ninbi

Another recommendation for Jack Hart who identified one of the main causes of a tricky damp problem we've had for years, and has done a great job repairing it, with honest advice for next steps. He was incredibly helpful and happy to explain and take the time to work out exactly what needed to be done.

This feels like a tricky question, but I hope it doesn't get misinterpreted. I want to pay a fair price for the job. I've got one rewiring job - to replace an old model Salus thermostat receiver box, with a slightly newer version of the same model. The supplier has told me it is a totally straightforward job as it's pretty much swapping like for like. He even suggested I could do it myself in half an hour - but I'd prefer someone qualified! Someone came over to take a look and gave a quote for ?80 for the job. Is that reasonable? As I say I want to pay a fair price for the job.

Thanks for all this - we were going to give Vegas a miss, but can see that GC is a big detour. As for whether we'll be able to do it this summer.........

Wow thanks so much everyone. That's really helpful.

Hi there We're optimistically planning a road trip for this summer (with full cancellation options!!), driving a RV from San Francisco down to LA along the Pacific Highway, and then back up to San Fran via Grand Canyon and Yosemite. Has anyone done this in recent years and have any advice they could offer pl? They'll be four of us - me, husband and two teen daughters. Any shared experiences, advice or notes about any aspect from routes, vehicles, what not to miss, budgeting, scheduling - all appreciated!! Thanks!!

That's good to know. Brixton was a touch busy last night but will remember that tip for the future. We drove to Tsunami and collected a fantastic takeaway meal that really felt like a treat! Recommended!!

Thanks for all the suggestions and PMs. We've found that Tsunami in Clapham does collection - yay!

Thanks that's a good idea although she has asked for Japanese!!

It's my daughter's 14th birthday on Saturday and as she can't see her friends and we can't take her out we were hoping to get a posh Japanese delivery for her birthday dinner. Sadly, our top choice Roka doesn't deliver this far (and aren't doing collection). Has anyone had any other top quality special Japanese deliveries who will come this far South?? Thanks for any recommendations!

Our top oven is now too high for my mother to reach (she has osteoporosis) so we'd just like them lowered in position in the same stack - all the shelves are movable so for a kitchen fitter this would be a straightforward job. Please PM me. Thanks!

Hi The render at first floor level on our external wall has a crack, and it looks like the rain has seeped in to create a small damp patch on the internal wall. We'd like to repair it before it gets worse. Can anyone recommend a good builder who can repair the crack so that it's properly watertight? Thanks so much

Hi all We have a persistent damp issue on a wall, which has been diagnosed as coming via the roof/parapet wall/coping stones area. We've had a quote to repair it, from a tradesman recommended here who seems to know what he's talking about, but how do I get the work guaranteed effectively? He says he'll guarantee the work but is that enough? I've read the stories on EDF of roofers who say they guarantee but then don't fulfil it. I thought there was a guarantee you can get that protects you even if your tradesman doesn't fulfil - some kind of indemnity insurance I think. Does anyone know of this - or has anyone found a solution that protects the homeowner? Roofing work is so specialist and expensive - we want the work done but would like a bit of reassurance - if it exists!

Hi We've had a turf and soil delivery and need some help getting it from the front garden to the back before the turn dries and dies! It's a half day work starting as soon as possible today. Please PM if you're able to come this afternoon - possibly a furhter day of work tomorrow as well. Thanks!

Great. Thanks!

Anyone know if any local pubs with big screens are showing it?

Is anywhere fun showing the football tonight? We fancy watching it out somewhere rather than at home.... Should be a great atmosphere whatever the result!

Can anyone recommend a dermatologist/skin clinic for skin tag removal in the lcoal area please? My understanding is that anyone also working in the NHS is ideal as they will be up to date with all latest requirements for qualifications and training. Thanks!

Thank you! What woyld you suggest is the best solution. Can it be adequately repaired or does that frame need to be replaced?

Recommend Nimtim - local young architect firm

Asking for advice please - we had one new sash window fitted as part of our renovations and it seems very loose in the frame - I can move the bottom window side to side. Is this loose or is this how they fit? We had our other sash windows replaced some years ago and none of them do this - they operate with a spiral balance system rather than the traditional cord system that the new one has. The builder tells us the one he has put in is better quality but it doesn't feel like it! It also had a huge draught from one area where the two windows meet and overlap. I could put my finger through the gap. They have now put draught excluder into where the gap was - I've attached a picture - is this what it's meant to look like?? All advice appreciated - thank you!

Hello We are looking for a cleaner / housekeeper to help us in our busy home. Our lovely cleaner has had to go home, so we are looking for someone to start this week! Tasks to include: dusting, mopping, tidying, hoovering, stripping and making beds, laundry of sheets only, general ironing, cleaning bathrooms, sweeping front garden. We would ideally like to split the hours over three visits: Monday (3 hours), Wednesday (2 hours) and Friday (3 hours). Thank you !

We're about to spend a small fortune on sanitaryware and furniture for two small bathrooms and a cloakroom. We've eschewed Bells as whenever I go in there they always seem too busy to help! Any other recommendations?

Could anyone please recommend a reliable, good quality,reasonable joinery firm or carpenter? We are looking for someone to help us work out some shelving, wardrobe and built-in storage solutions around the house. Thanks! N

Thanks for that PandG. Did you find their prices comparable? They seem to be same as high end West London suppliers!

Hi We?re getting close to choosing finishes for our kitchen and wondering if anyone has any experiences of worktops from either Mortise or Diespeker? They seem at opposite ends of the spectrums in terms of presentation of workshops but can anyone share any experiences of their work? DM or posting here would be greatly appreciated. It seems very very expensive - but is it worth the cost?? Thanks so much