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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.

Double glazing replacement
Roughly how much would it take to replace these windows in white pvc? - excluding porch window - in Merseyside area?
Vax Dual Power carpet washer. Advice about connecting front hose.
I have just bought a Vax W85-DP-E dual power carpet washer and the hose that goes between the base and the dirty water tank at the front is not connected and won't stay in place. when I try to connect it manually In Vax's instruction video, it looks like the first picture. On my new machine, the same area looks like the…
Freaking out as building costs go up and up and up - advice needed
In mid-2019 I got a quote on some building work at our house (a dilapidated farm cottage with several outbuildings) from a local builder - I'll call him Nick. The quote was for £189,690+VAT at 5% to convert an old stone barn into a pair of holiday cottages. It was the middle quote of five, but the guy clearly knew what he…
Drill Bits – Square Taper Shank?
Hi all, Sadly, a relative of mine has recently passed away. I’ve been handed down these beautiful, old auger bits. A lot of them are old Marples Ridgeway bits. They’ve got square tapered shanks, instead of the newer hexagonal shanks. Is there an adaptor I can buy that would allow me to use these in a modern drill with a…
Latest Daft Question- Can I buy any Thumbturn lock for bathroom door?
Hi all. Displaying ignorance once again. I need a thumbturn lock on my bathroom (pocket) door (and my bedroom door- soon-to-be Foster parent, Social Services requirements!). There isn't a lock on it at present. Nor any holes where there ever was one in the door frame or door. Just a recessed circular 'handle' to open and…
Returning Aircon unit advice
I'm returning my aircon unit for testing as it doesn't seem to be working as expected. They have said to return with all the accessories but haven't replied to my question asking if this included additional filters and the remote. I just don't want to send things off that may get lost or not returned with the item but if…
Is it worth fixing my 7 year old washer-dryer?
It washes okay but the dryer function has stopped. Will either go on forever without drying the clothes, or do the cycle and the clothes won't be dry. Not even hot. Had D&G come round to fix it, they cleaned a shoot that was filled with fluff. It didn't fix the issue. I need a dryer or the kitchen is stacked with soggy…
Looking for SDS Plus Drill & Bits Recommendations for Brickwork & DIY (Budget £170)
Hi all, I’m looking for recommendations on an SDS Plus drill that’s powerful enough to handle new red brick but can also be used for general DIY tasks. I’m not too fussed if it’s corded or cordless, but it must come with a case for storage. Budget is around £170, so I’m keen to hear about any specific makes/models or…
How do I cap a Domed fence panel?
I ordered some Domed fence panels and when they arrived it was without a capping rail on the top. I have seen many Domed feather edge panels like this but I wonder if I could add on capping for extra protection. After looking in the diy stores it seems like the rails won't bend or could snap if I try to glue them on the…
Dry Cleaning Next Curtains, Can Dye be Avoided...
Mser's I've been informed via 2 local dry cleaners of 85% very high chance that my red Curtains Dye could turn my white Lining Pink! I'm going to try Timpsons next weekk, costs are comparable 4 Ready Made Crtns 4.5ft drop approx' 80-90 pounds. I declined lates cleaner to re try Timpsons next week. p.s. Timpons via Tel any…
Leaking blender
Hi My Kenwood BL23 blender attachments have started to leak through the blades. Have dismantled one and could try replacing the small nylon washers. Just not sure how much vertical play there should be. Also if any grease should be used. I'm unable the get the coupler off the other housing on the left. Clockwise to unscrew…
Wireless range of Nest thermostat, will it go through 3 solid block walls?
I'm looking to get a Nest thermostat to replace the rather archaic thermostat I currently have. The boiler is in the garage and the current thermostat is in a hallway about 10m and 3 solid block walls away. It uses RF and has always had a solid connection back to the receiver in the garage. I'm not really sure what Nest…
Neighbours Builders Latest!
We have been having problems with our neighbours and their builders for months now after they sprayed paint in our fish pond and cut down our trees, I have asked about this on some previous threads. The other day our CCTV caught their builders bringing their lunch into our back yard along with a couple of chairs and…
Valiant boiler loosing pressure, 4 engineers later and no fix
Hello! I'm looking for some advice about my boiler that keeps losing pressure. Quick timeline: * Bought the place in Feb and had British Gas come out to do a boiler inspection (£100 later) and they said it was all good, have a certificate and all * In May no hot water – it had lost pressure, which was no big deal. First…
Cointra electric radiators
I've inherited these in my new home. I'm not new to programming timers on things, but these are INSANE. I've read the manual, watched the YouTube video and it still doesn't make sense. Any advice very welcome!
I think electrical boiler problem?
It's that time of year I'm checking the boiler works for winter and it doesn't. Or at least the programme/thermostat doesn't work. I could really do with not getting a plumber out, so I'm hoping it's a simple settings/electrical fix that someone here can ID. Taken pictures of everything I can…
Advice on outside drainage
I'm looking for some advice please. We have a new-ish downstairs cloakroom. The waste pipe comes out into our driveway and runs to our drains at the rear of the house. The waste pipe looks hideous. He's also covered it in concrete. The person who did it wasn't truly qualified, but I know that he had to do this because our…
What is this outside cable?
Hi folks, In our driveway we have this fairly random cable and I've no idea what it's for. It gets in the way when moving bins in and out of the driveway as it gets caught in the wheels. I'm considering just cutting it away, but thought I'd see if anyone knows what it is? It looks as though it comes from underground on the…
Obtaining a building regulation control certificate
Hi there, I know there's lots of posts around this, but they all seem to be slightly different to what I'm looking for. There two things: 1. This year, we had all our windows replaced in the house by a friend. He is competent and I know would follow building regs, but he's not FENSA registered. Having checked the regs…
Wickes bathroom
I'm hoping to get my bathroom refitted this year and have had a quote from Wickes which was lower than I was expecting. Has anyone here had their bathroom done by Wickes? What was your experience? I'm getting some quotes from local tradesmen to compare as well.

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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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