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In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Archives for December 2018

Possible move and extension
Back in early 2018, I lost my grandmother, and subsequently inherited her property, and a relatively sizeable monetary inheritance with it. To cut a long story short, the house is a semi in a very nice location, with quite a sizeable garden (much more so than our current house), and the idea of keeping the 'old family…
The Kitchen Depot thekitchendepot.co.uk
Bit of a long shot but does anyone have experience of the above company? Unsurprisingly they supply/fit kitchens.
Best online bathstore products?
Seen loads of ads, Soak, Bathstore, Victoria Plumb, Victorian Plumbing... Any decent, value for money recommendations or ones to avoid? Thanks
New bathroom install...leaking!!
So 8-10 weeks ago, leaking shower unit. Has a few plumbers out, all recommend to replace (tbf old set up 15-20yrs old!) as it may be profiling... Had it all done, spent about 2.5k all in and still leaks! Had plumber out 2/3 times all ready, he said he will resolve but also said it’s xommon on new installs that leaks occur!…
Water Softener
We have an old working Domextra water softener but it’s becoming gruelling getting and putting the salt in. I have seen advertised for £399 inc VAT a water softener which attaches to inlet pipes. I’d be grateful if folks could tell me the advantages/drawbacks compared to the Domextra type water softener. Also how much…
Soaked walls around window HELP!
We bought a cottage (1903) last year and are slowly working our way through the rooms. We have gutted our bedroom and had it re-plastered. The window used to be tiled and would be covered with water in the morning. We have had brand new windows fitted and the internal exterior walls insulated (we think ultimately we will…
Any tips before buying a new induction hob
My last ceramic hob lasted a total lifetime of 8 months packed in a while ago and now I'm in the market for a retailer that'll do a replacement + arrange the contractors to do it. The previous experience has been horrendous and causes anxiety on things potentially going wrong again. My questions are :- 1. Are there any…
Recommendations for pressure washer
Any recommendations? They all seem to vary so wildly in price! I am looking it primarily for cleaning the car but also for keeping the back garden paths etc nice and clean. I don't want to spend a fortune but I want to ensure I buy a quality item that will last a long time.
Viewing a house with view to extend
I.imgurcom/gUDhUgnh.jpg (add a . before com for link to work) i.imgurcom/Ud8yTYhh.jpg Morning guys, just to explain, I'm currently looking to buy a house for my family of 4. I've found a house which ticks all the boxes apart from needing to be bigger. I just thought I would ask your guys opinion as to whether you think…
Noisy radiators on unvented system
Had my central heating upgraded a year ago. Most of the radiators were changed along with a new system boiler and unvented cylinder etc. When it was finished I asked a few questions on here and the internet because the engineer didn’t leave me with a bypass radiator and I have no bypass valve fitted. The boiler has a built…
Advice on stained glass window door after burglary
Hi all, First time poster here! We were burgled a few days ago while away visiting family for Christmas. Frustratingly, it was because a bathroom downstairs window was left slightly ajar by a family member, and we didn't spot it. Luckily nothing much was taken so more of a wake up call, and we've bought a few security bits…
New kitchen - sense check!
Hi all, Just getting quotes for a new kitchen including: - 19 units (Inc two sets of pan drawers) - CDA appliances (gas hob, extractor, oven, microwave and fridge/freezer) - splashbacks - integrated bins and corner unit - two sinks, two taps - laminate worktops Wondering how much would people expect to spend on this to…
Structural Engineer liquidated. Do I need to pay for more drawings?
[FONT=&quot]We are about to do a house refurbishment. Our architect did all the drawings and also did all the structural drawings for the 3 new steel support beams and columns that need to go in.[/FONT] [FONT=&quot]The architect company has now gone into liquidation and closed down. The builder is happy to use the…
Acoustic panels for sound reduction
I've just bought a flat and have realised that my bedroom shares a partition wall with my neighbours' bedroom and I can hear them talking at night and, ahem, other bedroom noises 😳 quite distinctly. Having just spent a lot of money redecorating, I am looking for the least disruptive solution. I have been reading about…
New Kitchen - recommendations
Hi there Our project for 2019 is to have our kitchen redone; unfortunately we are not really sure of the design we would like nor which company is the best one to approach and go with. Neither of us are particularly DIY savvy so we would need a full installation service as well as supply and design. We had a few issues…
Screw hole repair
Hi One of our curtain poles supports came off and I need to refix it. There are three supports and only one has come off so i need to fix it back on same place. The screen hole is a bit damaged when support fell off. It is masonary wall. Do I fill the hole with something and then re drill? Thanks
New washer/dryer banging around and completely out from its place
We arrived home today to an incredibly loud banging sound - our new washer dryer (which we had professionally fitted) was smashing around the utility room and has completely come out: The cats were terrified and this seems really dangerous - I haven’t had a chance to move it and check whether the tiles are damaged yet. Any…
Help - mould under wallpaper
Hi We've stripped the wallpaper from our bedroom and found this dark/purple/red mould underneath. Does anyone have experience of what to do about this? We are due to skim the walls with plaster before painting them. Any help much appreicated!
Heating a empty flat
Sadly my mom passed away at Christmas so her flat is now empty till things are sorted My Moms flat has a Gas combi boiler , radiators with TRV valves I'm not sure the best way to stop any problems with pipes freezing etc I was thinking of leaving the Gas combi boiler running 24/7 and setting the room temperature to 13 c…
Air vents?
Hi, Got two of these broken on my outside walls. Can someone please tell me what are these called (air vents?), where can I buy these and how to replace these? https://ibb.co/jLZNYM5 https://drive.google.com/open?id=1PSQ747tafO7aABKMosE417fxTdj65EFQ Size I measured is 216 x 67 cm. I can see b&q selling these, these look a…

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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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