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Low pressure in heating system
A family member has just moved to a house with an old unvented heating/hot water system, with an old boiler. I would not be surprised it was 30 years old as that is when the loft extension was done. First ( and easy) issue is that the hot water was only warm from the taps as it was only set to 40 degrees, so I have turned…
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Budget friendly path fix
Hello , I am hoping for some ideas please or even info on what not to do with my bungalows front path. I am wondering if there is an affordable 'solution' that I dont know about. Building repairs and DIY are not something I have knowledge off. I have a concrete ramp that was made almost 15 years ago as a disability access…
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Skirting Board/Architrave - Can I paint over this fake wood material?
Dear MSE Forumites, I'd like your advice on whether I can paint over the existing MDF skirting boards and architraves? If so, would they require sanding and priming before painting? Or would you advise replacing them all and starting again? Thanks :)
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What recourse do I have (if any) due to a trade not showing up causing additional charges.
I have some work due on my house next week which needs scaffolding. I sorted a scaffolder who was aware of the work lead time, and when I confirmed the work date once the builder confirmed a firm start date, the scaffolders said they will have it up the week before so work can commence first thing on Monday. All of this is…
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Roofer charged VAT but no VAT number on invoice???
I've just paid an invoice from a roofer which had VAT included, but there is no VAT number on their invoice. Should the roofer have been obliged to put their VAT number on the invoice?
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Does this roofing quote sound reasonable?
We've just been quoted £3,600+VAT for an emergency roofing repair (a couple of tiles fell off the front of the house, and a couple more look very loose). The quote looks high to me (Greater London area), but I was wondering whether anyone had any feedback, based on experience? The quote was for: - removal of tiles (25…
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Gas flue in catio
I had a catio installed last year and my gas engineer this week says the roof is too close to the flue but he seemed unable to offer a solution apart from taking the polycarb roof off, which basically defeats the object of keeping the cats safe as they'd soon leg it. Engineer says a mesh roof can't be used instead…
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UPVC Window Locks - Lost Key!
Hi all, During this warm weather we've discovered we're missing a key to one of our UPVC windows and can't open it! As you can see, there are no accessible screws on the inside! Any solution ideas?
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Worried about fire
We’ve had various letters about what is and isn’t allowed in our building because of fire regulations. They specifically told us we weren’t allowed to hang washing on balconies and have wicker fencing. My neighbour, who has a small, yappy dog, has wicker fencing round the edge of her (large) balcony to stop the dog jumping…
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Would I need a building warrant?
I have a rental tenement property built in late 1800s. The building was renovated in the 1980s, before I bought it, when the layout was reconfigured. Basically you need to go through living room to get to the bedroom. If I took some space from the living room to create a new extra small hallway so that the living room and…
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How to measure if the floor is even for Laminate flooring
Hi, I am struggling to find answers for few days now. It might be due to my limited understanding. I am planning to buy laminate floor 12mm with 3 mm underlay. Previously floor had LVM (or vynl) flooring. My understanding is that Laminate is less forgiving for uneven floors. From what I read it needs to be with in 3/4 mm…
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Retrofit trickle vents
I'm looking to get trickle vents installed in some old double glazing. I understand its about 30 years old so although its probably not as good as modern glazing, it doesn't need replacing. The rooms could do with better ventilation though. I've had two quotes - the first one said that they weren't sure whether it would be…
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How to remove pines from synthetic grass?
Hello all Our neighbour had a huge pine tree and its always covering our synthetic grass with pines and none of our brushes remove them. Anyone suggest a brush that will do?
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replacing window frames in run-down building
Hi,We've got a window with a dodgy looking wooden frame that may well need replacing. Immediately surrounding the window on the outside we have hanging wall tiles that are are also in poor condition - its on the 1st floor. We'd like to re-use the old wall tiles if possible. So what's the best way to tackle this? If we take…
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Condensation within Double Glazing
I have recenrly noticed condensation between the two panes of a double-glazed sliding door in my conservatory. The conservatory is nearly twent years old, so I appreciate that some deterioration is to be expected. But I am wondering if this condensation is something that can be remedied fairly simply (e.g. renewing a seal)…
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Balcony and plant pots
Hello, So I have purchased a mini plastic green house that is quite lightweight. I have added a few tomato/chilli plant and herbs etc (photo attached) When watering them I starting thinking about the weight and whether it's safe on a balcony? The balcony itself is basically a roof for a room below, a water proof membrane…
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Colony of bees or wasps in brickwork
I have a small colony of bees or wasps in my brickwork. House built in late 1860s so assume it is not a cavity wall. They disappear into two small holes in the mortar. About a dozen are hanging around outside at any one time trying to get in. I daren't get too close to them but they are not yellowjackets but look like…
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Water rising up into shower 1 week after shower drain block "resolved" by recommended company
I've had issues with water rising up into my shower if water in the kitchen or bathroom sink runs for a few weeks. I had this issue 3 years ago and a plumber got a company to come out with a motorised snake to clear it, solving the issue in about 5 minutes. Unfortunately I didn't keep the number of that company, but…
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Patio project - guidance please
I am upgrading a corner of my garden, the old shed I have removed, I am digging out an area roughly 5m x 3m for a new shed and patio. I am around 200mm below the final level of the porcelain pavers. I aim to add type 1 and whack it down every 50mm or so leaving 20-30mm for a cememnt bed of the pation slabs. Two questions…
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Waterproof glue for sticking car sponge to hard plastic
I've got a Vileda magic mop which is great but the replacement heads cost £stupid. https://www.vileda.co.uk/products/magic-mop-flat I figured I could get more or less the same result sticking a £1 car sponge to the plastic clips that clip into the mop. But what glue to use? Will obviously be constantly coming into contact…