi, I wonder whether I could ask anyone`s advice please. I am sure the site isnt for questions like mine but this is such a great place for getting advice that I thought i may as well ask.... I live in an old, neglected small bunglaow...it is a housing association property that I rent (so you all know that I am…
Fibreglass for flat steel porch roof
Does anyone know if fibreglass can be applied to a metal roof? I have a flat metal porch canopy that is coated in some sort of bitumen felt that has degraded and I was thinking of replacing it with fibreglass. The canopy is about 1.5 m x 1 m. Also, how thick would the fibreglass layer be? The edges of the canopy are…
chimeny stack supports
Hi we're about to move into a house it originally had a chimney stack run down either wall, one side has been removed, the home buyer report has spotted this and asked about the support for the stack that's off, The stack has been reported as correctly supported and this was done years ago, when I get into the left what…
Insulation in a flat
Hi, was wondering if anyone could help. We bought our flat in April 2012. It's a top floor flat in a three storey new build flat, built in 2002 by David Wilson Homes. As it's a new build I had hoped the flat would be plenty warm enough in Winter, but we really struggled when it got cold last year. The flat never seems to…
Fill gap between bookcase and wall
Hi, I have assembled a bookcase and moved it against the wall. The issue is that the wall has a curve so there are gaps at the top ant the bottom. What is the best material to fill this with. I have white wood filler from another job I did but does this need to be flexible, like a flexible caulk, if such a thing exists.…
Built In Neff Microwave
I currently have a Neff build in Microwave that has stopped heating (H56W20N0GB). I was wondering if it would be possible to buy a Bosch HMT84M451B and attach all the built in parts from the Neff to the Bosch to make this the same built in microwave. To me the two microwaves look identical, and it's considerably cheaper to…
I want a US grinder. Power query.
I want to buy a meat grinder (not just a mincer, it needs to be able to handle bone too). The UK is seriously lagging behind the US in this field. If I managed to find a way to get a US one sent here, would it be safe/feasible to use it with a power converter given that it's around 1800 watts (not sure what the volt rating…
Help needed from Expert Electrician!
Hello there, What began as a simple kitchen refurb has turned into a bit of an electrical nightmare as we have discovered 30 year old wiring in the house alongside new wiring. I am sure there is a solution here but we have tried everything. Here is the problem, if anyone can help or point me in the right direction that…
Help - new light fitting
Trying to wire up a new light fitting. Ceiling rose with 2 white wires coming out of each end of terminal to existing lamp holder( simply 2 unmarked terminals) So, I now have a new ceiling fitting which has a terminal block with blue and brown neutral and live wires. How do I connect these to the 2 white wires coming out…
honeywell room thermostat clicks at 21
why does it click when moving the dial ?, is this the temperature of the room ,there is no heating on. I know if i set it to 20 or whatever temp that is the temp that shuts the boiler off , but why does it click
need a cheap ta run heater
Need a good heater that wont cost a lot to run. needs to be a 2kw which i know will cost to run but the person we are buying it for with most likely use it on 24/7. we have been looking at oil filed as they tend to just keep to a certain temp but have heard about oil free. so anyone recommend a heater that will be good…
Cost of garage rebuild
I have an existing garage and I would imagine it will be cheaper to knock it down and start again as the front is falling down as it has no lintel above the garage door and the door frame is rotten and bowing and the brickwork is all cracked. I was wondering what the approx. cost would be? The plan would be to take it down…
Cross line wallpaper
I want to wallpaper my chimney breast which was recently plastered and sealed (mist coat then standard coat) so it is in good condition. The Nina Campbell wallpaper recommends cross lining the wall but I can only find conflicting advice. Any recommendations? I also need a 'good quality adhesive with a preservative for…
Worcester boiler - eco or preheat
Hey Just had a WB 28cdi installed. Whats the best cost efficient programme to have on. eco or pre heat?
Need to clean garage ready for painting
I've had a new ceiling put into my garage and the work was very messy. I've removed all the mess as best as I can so far. I want to paint the ceiling and walls with emulsion in the next couple of weeks and want to make them as dust-free as possible. What's a good way to prepare the ceiling and walls for painting (walls are…
Buying a new kitchen sink
Hi - we're having a new kitchen and are planning on having granite worktops. We're quite keen on getting an undermounted sink and wondered if anyone had opinions, good/bad experiences with them? We like the look of ceramic sinks rather than stainless steel, but opinions wanted on that too - we will have a dishwasher so…
Hot water in taps but not in shower !!!
Hi Came home last night to find no hot water in the shower. All the other taps in the house have hot water apart from the shower. I have reset the boiler but to no avail....its a worcester brand boiler about 3 years old. Any ideas on what problem maybe? Thanks
How to power doorbell with no mains in hall?
Hi, I'm considering buying the upcoming iDoorCam - http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/idoorcam-answer-door-from-mobile-device/x/3011669 It's a door-mounted, WiFi-enabled doorbell camera that, when pushed by a visitor, will initiate a video call to a mobile phone. Trouble is, just like a regular old doorbell, iDoorCam…
Cost of house renovation ??
Hi, A family member is looking to buy a 2 bed semi bungalow (2 bedrooms, livingroom, kitchen and bathroom) which needs complete renovation. I think his guestimate costings are unrealistic. Can you help me work out a better rough costings for him? I think it needs (only viewed online, actual viewing booked) Gas supply…
Neighbours extension
Hi Guys First time using this site but i have a quick question, My neighbours (who are the neighbours from hell) have recently started to build their extension but are joining it against our Garage wall? like i say they are the neighbours from hell and we have had issues with them before and he turns aggressive if he…

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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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