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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.

Draught proofing old uPVC windows
Hi, Now that the weather is colder I am now noticing draughts more in the house we just bought. The rubber seals in 2 windows in our living room had small gaps even with the window closed, so am I right in saying I need new seals, or is the window more likely misaligned? I’ve tried searching for replacement seals but it…
Extending a telescopic tree lopper pole?
I have a new telescopic tree lopper (£24 from Argos, about 2.5m) but discovered it's not long enough for the trees I'm working on. I can get a 4m one for £90 or a 6m one for £120 but both seem overkill. Is there any system available that'll allow me to affix another pole onto the existing pole? Even another 2m extension…
Rust free corner shower caddy. Update-Faulty caddy received. Update with pictures of what we chose.
We want to get a 2 or 3 level corner shower caddy in chrome or stainless steel finish. In the past we have found that even an expensive stainless steel or chrome rust free caddy will eventually rust. Can anyone recommend a make that will genuinely last for years without rusting? We want a caddy that is screwed to the wall…
Kuppersbusch ovens
I've had a Kuppersbusch oven for almost 22 years. It's just started to trip the electrics and there's a bit of smoke. It may well be the element which could be replaced, but is it worth paying the £143 to get it fixed? I'm concerned there might be more problems to come. They are top of the range ovens, but has it likely…
Turning heating/boiler completely off during the night?
Dear All, we recently got a new boiler (Viessmann Vitodens 100 combi boiler) installed. Unfortunately, it frequently turns on during the night for a short time (although there's no tank in it, to keep the water ready and warm? It does so even if the thermostat is set to like 13 degrees or so, so it's not the heating) and…
Best 'natural' finish for bare timber.
Hi. I'm trying to make a vanity unit out of an oak desk, with the preferred finish a shoe-banged one - Ie, blowtorched to both enhance the grain texture, and add a near-black finish. An initial trial is promising, and the grain looks lovely. If it works out, I'll need to protect it using, I guess, an oil or wax, or…
Screwing tiny screws into plaster
I bought an LED light strip to go up on my wall, and it comes with plastic clips to mount it with and screws to fix them to the wall (in case you're curious: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CXPPYQQ5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title). The screws are tiny - 2mm diameter and 12mm long - and the instructions say nothing about…
Scaffolding advice
Hi all, looking for some advice around this subject - have done an internet search but can't seem to phrase it so that what I'm trying to get at comes up. I need roof repairs some time next year and have a quote in hand including scaffolding, what I'm wondering is this; I also fairly urgently need my oldish upstairs timber…
Door bells - Ring, Eufy or something else?
Any advice on which smart door bell to choose? Needs to be battery powered, ideally with no subscription requirements. I know ring door bells are ubiquitous, but the ring sound does irritate me! Plus I understand the subscription is expensive and the need to buy a separate chime.
Waterproofing plasterboard bathroom walls - Membrane OR Jackoboard + Membrane
Hi, I am currently getting my bathroom refurbished. The walls and floor were stripped completely. Due to having a solid brick wall which meant that the internal walls were very cold in Winter, I decided to put 37.5mm thermal plasterboard on the brick walls. Now, I need to waterproof the walls, especially the one around the…
Tapi Pall Mall carpet
Hi all, does anyone know the original name/wholesaler/manufacturer for Tapi's Pall Mall twist carpet in shade Gazelle?
Cleaning Mop for Parquet Flooring?
I was reading online that steam mops shouldn't be used. Bona seems to have mixed reviews, one website really recommending it but amazon reviews saying the mop breaks easily. What sort of regime and products should I use when cleaning wooden flooring?
What are these vents for?
I have wood burners in the ground floor reception rooms, and the bedrooms on the first floor are directly above these rooms. The walls are solid, so the separations between the floors are the same. In the bedrooms, I noticed vents that I’m trying to understand the purpose of. These vents are directly above the rooms with…
Old radiators won't turn off even with thermostatic valve at 0
I have two older radiators with Bulldog thermostatic valves. They were in the house when we moved here so no idea how old they are. First, the bedroom radiator would not turn off when I set the thermostatic valve at 0. I watched a few online videos on removing the valve head and I unscrewed it thinking it might be broken.…
How to fill hole in floor
Any advice welcome. Following a leak that penetrated under the floor tiles, it seems to have weakened a probably already weak floor. FYI the floor has underwater heating, though haven’t encountered any pipes thankfully. I have removed most of the loose material. Anyhow, what would you recommend I use to fill it? Don’t want…
Garage rainwater gutter- pending work!
The only remaining task from my previous garage renovation is redirecting rainwater to a proper drainage pit. This is critical because, on multiple occasions during heavy rain, my garage has flooded due to rainwater from the roof accumulating around it. Upon inspection, I found that the previous gutter pipe was not…
Is contents insurance void without alarm?
Hi all Just wondering if anyone knows if my home contents insurance is void without a working burglar alarm? I've been though the booket and cant see anything. I have the silver Halifax home and contents insurance. Please also see photo. I've read though everything but can't find the answer. Hope someone can help. Thanks
Inset Electric fire into resin fire surround
We had a gas backboiler in our chimney which we have now had taken out an a combi boiler fitted elsewhere. The chimney is slabbed over at the top and has an aluminium flue through it with some sort of cowl/capping to prevent birds and rain from coming down it. We have a resin fireplace which has a marble hearth and back…
Knocking/water hammer?
I live in a first floor Victorian conversion flat. The neighbours downstairs are doing major work. In the past couple of days, I've been hearing a kind of knocking sound (a bit like when a window is open and a shut door makes a sound against the wind) whenever I run a tap. It's never happened before. The neighbour…
Labour costs for bathroom
We've been looking at bathroom furniture/shower/tiles etc/etc Our bathroom sis just over 2mt wide x just under 3mts long. Floor to ceiling is just under 2.5mts Presently we have the standard bath/w/wc and WHB layout plus a radiator. and half-height tiles all around We live in the south of England, What do you think would…

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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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