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Claiming VAT on a new build development
Hi everyone, i have a question for you all... I have recently purchased a Detached House as part of a development that comes with a Turnkey finish. I have run into the usual problems of kitchen designers, bathroom company etc being appointed by the builder and therefore not have any competition when pricing any upgrades on…
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Insulating between joists
Hi, We have a 1950s house which unfortunately doesn't keep the heat or sound in particularly well. We're having the carpets replaced upstairs so we're taking the opportunity to insulate the floor between the ground floor and the first floor. I've read that accessing this from beneath is best, however, because we're not…
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How to spray boots silver?!
For all you crafty minded people out there. I'm going to a Fancy Dress party after Christmas and the theme is Sci Fi. I've made my silver space suit (don't laugh) and have a lovely purple wig (remember the series UFO?)... Now I just need to spray a pair of boots silver. I've a got a cheap pair that fit well but are black…
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Will new oven fit?
We are removing our current built under double oven to install a new one. Do the dimensions of a new one have to be exactly the same as the old one or is there room for a very small variation in size?
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Advice on new drill
Hi All, I was thinking of getting a drill to do very basic diy stuff - however, when I went to B&Q I was faced with a range of options: Hand Drill / Driver / Hammer drill Not to mention various torque and voltages - 12v or 20v ? Could anybody give me some advice on what I would need for basic (and not very regular) use ?…
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Positive Input Ventilation Flatmaster 2000 - Condensation
I live in a new build apartment and was suffering from condensation and mould problems. I bought a dehumidifier a couple of years ago and that stopped the mould and limited the condensation but was expensive and noisy to run. After researching online I had a Nuaire flatmaster 2000 fitted two weeks ago. It has solved my…
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Internal Fire doors
Hi all, I live in a block of flats on the 6th floor. It's a maisonette style flat over 2 storeys but on 4 levels. When you come in you have bathroom and one bedroom (each have a door). You go up half a level and have another bedroom. Up another level leads straight into the living room (no door) and from there another…
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Economy 7 and working nights
I have economy 7. I work all night my useage is minimal, through the day, and for a short period only, I am away on my days off, therefore I am paying a huge amount for any electricity I’m using. Can anyone give any advice regarding reducing my energy outgoings please or help by suggesting another option. The property is…
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New Bathroom leaking
Had a new ensuite fitted last week. Guys were great and never a problem. They done what seems a great job. Used shower several times but I just noticed a small wet brown patch in the room downstairs. Not sure if it's the shower as it's in a different place but water can run. Obviously I will ring him to return but what…
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Plasterboard Window Recess
Is it normal for newer houses (built around 2000) to have a plasterboard window recess with nothing behind it? I have just started drilling the holes for vertical blind fixings and while I half expected a lintel I found the above. What's the best plasterboard fixing for this? There seems to be quite a few to choose…
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Flat roof - good job or not ?
We had a major leak in our bedroom which after 4 months or haggling with the house insurance was sorted by paying for the repairs inside as long as we paid for the repairs outside...it was a flat roof. We used checkatrade.com and found a local roofer who over two days fitted a new flat roof with I think EPDM. He says its…
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Redwood interior furniture
Hi, I have a redwood sofa frame which needs maintenance. What is the easiest and best option? It looks very old, scratched etc. thanks
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Re-pointing walls
Hello I live in a 1950s end terrace in N/W England. Next Spring I was thinking of having the walls re-pointed does anyone have any idea what this might cost. Thanks
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Anyone Have Experience Of Baumatic / Hoover Group Monthly Repair Plans?
Hi, We have a broken 10 year old range cooker from Baumatic. Not even that great, but £1200 to replace or for similar style. So I phoned Bautmatic and these were the options: £129 - fixed fee repair, but £64.50 call out if can't repair and offer of 'discount' on new appliance (this sounds fishy to me, they have plenty of…
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Extension ideas and considerations
Myself and the good lady bought our first house a little over a year ago. Its a 3 bed semi-detached. We converted two smallish reception rooms into one large living room area, which has worked out great. However, our kitchen is pretty tiny, and I would like to extend the house a bit at the back, to make that room a bit…
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Stopcock Issues - No Water?
Long story short - just moved into a property. Sellers left a note saying "water turned off - stopcock outside bathroom". There is indeed a stopcock outside the bathroom and I've turned this (anticlockwise) as normal to open the valve. However, this doesn't change anything. Taps are all still dry etc. Property was only…
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Gloss kitchen cupboard doors
Seven years ago I paid £9000 to have a new kitchen fitted complete with cream gloss doors. After 5 years 3 doors had to be replaced due to the laminate coming away from the door. Now all the doors, including the three already replace, are in the same condition with the laminate peeling away from the mdf frame. Am I being…
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Unvented cooker hoods ?
Are they any good or does it really have to be ducted? Do unvented cooker hoods filter out cooking fumes or just blow them around the room ?
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What's wrong with this storage heater?
My tenants in my flat mentioned a fortnight ago that one of the overnight storage heaters had stopped working. After some Googling, I found quite a lot of people who said that the trip switches inside sometimes trip and just need to be reset. This seems to vary from model to model, but people mentioned a small switch or…
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Permitted development
Hello, I'm looking to build an outbuilding within permitted development rights at the end of my garden. I want the concrete base to be 10cm above surrounding ground level as the garden slopes down towards the end and water has collected where the outbuilding is planning to be. This has only happened once after a flood.…
