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Cost expectations for a general builder
I've got a light refurbishment project to complete which includes installing some windows, plasterboarding, kitchen and bathroom. In general terms of getting a project finished is it better to employ one day rate multi skilled builder to do the work and oversee other tradesman or is it better to just use individual trades…
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Outdoor security camera advice please - numpty alert ;-)
Hi I feel silly, as I know what I want, but I'm not sure how to explain :D So, I'm looking for a budget priced OUTDOOR security camera that doesn't record to an SD card (as I have no way of viewing from a card) - I can only view on my android phone. Can anyone help please? I have around £60 to spend. Not much I know :(…
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Asbestos (chrysolite) in artex ceiling
Hi all I know this has been discussed before and I have read the various posts from what seems to be a common problem I have a 1979 built house with artex ceilings - the one with little icicle style dots everywhere - I have had a numbered of them plastered over already as they looked unpleasant I recently was planning to…
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Open plan kitchen - downside.
Often on property programmes the call is 'I want a kitchen/diner'. That is where the kitchen is open to another room. I've just had the misfortune to suffer the downside of this, some comments about options would be welcome. A couple of instances encouraged me to have the two gas-fires serviced, one in the front room…
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Best chimney pots to counter downdraughts?
All this talk of open fires reminded me. A rural bungalow located below a hillside suffering with smoke blowing back into the room. It needs a new pot installing so can anyone advise on which shapes of chimney pot give the best protection against wind blowing downwards? Since it is a short flue, presumably the draw isnt…
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Window problem in house I'm buying
Hi all, The house that I'm buying has a problem with the glazing in one of the small windows in the kitchen. The survey said this: There is evidence of failed seals to the glazed unit to the kitchen window. A picture of the issue here: https://imgur.com/a/gAhorJr Does anyone have a rough idea of how much this would cost to…
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removing chimney breast - floor plan attached
i am planning to get chimney breast removed from my 3 bed semi Victorian c.100 years old house. there are 2 big chimney breasts, and used to be 4 fire places but now only 2 remains. 2 fireplaces from 1st floor bedrooms are already covered. you can see in this floor plan - https://ibb.co/h5XzZ9 i want to keep just one…
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Designer radiators
Hi, Can anyone recommend the best place to source designer radiators? I’m looking for 2 on a vertical and the other a normal type of rad just more pleasing on the eye!
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Loft conversion additional value
Hi, I have recently bought a house and am considering getting a loft conversion to increase the property value before selling in the next few years. I will ask an estate agents opinion but thought I would post here incase anyone has any insights... The house is a 3 bed surrounded by 4/5 bed houses. Total floor area is…
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Dimmer switch
I have a dimmer switch for the lights in the lounge. The bulbs at the moment are not LED. Can I just change the bulbs to LED or do I need a new dimmer switch? Its a double dimmer switch
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Loft conversion - planning required?
Hello, I am thinking of having the loft in my 1890s end terrace converted. It has a pitched roof and height at centre (where the slopes meet) is around 3 meters. There are around 12 end terraces in these blocks of roads/streets and they are a mixture of hipped or gabled roofs. If I create a rear dormer, this will only make…
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Best way to light a fire in a small woodburning stove.
I've got a small non-cast iron woodburning stove I've just had installed. I'm looking for inspiration as to how to run it efficiently
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Building before warrant signed off
Evening all. We've recently resubmitted plans for a single story extension for the building regs to be signed off, the first plan was rejected for a couple of minor things. It was sent back to the council just over a week ago and I'm hopeful that everything will be signed off in the next 5 to 10 days. As winter is round…
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Fridges domestic vs catering
Does anyone know if the method of measuring power consumption of fridges is different between domestic fridges and industrial fridges? Have been looking for an undercounter fridge but want one with an electronic thermostat. Unfortunately none of the domestic manufacturers fit electronic thermostats to this undersounter…
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Windows Companies not Giving Completion Date?
Is it normal for Windows Companies to refuse to give completion dates because i can't get any for a new porch. They are walking away refusing this one thing although one told he would but not in writing which is obviously pointless to me.
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Home used as business
We live on a road of privately owned detached bungalows. The bungalow at the top of the road, which everyone has to pass is being used by the son of the house to fix cars, ready for MOT. This son works full time for a local pub, and his dad runs a taxi business. The house itself is clean and tidy, but the front garden…
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Is this fair
I’m looking for some advice on the following. I mentioned to a work colleague that my garden was in need of a tidy. She recommended her brother who is a Gardner for a living. He came out to our house and quoted us £80 to do ur front and back gardens. He did a fantastic job and we were really pleased, but we noticed our…
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best shops to buy building materials and bathroom fittings
could you guys please suggest best shops to buy building materials and bathroom fittings? like i read good things about diy kitchens for kitchens. shops like ikea, costco where you can never pay more for the quality you get. i know many people don't like ikea but i am convinced you can't get same quality elsewhere for same…
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lead pipe bulging through wall causing damp
there's a lead pipe that runs through the corner of my utility room that seems to be bulging in places , hidden in others, and there's damp forming around it. it goes up into my neighbour's bathroom, however, she is difficult, and won't let me send a plumber to view it, refusing to deal with it, as according to her, she…
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Spots on new hob?
Not sure if this is the right place to post this. We have had a new hob fitted. I used the front ring once with a frying pan (flat botton and dry) and I noticed afterwards the are spots that have appeared under the glass. I've tried a hob cleaner but they are still there. Can anyone tell me how to get rid of them please.…
