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In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Archives for November 2019

Tumble dryer vent connection
Hi! My first post here. Thanks in advance for any advice! I’m at a loss. Can usually ‘google’ most things but struggling with this one 😫 Bought a vented tumble dryer, already have a vent in the wall so this was the cheaper and obvious option. Bush model with plastic vent tube and connector to attach to the machine but no…
Boundary dispute with council
Hi, my house is owned outright but my nextdoor neighbour's is council owned. About six weeks ago the council put up scaffolding to do repairs next door. The scaffold posts are on my path outside my back door. I've not been contacted by the council about them doing this and I'm fed up of then being there. The council sent a…
Freezer not getting down to temperature.
I have an upright freezer that gets cold, but only to about 1 degree C rather than sub zero. Is this an easy fix for a repairman, or do I have to ditch this and get another? It's out of warranty but in as new condition so if it's repairable I would prefer to do this, plus it's one less in landfill.
Small cracks on external render
Hi all, Looking for some advice about some small cracks I’ve noticed on the render of a flat I’m hoping to buy. There has been an issue with especially around where the cracks are and I wondered if this could be the cause?? I really just want to get to the bottom of the issue if I can. https://ibb.co/S0fZsGT…
white chalky substance on walls
hi guys. we had this problem last winter, around Feb time this year, we had the house repointed and problem seemed to go. however it now appears to be back. i am wondering if this is just a 'winter'/mould issue instead of damp? the substance is chalky white and the outside walls have no visable issues (as above all…
Boiler popping all the time
Hi, Is it normal for a combi boiler to rev up a bit, you hear a popping noise (expansion vessel I guess) then it ticks over, and repeats every 3 - 4 minutes? Getting a bit bored of the popping noise to be honest. New boiler, Potterton Promax in a new build. Thanks
Recycled roof tiles - new EU Law
The manager of a local reclamation yard told me today that as of 1 September he is forbidden by EU law, Directive (whatever) from selling used roof tiles. In future when buildings are refurbished or demolished the roof tiles are to be returned to the manufacturer/destroyed. Extensions must use new tiles. He claimed that…
Light bulbs, not bright enough!
So we have used 100w bulbs in our kitchen for years and they were OK. Then we had to use halogen ones, 70w was not as bright but manageable. Now I have just got some 15w LED and they are no where near as bright as the old 100w bulbs. So can you recommend dimmable, 100w equivalent bulbs, normal shape, E27?
Identify light bulb fitting
Moved into new home recently and the bathroom light has gone. It's a downlighter / spotlighter. Can anyone please help identify: 1) is there a bulb already in place here? 2) What type of bulb goes into this fitting? http://imgur.com/a/1QXt1Pf A trip to B&Q will then be in the works. Cheers :beer:
Question about beds ...
Howdy ! I'm going through a major declutter , and last week a friend of mine suggested getting an ottoman bed . I have a kingsize bed and was thinking the logical thing would be to downsize to a double . Living on my own etc. My current bed is metal ,and has room to store things underneath which I have been doing . So…
Stuck Lockshield Valve on radiator
We had a new boiler in Summer 2018 and the system was power flushed. The radiator in the living room is slightly warm at the top only. No air in radiator. I've checked the TRV and it's not jammed. We have had the radiator for 14 years. The pipe that leads to the lockshield valve is warm. I've tried all types of…
Oven repair question
Hello everyone, Last week, our in-built oven was tripping the electrics as soon as we turned the temperature dial on. Assumed this was probably a faulty element, so I ordered a replacement element online. Today, I've removed the old element and connected the new one. The electrics no longer trip, so job done... However:…
Gas Stove Installation Advice Required
Hi, We are currently renovating and are planning on installing a gas stove where a traditional gas fire and surround once stood. We have removed the old fire, knocked out the open space, installed a concrete lintel and plastered the chimney wall, with all work carried out by professionals. We have just been advised that a…
RE Loft Conversion
Hi, I am doing a loft conversion next year, going the full hog, en suite et. Is there anything that I should be putting in - I know a wired fire alarm will be going in - and points for a TV - the usual stuff. Any modern technology? Any ideas? Thanks
Letter from managing agents ..large bill coming ?
Howdy ! I received a letter from the managing agents regarding a notice of intent for electrical works to be carried out . This is apparently due to unsatisfactory electrical installation condition report . (EICR) I could propose an estimate from an electrician , within 30 days . My question is , how much should I expect…
Neighbours builders keep putting skips on my parking space.
I’m not really sure what I can do. This time it seems they have done it on purpose. The first time they did it I called the skip company and they refused to move it without the builders permission. Tried to phone the builders number and never got an answer after multiple attempts. Tried to knock on door multiple times when…
Video doorbell
I'd like a video doorbell, but do they only ring on a phone? I've got a plug in wireless bell with a nice loud ring that can be heard all over the house and wonder if this can be used in conjunction with a video door bell? Many thanks for any help!
Boundary wall dispute
Neighbour got planning approval for an extension which would be entirely within their land, leaving ~100mm gap between the new wall and the existing garden wall. I believe the boundary is the centre of the boundary wall. Work started and the the outer leaf of the new wall is now partially on the garden wall. The wall was…
Washing advice
Hi there, I am a male, and I do my own laundry! Yes you read right :money: I have not long moved into my new house, which came with a shiny new Zanussi washing machine. I have found, since moving here (just down the road from before so can't be difference in water quality) most of my black garments are not lasting very…
Oak Coat Rack
I've just bought one of these and it's arrived unfinished. Can it be left unfinished.? I've been looking at wax finishes and oil finishes. There are so many choices. It will be used in an unheated porch.

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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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