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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.

In My Home MoneySaving sticky
Please be aware of the MSE Forum rules, notably that you mustn't post personal information. Take extra care when uploading photos and make sure that they don't contain personally identifiable information. 🏠 Here are some Forum threads you might find useful: * Please ensure your electrics are up to date * Find Instruction…
Wasp nest killer powders
Has anyone had much experience using these powders to kill off wasp nests hidden under roof tiles? I noticed new wasp activity under my kitchen roof last weekend so bought some Zero In Wasp Nest Killer powder, which was a feat in itself as there seems to be a shortage, and following three applications since Monday it…
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…
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…
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?
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…
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 :)
Recommend cctv system that records and is accessible and remotely
Hi all, I’m looking for a way to record activity on cctv, record onto a hard drive and have the ability to access this remotely as the area I’m trying to monitor is 30 miles away. Could anyone recommend a system. I have access to wifi at the premises where the cctv will be installed... thank you!
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…
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…
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…
Drayton Wiser Setup
Hi everyone, I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m trying to set up my Drayton Wiser Hub and I’m getting stuck at the stage where my iPhone connects to the WiserHeat setup network. My iPhone shows as connected in WiFi settings, but I don’t see the WiFi icon in the top right corner (I’ve read this can be normal because…
Fridge/freezer problem?
Got water near the hole in the back of fridge. Water pooling in fridge bottom and ice forming and preventing me pushing trays into the freezer (in fact one has cracked).
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?
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…
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)…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…

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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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