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In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Archives for March 2018

DIY disaster - cannot assembly back my dishwasher after repair
New update: I notice the freestanding dishwasher is cheaper than the integrated dishwasher. Would it possible to convert my integrated dishwasher spare into freestanding? But, I do not want to take the risk and DIY again, I am going to pay £90 (integrated dishwasher) or £25 (freestanding dishwasher) to Currys or John Lewis…
Options for wall (and ceiling) coverings
I feel like I am asking for more than my fair share of advice at the moment, but here's another one! I am capable of using Google, honestly I am, but the advice on here seems to cut to the chase, so I really appreciate it. The most common wall covering options I see are: Wallpaper of various kinds Wallpaper that is painted…
Paint peeling on oven showing rust
Pl can somebody recommend a touch up paint for my oven. The paint is peeling and showing rust. I want to do something to stop it from getting worse. Thanks
Net curtain hook fixing and wooden blinds recommendations
Hi two questions please. 1. Our network curtains are on one of those extendable poles. It keeps falling off every now and then so am looking to put it on a wire. Like this. My question is those small screws, how are they fixed to brick wall? Do I need to drill such a small hole.. http://www.argos.co.uk/product/6233314 2.…
Installing Hive Active Heating
Hi I have recently bought Hive Active Heating Thermostats to fit to a Logic Combi Esp1 35 boiler, I decided to go for the self install to save abit of money and I enjoy a DIY job. The house has two zones so I have bought the additional multizone for this. I have located where the two zone valves are and the existing…
Hole in external wall by the drain ..
Howdy ! I noticed somebody strategically placed a large road sign outside my flat ( under the bedroom window ). When I disposed of it into the communal recycling bin I noticed that by the drain on the outside wall, there is a hole the size of about a brick . As the weather has been freezing of late, the shrubs haven't been…
Leaky radiator valve thing
Hello everyone. Got a small problem, not sure if this is something I can do or not but there are small drips of water seeping out of this thing (top of rad, opposite side to the bleed valve) when the system is cold. Doesn't look like there is as much sealant stuff around it compared to the others. Any ideas how best to…
Where for kitchens
We're knocking through walls at home this summer so will be having a new kitchen and appliances. Wow, is it me or are they expensive? We've currently been to magnet and Wren, both quoting in the region of £10k, without fitting and with an Easter discount! We've got a reasonably sized kitchen and need a double oven,…
Driveway extension planning permission
I'm not sure whether or not I need planning permission to extend my driveway by under 5 square metres (approx 1m x 2.5m) if I use a non permeable surface e.g. concrete. Can anybody help? I know the legal background is The Town and Country Planning Act amendment order 2, statutory instrument 2008 number 2362, class F…
Glow worm cx 30 boiler has packed up
:mad: So I'm lying in bed, and for some reason I feel cold. I forgot to turn the boiler off. I check the boiler and see o o flashing . No f9 , just OO . I press the reset button with a paper lip . No go. I can hear the boiler trying to work but it won't . The annoying thing is it's in the small bedroom . The other annoying…
Boarding loft floor for storage
As above, planning to board out most/all of the loft for storage, probably replace the insulation while we are at it too. Should we reinforce the joists and if so, do we: go across the current ones to form a lattice type structure Go on top of the current joists, following their direction Bolt onto side of existing joists…
Inbuilt Double Oven
Thinking of replacing our built-in double oven. There appears nowhere online that I can get any sensible comparisons (not a member of Which and a bit reluctant to sign up for a month). Any reviews appear to start with ovens then split into gas and elec; then built-in v free standing; then single or double; then built-in v…
boiler safety certificate question
High 5 All, The Landlord's boiler annual safety certificate on the boiler is dated 2 months ago On 29Th March the heating failed to come on when I manually turned it on. This raises the question of just how well was the check carried out. What kind of redress do I have? Swale who are Best mates with the land lords don't…
Baxi 720030501 7 day remote thermostat
Hi All, Recently moved into my new home and one of the issues is the Baxi 720030501 thermostat control works fine but the battery light appears to be showing it is low. I have removed the two screws from the back but there doesn't seem to be any obvious sign of batteries nor is there anyway to charge it electrically. Can't…
Extension Dispute
I’m in need of some advice. I've search the forum and cant really find anything similar. We recently had a smallish extension added to our house. We signed a contract with a local builder, who are long established and came with good references, to project manger and build the extension for a fixed price. The contract…
Painting upvc cladding
We are buying a house which has horrendous upvc cladding on the walls in the kitchen. It looks dreadful. We will be ripping it all out in 18months (need to save up!) But in the meantime we want to paint it. We were thinking of doing it with chalk paint to make it look a bit rustic. The alternative would be a primer with…
B&Q vs Howdens laminate flooring
Hi Seen the following and wanted advice as to which brand would be better - b@q is 5mm thicker but would it make a difference? X hhttps://www.howdens.com/flooring-collection/howdens-laminate-flooring/howdens-professional-fast-fit-v-groove-flooring/professional-v-groove-oak-laminate-flooring/…
Do washing machine waste hoses have a non-return device fitted?
Sink gets blocked frequently and when I plunge it - it does clear. I'm just curious as to whether the waste pipe is actually being unblocked or whether the water is going into the washing machine. The washing maching waste is connected to a waste T pipe that is fitted to the plughole of the kitchen sink. I dont have any…
Cost Of Footings For Extension
Hi all, Another extension question so apologies. I'm looking at options of either getting a builder in to do everything or trying to project manage some of it myself. Trying to figure out how much each part of the project might cost in order to work out how competitive the quotes I have had so far vs the self managing…
Front dormer loft conversion advice
Hi all Hoping you can help with with advice about a front facing dormer. I’m looking to get a loft conversion and from what I understand, getting a front dormer can be difficult. I can’t get one on the back as my roof backs into another house (it’s end of terrace but faces out) so back dormer isn’t an option. See photo…

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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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