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Hive wiring doing it myself?
Recently acquired 2x Hive mini for Combi boilers for two regions. What i have in the property is BoilerMate OV A Class thermal store & Viessmann Boiler & 2x Drayton Digistat +3 thermostats (one for upstairs and one for downstairs). Attached images show wiring on thermostat and the connection box next to Boilermate thermal…
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Cold call for re-inspecting loft insulation
I've just received a call about my loft insulation causing condensation, saying it should be re-inspected, and they can immediately arrange it. This sounds rather suspect, and perhaps away around the cold calling regulations. I've heard of plenty of scares about cavity walls but not usually lofts causing condensation! Has…
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Boiler serviced this morning - not working this evening
I have a Worcester Bosch Greenstar gas boiler bought a year ago. Today the independent plumber who installed it came and did the first service, for which I paid. This evening we found it was not working. There is a flashing light which seems to indicate an overheating problem. He tells me that he had to remove the fan…
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Builder's employer liability insurance
Hi, I am about to have a builder do some renovation work. The builder has his own company but says he is the only employee. He has shared proof of public liability, professional indemnity, contract works, personal tools and accident insurance. However, he says he doesn't have employer's liability insurance because he…
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Extension costs
Hello, interested in purchasing a property but would require a 2 storey extension to side as per attached plans (rough idea of extension drawn in pencil) . Property has good side access and is 1930’s. Any comments on rough cost please? We are in Lincolnshire, also any comments on design and potential difficulties or…
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Dimmer switch calibration
Hi Our dimmer switch need recalibration as its not going to max brightness. I've lost the instructions how to do this! I know it's some combination of off/on several times but can't think what. Think the dimmer is from toolstation but not sure what make axiom / wessex look similar. Does anyone have any suggestions to Tey…
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Damp patch has appeared - advice please (photos included)
Hi, I recently had a new kitchen installed, which involved new floorboards and plastering throughout. But there’s a patch of plaster that has refused to dry since it was done 6 weeks ago, and after watching it closely it definitely gets worse when it has been raining. I’ll try to summarise the main points: - the patch…
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Help with choosing timber gazebo
Hi, We are having an extension built, the architect's plans include a timber framed gazebo that will be next to the house, and house a new outdoor kitchen. On getting builder quotes, some are including the gazebo and some not. One builder gave a price of £13k for oak and £8k for larch. So I have been reading into types of…
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Patio Door (Fire door?)
I need to replace my patio door which is locked from inside but provides access to the communal gardens which is public accessible. My front door is a fire door, do I need to have this replaced to a fire door (I am ground floor ?) Thanks
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Water Softener brine tank scum/mould ?
Recently replaced our water softener, now a Kinetico Kube which is later model of the previous failed unit. I am now noticing a scum/mould build up in the brine tank which I don't recall seeing in the previous unit. There is no sign of this scum in the water tank in loft, which is first place softened water goes, there is…
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Home extension costs?
Hi, I looked at home extension costs about 2 years ago and the prices went nuts. +50% up on materials from a year before. I'm thinking about extending again ... Are prices more reasonable now? I'm looking at starting in October. Thank you
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Builders
Patio needed doing and a company called out of the Blue. Happy with the initial quote of £7500. THEN after starting they found problems and wanted another £9000 THEN more problems and wanted £6000 Unfortunately all paid and they haven't finished. I have no doubt we have been conned and want to know what we can do to recoup…
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Shared Drive Woes
Hi, I am seeking some advice on behalf of my mother, who owns a semi-detached house that shares a drive with the adjoining property. Both houses are situated at the end of a single long drive, before dividing into their respective drive ways (imagine a y-shaped arrangement, with the houses adjoined by a central wall that…
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Trickle Vents on Windows
I'm getting quotes for new double glazing windows (9 in total) and I've had quotes in the range of 6k to 15k.One surveyor said that he would recommend against trickle vents despite it being against building regs. He said because I'm on the 3rd floor, the vents will whistle all the time being that high up. My mother stays…
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Selling house with old conservatory
We are completing the sellers paperwork for my late MIL’s property. It has an old conservatory out the back that was build mid 80’s. Form TA6 asks about ‘does the property have a conservatory and if so provide building regs, planning permission or was it under permitted development’ we have no idea as it was 40 years ago.…
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Home Electrical Issue - Light Switch wiring
I have a small issue with the lights at home. This issue came up at the point when I was trying to change the Light Switch. Basically I have 1x indoor light with its dedicated switch and 1x outdoor lights with its dedicated switch. The indoor light was the one I have changed the switch for. Prior to changing switch, the…
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Flat roof repair
We've got an extension on our house added in 1987 with a flat roof. The roof is showing signs of deterioration with cracks in the felt. The boards are still in good condition. If we just have the felt replaced to repair the cracks do we need building regs? All the roofers I've spoken to say if we just replace the felt this…
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Buying a Washing Machine : Should I take out extra insurance
After many years our washing machine has finally packed in, so it is time to buy a new one. I pop to my local JL store to take a look There is an AEG machine priced at £479 which has a guarantee of 2 years, with an additional option of adding 'breakdown and accidental damage' for £165 for 5 years. However looking at the…
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CCTV legal stuff
The same old chestnut cameras in around the perimeter of house so domestic not commercial. Not even facing property facing away from property to cover public foot path and right of way to whict the property has no access rights other than everyone else?? three cameras. what are the rules?????
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Boiler Insurance - easy fix but being told "beyond economical repair" and boiler needs to be replace
The fan unit in my Potterton Suprima 80l has failed according the the engineer. The parts needed are the fan unit and a seal for the fan unit. The fan unit is available as he rang Potterton (or Baxi as it is now?) whilst he was stood next to me. When he wrote up the diagnosis he said the seal won't really be needed, but…