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Artex ceilings and flat renovation
Hi I recently bought a small two-bed flat (built 1993) which has Artex ceilings throughout. I want to remove these and also replace most of the lighting. As part of the process I am going to get an Asbestos survey, just in case. The communal areas of the block also have artex and the survey there came back negative. I have…
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Bathroom flooring
Hello. My shower has been leaking , resulting in my standing on an area between shower and toilet and hearing a crack noise. I was amazed to see the tile still in place..I've since removed the cubicle and after a week of inactivity the flooring beneath the tiles must have dried out and now it's barely noticeable when I…
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Flat Refurbishment process - do I need planning & how to find a good builder
Currently going through the process of buying a leasehold flat in London. The flat is not in a conservation area and I appreciate that the lease, though yet not seen, may require me to get the freeholders permission to refurbish. Will I need planning or building regulations, or is the following within "permitted…
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Downstairs toilet in kitchen, can I knock it down?
Hi, we have just bought our first house together in wales. We have a downstairs toilet in the kitchen, for us this is a wasted space and we would rather a bigger kitchen. Is there any regulations stopping us doing this? Our estate agents doesn't and hasn't heard of anythong stopping us from going ahead. Any advice would be…
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Nest Thermostat & Worcester 8000 Life Boiler
Hi everyone, After some advice, I’ve recently had a new central heating system and boiler in my house. I’ve had the Nest thermostat 3rd Gen put in with Danfoss Ras-C2 TRV and lock-shields. The system hasn’t been balanced. The thermostat is switching the boiler on and the rads are getting hot. However, if I set to 20° for…
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Pilot drill size
I have some large wood screws to fix into ceiling joists through plasterboard. The screws are 70 mm long (excluding the hex head), 8.7 mm overall thread diameter, and the solid core diameter is around 6.3 mm. The things they are fastening are 6.5 mm thick metal plates. Can you advise what pilot drill or drills I should use…
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Electrician concerns for full rewire
I'm hoping to get some advice regarding ensuring a qualified electrician is doing a full rewire. Last week we had an electrician come and fit some new light fittings. As part of this they fitted a new consumer unit, as the old one was the same age as the house (around 30 years old). However they have been unable to sign it…
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No washer for tap.
Hi, I bought a 3 way kitchen tap Feb 2017, it cost £170 plus the filter system totalling £300. In July 2019 it started dripping, I contacted the supplier for a washer, they couldn't supply one, so they offered to install a new tap with me just paying labour which I accepted. Now less than 2 years later the tap is dripping…
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Boiler Pressure decreases
Hi I have turned the central heating off through the thermostat a week ago and I have noticed the boiler pressure deacreased. Is this normal? I am thinking if Im going to increase the pressure, that would mean I need to add water to the pipes. Your clarification will be appreciated.
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Dodgey tradesman
Recently had work done on garden- it is now apparent they used non pressure treated timber for subframe of composite decking- which is below industry standard. They are refusing to put right or refund- where do I stand? The invoice was done by a guy who did part of the work but says it was his friend's job (who I paid) and…
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Extension with permitted planning and neighbours
We are looking into building a extension. Now our initial plans of coming out 6m were met with opposition from our neighbour, which i can understand to a degree. But if we build a 2 storey extension that only comes out 3 meters, which i believe doesn't require planning permission, and comes under the permitted planning,…
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Getting references
Hi all I've been looking for someone to do work on our roof - a project in itself! When I've shortlisted a few and ask for examples of their work/references they either don't respond, or say they have reviews/photos online. I'm starting to worry I'll never find anyone.... The one in particular I liked and gave a fair quote…
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Miele Dishwasher: (strange) Inlet/Outlet error
We have a quite old Miele Dishwasher, IIRC it was from 2004 or so (we bought it used 5 years ago). Today, it started to show an "Inlet/Outet" Error (there's a dedicated LED for this). However: The washing cycle consists of a pre-wash (without the tab) and then the water is pumped off, fresh water comes in, and the tab is…
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Government Grant for Windows /Doors/energy saving etc..
Has anyone ever used these means to upgrade their home? Did you find it fair, a bit of a con, etc? Just curious to know as my social feeds are littered with ads after Googling "New Windows". Thank you
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roof of old house, replace or repair it every few years?
Please check the picture below, about 100 years old house? inside of the attic/loft, when it is dark, I can see lots of small gap like stars in the sky, :) it is slate, the leak does cause much problem, I only need repair it every few years, and every year it only cost about £200, so, what the best solution? thanks
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New Hoover/Vacuum Cleaner
I always call them a hoover although I know it's not and that it's a brand name. We have a DC07 that is used in a second property so it doesn't see heavy use. It's now gone from been rubbish to utter rubbish and is time to replace. The hoover does have a dog to deal with. So what's out there that is good and value for…
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Re glossing very yellowed internal doors
I guess the previous owners used an oil based gloss which has yellowed as there is generally no daylight through to the landing. I have always used a water based gloss to good effect as I cant stand the smell but is there a prep process before I gloss as the doors really are very yellowed or is it just a matter of 2 or…
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Dripping water from outside pipe
Hi, I have a got water dripping from the outside pipe. Any ideas on how to seal this gap. Thanks
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Neff H5972 Microwave/oven combi not heating after running it with nothing in it
Hi, I'm hoping someone can help me work out the best way forward, as I stupidly ran our microwave with nothing in it (there might have been a bit of a burning smell) and now it runs for 23 seconds, has a bit of a metallic rattly / scraping noise while its running and then stops but doesn't heat at all. The oven still seems…
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Elderly person with Alzheimers - heating options
My 89 year old mother in law has a back boiler with old fashioned steel type pin controls to put on a timer, no thermostat no option I don't believe to have the heating on separately to the hot water, all radiators are on. At the moment the timer is set to come on all day but at this time of year when the weather is…
