-
Damp due to neighbours!! PLEASE HELP
Hi guys, I hope someone can help me. Basically, i own an end terraced and the path which runs down the side of my house is shared with the detached neighbour. The neighbour layed new concrete slabs over the old ones which was so high it was above my DPC. I spoke to them and told them they shouldn't have done this without…
-
Cooker hood installation
Hi, I have a new cooker hood that needs installing. Although not shy of a bit of DIY, I'm not entirely confident in my ability to do it myself. What would be the best tradesperson to do the job? Thanks
-
Protecting carpet from wear.
I've bought a Wii dance/keep fit DVD. The room I'm going to be using it in, has a mainly wool fitted carpet. I'm worried that dancing on it every day could quickly wear out a big patch of carpet. I've read somewhere that placing a big mat/rug/ carpet offcut on top of a fitted carpet doesn't really save on wear and tear as…
-
Home heating controls
Okay, so I've let all of the advances on home heating controls pass me by and I currently have a simple one channel controller (mounted under the stairs in the fuse box cupboard), with pins around a 24 hr clock dial for turning my heating on and off. With having to reach into the box and inadvertently pushing in more pins…
-
Alternatives to Osmo Top Oil etc for worktops?
We have oak worktops in the kitchen and they are now in need of stripping, sanding and re-oiling. It was originally done using Junkers Rustic Oil but I think too much was put on. It formed a skin, like a varnish and when this became broken in places the water got underneath and mould started. In general the finish does…
-
Toilets with Sink Above - Are they any good?
Hello! We have a tiny downstairs loo which currently has a separate tiny sink and toilet. It gets cold and damp and we're looking to fit a small radiator, but that would limit the space we have. The plumber suggested a toilet with sink on the cistern, which seemed a great idea until my friend who is builder said they're…
-
Home saving research
Everyone buys home improvement items such as sofas, lamps, radiators........ Where are you usually buying? Is it online shopping or going to a physical store? Can you share a few affordable shopping sites?
-
Dishwasher problems
I bought a washing machine and a dishwasher from Currys at the end of August. The dishwasher has not cleaned properly right from the beginning - food debris and stains left on around half the items each wash. I rinse off bits before putting into the machine and soak baked on food of casseroles etc. Fairy platinum tablets…
-
New extractor not working - builder not responding to emails
Hi, We had a new kitchen fitted in March this year and the extractor has given up the ghost for some reason. The electrician has checked their wiring and has confirmed it is not a problem at their end of the work, but the problem lies with the device (from Howdens). As the device was bought through the builder that we…
-
Fans/ducting problem - what kind of tradesperson do I need?
I'm having a number of issues with extractor fans in my flat which I *think* are all connected. Not sure if I need an electrician or some other kind of expert though and wondered if anyone could advise? I live in a purpose built flat which has a toilet and bathroom in separate rooms, neither of which have external windows.…
-
Repointing
I’ve moved in and I have a leak. Roofer has had a look and said the side wall needs repointing. £2830 - including scaffolding. Obviously I will get other quotes but is there anything I need to know? Such as I need to get it down in dry weather and not in winter? Do they need scaffolding? Damsel in distress haha.
-
Thames Water Build Over Sewer Agreement
Hi there, We are in the process of having an extension on the back of our house. Thames Water state that one of their sewers is under our house and that we need to pay £299 for a 'Build Over Agreement'. We have already paid for one of these approx 8 years ago when we had our previous extension (also to the side and rear of…
-
Replacing low energy bulb in security light.
A few years ago we had a PIR security light installed and it was fitted with a low energy bulb. The bulb is of the type which takes time to get to full brightness so is in reality useless as a security light. A burglar could be in the house and gone before the light gets to full strength! Can that bulb be replaced by an…
-
Wallpaper near-match required!
Hi, I’m trying to find a near match for an old embossed wallpaper of which I need 1 roll and will be painting over in the same colour as the rest. I have tried all the usual shops with no luck. Are there any companies which make bespoke wallpaper? Or could find a near match with a photo? Many thanks in advance
-
Vacuum Storage Bags
Wasn't sure if this was the right board for this post, but it's not 'techi' enough. In the past, I bought some vacuum storage bags, which basically, were no good to me when they arrived. Not because they were faulty, or a bad product, but because we have a Dyson vacuum cleaner. The hose is far too big to fit the valve. We…
-
Is the brand aica durable?
I want to buy two sets of radiators recently. Then I saw that the aica's radiator seemed to be very good. Has any friend used this brand of radiator? Please give some advice...
-
Party Wall - Notting Hill Genesis
Just submitted my planning application - one of the house adjacent to me is owned by Notting Hill Genesis. I have talked to the lady who is in charge of that house and she has been really helpful in the past. Before of informing her of my planning application and then sending her a party wall notice I was wondering if…
-
Worth replacing energy saving bulbs with LED?
LED bulbs in deals now as low as £1/bulb Currently have energy savings bulbs Heard LED bulbs use about 10th of the energy, don't need to warm up, more robust and less fragile so breakages lower, breakages don't release mercury like energy savings bulbs? Anyone done a calculation? Would I get back the £10-15 quid over time?
-
Boiler not switching on
I've got a Baxi / Potterton boiler which was on this evening and making some loud electrical noises that I could hear from the living room, just like a buzzing noise. Turned off at the wall, now trying to turn it back on and nothing. Any ideas how I can try and power it on? I've held the power button for 20 seconds and…
-
vinyl flooring
Hey guys I’m looking at getting vinyl flooring in my living room and hall way. At first I was looking at Karndean as it’s a brand I know but I’ve come across Polyflor which seems the same but a lot cheaper. Has any one got any experience with these or any other brands you’d recommend ? Thanks
