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Add or change to Alexa controlled thermostat
I have an 'Ideal Logic ESP1 30' boiler in my flat with a wired thermostat ESRTP5 (Branded 'Therma'). I would like to know if it would be possible to have a wireless and Alexa controlled thermostat instead. Also, is this something that can be fitted by myself? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
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House flat roof conversion
Hi, we're thinking of converting our unusually flat concrete roof to a tall pitched roof to accommodate 2 extra bedrooms & 2 dormas. As the concrete roof is very substantial we could get away with using it as is & then building a roof on top. The size of the roof is 8 meters by 6 meters. Is there a way to work out very…
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Timber/Aluminium/Plastic guttering
Hi all, We moved into our house a year ago (Victorian terrace) and recently discovered that our front gutter is pretty rotten - it's timber front and back and I don't think the previous owners ever painted it for maintenance. The front is leaking above one of the pillars and a guy we had out for another gutter job said…
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Windows Scheme / Green Home / Double Glazing
Hi all We bought our first home about 6 months ago and have noticed that there is quite a raft from the windows (especially in the kids room) so thought it was best to look into getting the windows re-done. Have been trawling the internet for any 'Green Home Scheme' or any other discount scheme that was hoping we could…
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New chimney breast opening advice
Hello! We moved into an Edwardian terraced house back at the end of September. We have booked to have the plastered chimney breast reopened and a stove installed next month. Has anyone had this done? What do we need to do to prepare - I'm thinking about covering/moving furniture, what about the carpet etc? It's a 2 day…
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Fixing asbestos tiles back down
Hi, I just pulled up an old lino that has been down for 20 years. Underneath are the orange tiles that I know contain asbestos. As I pulled up the old lino, some of the old tiles broke off, I have covered this area for now with the old lino for now whilst I work out what to do. Is there anything I can use to seal the…
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Lock size help please
Hi everyone, I’m hoping you can help me please. I want to change the locks in my newly purchased house but I’m not sure of the exact sizes. It’s 80mm long which I understand but does it look like a 35/45mm barrel? It’s not as simple as removing it and taking it to screwfix unfortunately as I’m the only adult in my house!…
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British Gas Boiler Cover Renewal
After years of being with British Gas and them upping my Homecare 3 I was hoping for some advice. Like many people they couldn't book my yearly service in due last Oct until the 21st Jan but the contract ends the 13th Jan. Armed with other quotes I phoned them today explaining they were offering new customers £16 a month…
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Loft cam!
Right, this sounds well odd, but basically I want a camera for our loft, which I could control and switch on via an app, which ideally was wireless. Ideas?! Something quick to buy either locally or online would be good. Back story: boiler is in the loft, boiler is on the blink. To avoid going up and down the ladder and…
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Porch ceiling repairs
I need to get the ceiling in my porch replaced, new plasterboards then plastering. Plus the boards that form the garage roof need replacing. What sort of tradesman do I call? It's a small job
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Structural Engineer
I'm looking for a structural Engineer to draw up calculations for a loft conversion in Balham, getting silly quotes, anyone know a reasonable priced guy?
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Loft lighting
Hey guys, the fluroscent tube has gone in my loft. At the moment I have a portable work light but the light is a bit inadequate tbh. Is replacing a fluro tube just a case of new tube and to be on the safe side new starter? I've never messed with these before. Also I saw mentions of LED before on here, however, I get the…
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How can I deal with this internal wall?
We're looking to move house (Victorian end terrace). One of the bedrooms has a very sharp angle, think 45 degrees, with two exterior walls. The paint in this corner is peeling off and we get condensation mould on it during the winter. I've had the guttering checked and there are no leaks and the exterior wall was…
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Solid oak stair nosing
Hello, we just had our staircase dressed with engineered wood + solid oak nosing. The match between them is perfect and it looks lovely, however the oak nosing is unfinished -- would it be ok to leave it unfinished or does it still to be finished for protection?
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Washing machine trips RCD but only on program 3 !
Hi all, We have a Hotpoint WML730, must be over 6 years old now .. I've replaced bits and pieces over the last couple of years - door rubber, brushes etc but now it has started to trip the fusebox, the last time with a PCB-burning smell and an audible pop from the appliance. I've tested all other programs and this only…
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Decisions for home renovation
Hi - we are in the process of renovating our house and currently having to make lots of decisions about things we have never had to think about before! Any thoughts or advice on the following would be much appreciated: 1. Openings for bay window - it is a 5-window bow window. We are planning to have two openings at the top…
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Does my central heating system contain a corrosion inhibitor
Am looking to buy a bathroom towel radiator and the website information states "NOTE: This product must be fitted to a central heating system that has been treated with a corrosion inhibitor" So my question is how do I tell? And what happens if I'm wrong Thanks in advance
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Lock needed for gate
Someone has asked me to provide a lock for their gate, they want to be able to lock it and open it from either side - rather like a mortise lock rather than a Yale lock. I suggested a mortise lock as I've seen them fitted to wrought iron gates where there's a metal box welded into position to hold the lock but that…
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Loft Conversation
I'm have a loft conversion undertaken in Balham, but the quotes are rather high, anyone know of a builder in my area?
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Do I need a planning permit from council to move rainwater drainage from the garage roof?
Hello, it appears that the drainage we have now and that was there from before we bought the house is making part of the garden sinking slowly, about 5 metres from the house and this seems to cause cracks in the extension at the back of the house (towards the garden). The drainage is directed into under the garden turf. If…
