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In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Archives for August 2019

Quietening trickle vents
Hello, Is there a way to quieten down the noise that comes through trickle vents? I've moved from somewhere that didn't have them, and so I opened the windows regularly, to somewhere that does, and the noise difference is a bit noticeable. I don't mind paying for a decent job, I just wouldn't know what to ask for or what…
Fensa certificates
When we moved house we had some chew getting tends certs for a window previous owner our in before fensa was even a thing but as we had no paperwork the buyer was antsy about it. Keen to avoid any future trouble therefore We’ve had some window work done and wondeienf how long it takes real-world figures to get fensa…
The Doozer Family Self Build
I've been meaning to post something for ages as someone actually asked, but I've never really been a thread starter, despite the frightening number of posts I've made. I find it impossible to post pictures into threads anymore and that's been daunting me, as building a house is quite a visual thing! So, I've just started…
Taking cavity wall insulator to court
Hello, I'd really appreciate some advice here. My parents had cavity wall insulation installed around 2008 and I think there was a government scheme at the time, meaning everyone with a van seemed to be signing up for the scheme. They had to come back three times to fix things and we suspected that they still didn't do it…
Permitted development deadline extension
We have a barn conversion underway, although in very early stages. It’s planning status is “prior approval not required under permitted development”. The usual deadline for completion (3 years) is soon approaching. Does anyone have any experience/knowledge of whether getting an extension to this deadline (say 12 months) is…
Replacing misted double glazing units, u-values.
Hi, I've have misted up double glazing for the last couple of years and it's time to change them, not only because they look awful but also they are not longer energy efficient. So, I've have a few quotes for 11 units: online: £450 for units that achieve u-value of 1.0 £350 for u-value of 1.2 A few local quotes for £315,…
Shower pump
Quick question for any plumbers out there - ground floor flat with a shower fed from the bath( as per some hotels) with a lever to activate shower. As the cold tank feeding the hot water system is only about 18 - 20 inches higher than the shower head there is not enough pressure to use properly. I intend fitting a…
How long do I have to pay builder's invoice?
Hi, I posted some time ago regarding some, what I felt to be, shoddy work from the person doing my bathroom, who then disappeared for a few weeks. https://postimg.cc/gallery/27apoils2/ I asked for an invoice which was emailed to me on Wednesday. Since then they have been texting and ringing demanding instant payment. I am…
Can carex handwash cause mould?
Currys delivered and installed a new washing machine today and the fella asked for some floor polish / spray so it'd slide on the floor easier. The only thing I had was Carex handwash and so he wetted the floor a bit with it and slide it into place. Am I overthinking it or could the soap cause mould in the future? I…
Warren evans mattress
I see Warren Evans are back as an online retailer, any one got any reviews or comments on their mattresses? They have a 25% off sale till Monday by the way.
Conservatory Roof
What are my options. Ive heard of lightweight roofs but for the size of the conservatory its about 6k which seems crazy for some lightweight tiles and a bit of plastering. Wanting to use it as another room all year round, any other options, do glass roofs need better foundations? if not are they cheaper than a tiled roof…
Big letters for the wall - sit back & relax
I was just watching Kirsty and Phil & I saw a house which had large padded/3D gold letters on the wall saying - Sit back & relax. Each one was probably about 8 inches high - at least. They stood proud & shaped/curved. Anyone seen anything like it? I’ve been searching eBay & the internet - all I keep finding are decals and…
Doors for fitted kitchen - avoiding vulnerability to water damage
I'm nearly ready to choose a manufacturer for a fitted kitchen, but I am stuck on the question of door construction. With any "fielded" panel (ie with a thinner middle and a thicker edge), the bottom transition (from thin to thick) is an obvious weak point if there is the risk of water dripping on the door, eg under a…
Wooden Door Crack?
One year on from fitting a crack has appeared in my wooden door, it has the house on one side and the North facing conservatory on the other. The manufacturer offers a 10 year guarantee but said i can only go through the place i purchased it from. The Company who sold it to me came out to take some photo's saying it was…
Roof Guttering Downpipe Question
After weeding the garden at the front we noticed at the bottom of our roof downpipe guttering. the rain rainwater pooling into the soil. There doesn't appear to be a drain. Whats the best course of action - Should we be concerned? Its probably been like this since the house was built 40+ years ago!
Advice with light rose with 6 wires
Hi there, I'm a complete newbie doing DIY at our home, and I've done some minor electrics stuff like changing light wirings and plugs, but I've never come across a 6-wire configuration. The new light fixture (Ikea's) requires me to remove the existing rose completely and only has a live and neutral connection, no earth or…
LVT brands, moduleo?
So we had decided on an LVT click floor by lifestyle but they have now discontinued the colour since we chose it. None of their other samples are exactly what we would like. Local supplier to us steered us towards moduleo, huge range but much more expensive even though we’re fitting ourselves. Any recommendations on brands…
Stair rails in turning
Hi In our house we have the stairs going upstairs with a balustrade. At some point the stair turns 90 degrees to start a new short section before arriving at first floor. On that section the balustrade is straight that means parallel to the floor, and not following the stairs. So the balustrade is a bit high to grab from…
P.O. Manhole
Hi, Does anyone know who I can contact over a P.O. Manhole. I have lived in my house for 5 years and it has never been opened. But I’m looking at getting removed so that my driveway is all the same. Thanks
Shelf advice
Hi, I'm putting a new bathroom in which looks much like the picture below. The wooden shelf sat above the toilet and basin is our last purchase and I would really appreciate some advice. I'm not sure where to buy from or what type of wood and treatment is required for the job. Any suggestions please? https://ibb.co/q744CT0

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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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