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In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Archives for September 2016

Dripping copper pipe nut connection
Hi, We are having massive problems with our bathroom, which will be ripped out as a part of larger house design in 5 months time, so we are constantly patching something up until then. Long story. Following larger leak from the shower, we took the ceiling down in hallway below and repaired the leak. As part of repairs, we…
Repairing a faulty light fitting, qualification needed?
Hello all I have a faulty light fitting, and have no light in my kitchen, however the landlord has refused to repair it and I cant go on with having no light in the kitchen. So I was thinking of just paying to get it repaired myself however if I get a tradesman out to repair it and it needs more than a starter ie change…
good grease filter material for hood vents
Hi I have used an external vented hood in reirculation mode for a good 2 years before I finally hired a tradesmen to sort it out and it has finally been sorted. So now we can use it and remove the charcoal filter (which is meant to be for recirculation mode). The thing is I like the charcoal filter it has kept the motor…
Anyone use condenser tumble dryer water in their steam iron?
Our new drier says you can use the water it produces to fill a steam iron but says to clean the water first 'if necessary' e.g. using a coffee filter. Does anyone use the water in this way and does it really need cleaned? I don't know about the inside of these machines and what the airflow path is. I'm wondering how likely…
Who is responsible for repair costs?
Topic that cropped up in recent conversation has me puzzled. Any one know the answer? New houseowner renovates house and finds damp. Turns out this has developed gradually over the years due to building work done on the adjoining house around 10 years ago. Problem was out of sight and no-one was aware of it until now.…
Roof valley material not matching architects spec ?
After some guidance please from a roofer / builder or someone with some legal experience. On our recent extension the roof valley that has been created has been finished in felt. This is despite the architects spec reading as below. "LEAD VALLEY BETWEEN EXISTING AND NEW PITCHED ROOFS(or alternative pre-formed glass fibre…
Replacement roof glass lantern cost and recommendations?
Hi, We have a glass lantern in our roof, that's about 8foot wide and 20foot long - and about six foot high - it's got a door in one side to allow access via a staircase. It's probably about 20 years old now, falling apart a bit and not very noiseproof. I saw old posts on here recommending a variety of companies that do…
Dry cleaners
There don't seem to be many threads on dry cleaning, who is good / bad (in terms of value and/or service), or discounts / deals. I need two suits dry-cleaned - does anyone have any suggestions? (PS I know there are topics about doing dry-cleaning yourself - I don't really want to try that on a suit, too risky and expensive…
Protect wood table from water?
Hello all Just wondering if anyone knows anything we can paint or gloss on the a wood coffee table to protect it from water? Thanks all in advance!
What to do with my old bathroom suite and other house fixings.....?
Hi all! I've just gutted my flat in London and am wondering what to do with everything I've removed. Are there people who buy items such as old bathroom suites, kitchen appliances and general household items (mirrors, tables, chairs, sofas....)? They all seem too good just to take to the refuse center.... Thanks for any…
Oak Furniture Land
Hi all, We have recently spent a little over £2,000 to kit out our bedroom at our new house. We bought 2x wardrobes, a chest of drawers, dressing table and 2x bedside tables. We measured the room to ensure it would all fit... Fast forward to this Wednesday's delivery and the driver couldn't fit the wardrobe up the stairs!…
Retrofit side lights to existing uPVC windows
Hi, I'm sure this is a simple question, just beyond me... and forgive the lack of lingo :) Recently moved into a place that has uPVC double glazing, with small top hinged openers only, in all the windows. Where I would imagine the side openers to be is just a pane of glass. Is it possible to change these into openers?…
New extension mould already, Kids have CF
Hi, I have had a garage conversion recently for a play room/office for the kids/work. However, less than 6 months in and as soone as we've had a spot of rain. Got black mould on the inside of my walls. Really worries as the kids have a lung condition and we've had to take them out along with their toys for safety. I called…
Portable induction hobs
Does anyone have any recommendations for a portable induction hob? I like to be able to simmer certain foods but it seems this is an issue with most induction hobs - getting them to a low enough heat. From what I understand this just means that pulses are further apart so your sauce or whatever may in turn be cooling down…
Problem with solid wood floor - water damage
We have a solid wood floor in our kitchen / living room that was laid about 4 years ago. We've recently had a leak from the piping under the sink (that we've now stopped) which has seeped underneath the floor and caused it to lift and bow in sections. We had a builder round who suggested that it will retract as it dries…
Water leak ceiling repair cost
Hi, lost my other login so made a new one. I had a leak upstairs off one of the radiator valves, thought it was the boiler pressure relief faulty so refilled three times before I found the problem. Came home and found downstairs ceiling wallpaper had bubbled. Slit it and drained the water out and removed the wallpaper. The…
Thoughts on woodgrain pvcu?
I'm renovating a 1930s three-bed semi in NW London to add a loft conversion and single-storey side and rear extensions. Builders would normally fit standard white PVCu windows, but have quoted me 4k+vat extra for white woodgrain effect. Do any of you have any experience with woodgrain-effect windows? I think they would…
New Gas cooker being fitted... should I get certificate?
Hi, I am looking to get a new gas cooker fitted soon. I am looking at using my usual gas safe engineer to come and fit it. Couple of things I wnted to check: 1) DO they have to provide a certificate of installation? 2) Do they have to use a new gas hose when installing a new cooker? Our current cooker is very old so id…
Holes in patio door
We have a sliding patio door. The previous owners, by the looks of things, drilled holes for a second lock at the bottom of the door, then redrilled some more holes and put the lock there. This means there are some holes where air is coming in from outside and probably the source of the few spiders we have in the room.…
Can I put screws into tiles?
Hello all I bought this item for inside my shower http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221939294980?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=520828124468&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT And noticed it comes with screws and fixings, but will this work in my tiled shower? Can I put screws into the tiles? Any advice appreciated!

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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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