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In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Got a question about home improvement, DIY or home appliances? This is the place to get help from other MoneySavers.

Waterproofing a wooden shed with Protek stable coat
I've had my new wooden pressure treated shed coated with Protek stable coat as recommended by the local shed manufacturer. I've noticed that the inner edges of the door haven't had Protek applied to them. Would there be a reason for this,or should I paint some of the left-over Protek on these edges because rain water could…
Shed - what to think about
I’ve moved into a house that has a 5ft x 3ft shed. I need something bigger. Will probably also keep the smaller one. The current shed is just on top of patio, can the new one do the same or should it have a proper base? Current shed door drags across the floor when opened. I’d need a window in it and enough room to store a…
Cold water not working following water supply (mains) failure
Last weekend, SE Water had an issue which resulted in a loss of mains water supply and we were without for around 6 hours. Once it was fixed, all our taps and toilets were functioning again ....except for the cold water and the toilet cistern in the ensuite. This room is upstairs, on the same level as our hot water tank…
Insect screen for casement outward opening windows any recommendations?
My windows like many are casement and swing open outward from the side. I have just had new windows installed and I don't want to mark the UPVC frames. This happened with my old windows when I used netting which is attached with sticky tape. The tape eventually gets very dirty and if it is removed it leaves glue marks on…
Anglian Windows - Superior Product?
I just spent over an hour with a rep - a few doors down is getting their house re-done so when someone knocked offering a measure up and quote, I was happy to see how the price would compare. But the guy wanted to go to town on every aspect of what made Anglian Windows superior. My only comparison is Dunraven who quoted us…
Setting up a Tapo C310 camera To record 24/7 to a local HDD
Forgive me if the terminology is quaint, as I'm new to this Tech. The camera is, apparently ONVF and RTSP capable, and rather that writing over and over to the internal SD Card, I thought it might be possible for me to set it to record to a disk in the house. In my fantasy world, I envisioned a powered disk plugged in to…
Opinion on Brickwork
Hi all, So 2 years ago we had to get the brickwork below our front window replaced/rebuilt due to a "handbrake incident". I'd never really inspected the work in great detail, however after some other issues in the house I'm maybe in overanalysing mode. Would anyone be able to comment on how this work looks and any areas of…
Searching recommendations for awning
Hi, I'm considering to have an awning installed. It needs to have stretching arms (no fixed frame), motor and sensors to roll back automatically when the wind is strong or when it's raining. The length is 4m and the maximum stretch on the garden is 3.6m. Can someone recommend some decent quality product and company that…
Wall mount Sky glass tv?
Hi all I just ordered a 43inch Sky Glass and wall mount. As below. I already have a tv wall mounted using an unknown wall mount left by previous owner. However, my previous wall mount from amazon below worked for my tv. I dont have this wall mount from amazon anymore though When Sky made the order they recommended I…
new shed on concrete slab
I've recently had an old brick garage (20ft X 10ft) demolished and plan to have a 16ft X 8ft pressure treated wooden shed with floor bearers installed on the concrete slab -- the slab will be bigger than the shed. Pent style shed with a gutter along the short side next to the fence. I've noticed that after heavy rain the…
new extension and digital voice
H, does anyone know if telephone sockets allow transmission in either direction? Got new bb with digital voice so want to connect the phone in conservatory to router.Need to run an external cable(avoiding trailing/ trunking it through house) to new router position, not sure what kind of terminal box I need. thanks
Laminate flooring on top of parquet
We were planning on replacing our lounge carpet with laminate, but were told by a salesperson in Tapi that they do not recommend putting laminate flooring on top of parquet due to potential moisture issues that could cause the laminate to buckle. There is a suspended wooden floor underneath the parquet. The parquet…
Just had a Howdens quote...
Mother in Law having a new kitchen fitted - it's a tiny walk-in kitchen approx 2m x 2m This was the original "estimate" - ACS1412 Glass Splashback 595mm x 705mmCRD510N Clerk Gls Rd Grn 200 CC PreFit Pull-Out Base White Cab FCRD5119 Clerk Gls Rd Grn 150 CC Pull-Out Base White Cab FCRD517F Clerk Gls Rd Grn 800 CC 3 Dwr Base…
Soil stack options
I have just moved into a house with a boxed in internal soil stack. I want to remove this and replace with an external stack to improve the lay out of the kitchen and bathroom and I'm just trying to see what my options are. There is manhole exactly 4 foot directly in front of where I want the new soil stack. There are 3…
Neighbours need to put scaffolding in my garden
Hi My neighbours (semi detached) are building a two story extension and have asked if its ok for the builders to put scaffolding in my garden in order to access the roof. This has all come at really bad timing as me and my husband have recently separated and he has moved away so I've not had the headspace to deal with it…
Gas cooker disconnected - will buyer accept the certificate?
I would like to check this certificate will suffice:I have sold my property as the buyer does not want the gas cooker, so I had it disconnected and capped by a gas safe engineer. As no testing was carried out on the cooker before disconnecting etc. almost everything on the gas certificate states N/A. It only says the gas…
Does this exist? 900mm wide electric hob with 2 x 13amp plugs (UK)
Our 900 x 500mm, electric hob (that came with the house) had to be disposed of, and I've been looking for a replacement. It ran off 3 x 13amp plug sockets rather than a 32amp oven socket, and I'm hoping to replace like-for-like. I've scoured the internet, but can only find 900mm wide ones that wire into a 32amp socket.…
Best electric shower, help
Hi I’m trying to replace my old electric shower with a new model but still trying to decide between ENlight® BTW - 9.5kW - Grey (Black Kit) GEENLB93 and the Mira Sport Multi-Fit™ 9.8 kW 1.1746.834 can anyone advise which one would be the best option, thanks
Cutting integrated bathroom worktop
I am looking to improve the sink and vanity unit in our cloakroom, running the unit across the full width of the room, but none of the existing units seem to come in the right size. I could fabricate the cabinet myself but to have a neat top I would ideally like to buy a sink with integrated worktop, made of resin, and cut…
Redecorating
I've just removed wallpaper from walls that were plastered around 60 years ago. I'll make repairs to it as required. What's the quickest and easiest way to prime the walls before putting up wallpaper? I'm not looking for an expert's result, just something that'll last 3-4 years, when I might get a decorator in.

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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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