We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More » This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Archives for July 2018

What do you call a rug that's not quite a rug?
I need to buy some floor coverings... not as fancy or substantial as a proper rug, but thicker than a dust sheet. First of all... what do I call that? And secondly, where can I find them? ... if I knew what to call them I'll go on eBay, but so far I've had no luck searching on 'rugs' or 'floor coverings'. It's a temporary…
Which direction to put flooring
I've decided to get wooden flooring in the main bedroom upstairs whilst leaving the rest of it carpeted. However, I'm not sure which direction to put it in as the room is fairly squarish. Which direction would you put it? Floorplan with measurements: Btw downstairs has flooring as it's laid vertically in the diagram above.
Confused about sofa suppliers
Help! I've been trying to do my due diligence on sofa suppliers. :undecided We've shortlisted to two, one in sofology and one in barker and stonehouse. The trustpilot reviews, look a bit suspicious to me for sofology, so I was wondering what people's recent experiences were for both companies, esp. for purchasing a leather…
Floor Insulation: Which one?
Our living room and hallway are currently carpeted. We have pets so want to rip up the carpet and have floorboard. We can restore the floorboards ourselves, we did it with the bedrooms, but have no idea how to do insulation. I believe the floor is suspended timber (1930s house) and the floorboard are original (including…
Is there asbestos in chimney breast plaster
Does there tend to be asbestos in the plaster on the outside of my chimney breast.... It's a 1950s terraced house I want to expose the bricks.... I'm not sure if the plaster I want to chip of would likely have it in I know the only way to know is to have a test done... Wonder if that's where it would be... If it's in…
Cost for professional to gravel front garden
The front garden sticks out about 1 meter at the front of the house and goes around a bit down the side of the house - so maybe 7 or 8 square meters. Want to turn all the grass into gravel. Any ideas on the approx cost? have no idea if its a £300 or £1k type job for a pro. Im only looking to get 1 quote because i like the…
Anyone recognise this kitchen?
Hi, We are in the process of buying a house with the attached kitchen. When we viewed I noticed a couple of the doors had some slight damage so would want to replace them if possible but the vendor didn't know where the kitchen was from as it was installed by the previous owners. The base units are fairly distinctive so…
Taps for low water flow
I'm having my kitchen refitted and have read that I need special taps due to the low water flow. I've seen online references to low pressure taps but my pressure is fine - it's the flow rate that is the issue due to the old pipework/shared water supply. However the result is the same - water comes out very slowly! So do I…
Marked aluminium windows - help needed!
Hi all, I recently ordered new aluminium windows for my property at a cost of c. £20k which have been installed as part of extension and refurbishment works. The window company also supplied a number of pressings (basically thin sheets of Aluminium which cover steels etc. between windows so the glazed areas look to be one…
Choosing bathroom fittings?
Morning all Stupid problems to have but here goes! Trying to choose all the fittings etc that goes with a new bathroom. What is preferable for bath / basin wastes - pop up, flip top etc? Didn't realize that some taps dictate what waste you have (those with the lever thing) Some advice would be good. Also, what's the thing…
Skimming wood chip wallpaper
Anyone used Polycell's SmoothOver or other product to give a finish on wood chip paper?
How do I clean double glazed windows over a conservatory?
Morning all, Can any tell how this is done? We have two windows above our conservatory that need the upvc cleaning. I know you get a man with a long sponge on a pole to rub at them, but the people next door had this done and it looks terrible. We done our front windows using a liquid cleaner and cloths. Is there there some…
Can't get rid of coffee stain
On the carpet on my stairs. Tried Rug Doctor several times, and the vinegar/washing up liquid/water thing, to no avail. Help!
Home Improvement Guarantee Scheme
Hi, I've had some bad experiences with builders and came across the Home Improvement Guarantee Scheme and wanted to check if anyone has come across it and used it? Many thanks
Same Day Skip Removal?
Is it possible to have a skip delivered on the the morning and removed the same day! We have a problem with fly-tippers filling skips as soon as they appear, in an ideal World i would just love it used and removed the same day but i can't seem to find any that will do this, it's not the end of the world if it's still there…
wire-Free Home safety Camera
Hello i am looking for wire-free Home safety camera. recently I saw Foscam E1 IP camera and i am impressed with it following features: waterproof, long lasting battery, FHD 1080P live view, playback, Advanced Motion Detection and Night Vision. or please suggest me the better one ? thanks
Help with bad intermittent smell in downstairs room
hello, moving isn't currently an option so I am stuck trying to do my landlords job for now. I have had on and off sewer-y smells in my room for quite a while and can't find out where they're from. the landlord doesn't like spending money and never visits, but right now there are several reasons a move isn't an option. if…
Electrician - rewire quotes
Hi everyone, Last Monday an electrician came round to carry out an inspection and report for the electrics of our 1910 house. He advised we would need a re-wire as the electrics seem to be around 20-30 years old. He advised he would be able to carry out a re-wire and patch plastering which would take around 2 weeks for…
Electric screwdrivers
I'm wondering if anyone could recommend an electric screwdriver that could cope with masonry, having done some research a drill/impact driver might be what I'm after.
frame for garage doors
I have an old prefab garage at the back of the garden. It has issues, but my main focus is to put some doors on it as the old doors have rotted or fell away (previous owner neglected). I’ve already bought some doors for the garage, they’re a bit too small in width but well-made and primarily bought as they were cheap. On…

★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

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.

View All

In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free

In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Discussion List

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free