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Hi, I originally checked out Snappy snaps in Peckham, they could do it but it was a bit pricey. Hope this helps? Nic

Hi Richard, I've just pm'd you. Cheers Nic

Hi there, You could give us a call at Homes in Harmony, we specialise in eco refurbishments, and would be more than willing to offer you some advice or provide a free quote. Contact us on 0844 504 8867, or email [email protected] Best Nic

Hi there, I saw this quite randomly and had to respond as I might be willing to help. Being honest I am not a home economics teacher or cookery teacher, but I was a professional chef for nearly 10 years. I started as a commis chef (lowest of the low) and worked my way up to Sous chef (just below head chef). I have worked in hotels, restaurants, Spa hotels, outside catering to running private chalets in the French Alps. My reason for contacting is simple, I enjoy cooking. For a friends 40th birthday last weekend I catered for 36 people. I love getting people involved in cooking, I trying to involve my little 4 year old when cooking at home, its such a great skill to have. I have also mentored young adults with difficulties, so I know how hard it is to work with teenagers. Not sure if this helps, let me know if it does? Warm regards Nic

The idea I had inititally was just for a bunch of people to get together, chat about stuff relating to sustainability, eco buildings and energy efficiency, maybe over a beer/wine or coffee depending upon time of day and preference. As regards to what we can action; that depends upon the community we create? I worked closely with Highbury and Islington several years ago on their sustainability scheme and came across an organisation called N10ergy which is now the MHSG or the Muswell Hill Sustainability Group. Link is here - http://mhsgroup.org/about/ They have been established for many years and as a result they have various schemes which they are able to participate; from going into schools, creating a buying group, workshops, creating awareness, advice and help, and loads more. So in real terms of what they can 'Action' within their community to reduce Co2 and bring awareness of various topics of sustainability and energy efficiency is quite substantial. I only wanted to see if its possible for a similar group to be created here? might take a while?

Hi there, I was currious as to whether there was anyone was interested in sustainably buildings, Eco homes and energy efficiency? I have looked around and can not find a local community group for discussions or action groups and was wondering if people where interested in creating one? Comments and thoughts would be most welcome. Cheers Nic

Hi, I have just sent you a PM. Cheers Nic www.homesinharmony.co.uk

Hi there, from what I've seen I haven't met anyone in ED who has had external wall insulation. This is due to the cost factor involved in external wall, plus it's only a realistic approach if you property is end of terrace, large flank wall. The front will not generally be done as it's going to add about 200-250mm, will look out of place and generally given the wall area to window area is not going to make a noticeable difference, generally speaking. Plus it's going to look odd next to your neighbours. From experience, the rear of the property is mainly insulated. Points to bear in mind are that exit pipes, boiler flues and rainwater down pipes will need to be moved/extended, plus you need to consider how much of an overhang there is on the roof and will it carry on past the new wall surface? this can be resolved however. Internal wall insulation is a different matter. The increased wall thickness will reduce space within the property, anything from 100-250mm depending. Some period features will be lost, dado rails and cornices but can be reinstated afterwards with a copy. Speaking from experience, one of the best solutions is an insulating plaster. This can applied by a normal tradesman, depths of either 20/40mm will still have a significant impact, is cheaper, still allows walls to breathe etc and negates the use of membranes and problems with interstitial condensation. I hope this has been of some help, choosing the right insulation is very important depending upon your aims and budget, plus it's great to hear someone is ahead of the curve! If you wish to have a chat please call me on 07939838896 and I'll be more than happy to offer some advice. Nic Www.homesinharmony.co.uk

Hi there, Given the limited constraints for designing a loft or roof extension it is natural to plonk a box on the rear, full width and height up to ridge line. Typically constructed from a timber frame to keep weight down (Victorian properties tend to have either no foundations or shallow step), plus it keeps construction times down and costs. From an aesthetic point, you could clad the extension in timber as opposed to tiles, which would give you a very different look, could also go for a different roof covering for the flat part of the dormer, such as zinc. All changes the look and feel of the extension. Hope this helps? Nic

I used vista print, but only the once and never again. Awful paper and printing was dubious. I think the guys at Blu wave can do pretty much most things, although I haven't seen anything such as mugs, key fobs or the such like (thank god). Give them a try, I'm sure you won't be dissapointed.

I would have to agree!! Have had my business cards printed there over a couple of years, and everytime, they are friendly, helpful and again resonably priced. Going to use them for other printing needs.

Hi, Your situation is very common, and given that your changing boiler and need to address the pressure situation within your house, your heading in the right direction. If I were you I would look at a decent condensing boiler (forget combi storage - keep it simple) and a storage system. Megaflows are very good if a tad on the expensive side. You will probably need something in the region of 250-300 litre cylinder. Remember a standard shower will use aprox 8-10 litres per minute a power shower 12-15. Hot water cylinders come in all shapes and sizes so you might be able to find one that might work given the amount of space available, you can link 2 small cylinders together! Systems can either be vented ie going to a header tank (old school) or unvented with an expansion vessel, small red thing that's about the size of a basketball and I think they do require slightly different certification because of the operating pressures. Price seems very competitive by the way. Hope this helps?

Hi there, I need some advice and recommendations please, as my little 3 year old girl is driving me potty with wanting to try ballet school. With work committments only a saturday class is going to work and would like something that is preferably in and around ED. Can anyone recommend anywhere? Many thanks for your help

Hi there, Interesting reading through all the posts regarding PP and PD for loft extensions and Fixated is correct. We are an Eco renovation and building company with experience of over 10 years in loft extensions, ground floor extensions and whole house refurbs. We work with our own architects or can work with one you have appointed, and would be more than happy to come round and discuss your project and to provide you with a free quotation. You can contact us via [email protected] or 0844 504 8867. Or you can contact me directly on my mobile 07939838896 Warm regards Nic

Hi there, give Robert Tiffin a call, his family business has been doing this for decades. If I have any questions or need help he is the person I always contact. His number is 07768005885. Hope this helps Nic

Cracks generally speaking are the result of many different factors. Quite a few have already been mentioned on this link, but things like; timbers drying out(floor joists and floor boards) and excessive heat in a property can effect the masonary, seasonal conditions for the soil, size and location of trees to property (and previous), drainage issues for surface water run off, location and frequency of road and traffic. The Victorians understood that buildings move hence the reason for using lime mortar, lathe and plaster for walls and ceilings these materials allow for such settlement or movement. If your really worried, and before any money is forked out you can use a simple technique that uses masking tape. Place a strip of masking tape over the crack, make sure the strip is quite long, say 8-10 inches. with a rule draw a pencil/pen line running through the tape and over the crack, with a sharp knife cut the tape going through the crack. The idea behind this is that you can now note on the masking tape date of first reading 0,0. 0 movement seperating the 2 srtips of tape like its expanding, the 2 lines moving apart along some sort of vertical axis. 0 movement laterally along the horizontal axis. This takes a while for you to get any data, and with a long crack you can have half a dozen or so, strips of tape along the wall/crack, and the movement is never simply vertical or horizontal but it does give you an indicator or how quickly or slowly movement or settlement is occuring. Hope this helps, Nic

I just had to write a recommendation for an excellent sports massage therapist. His name is Jody and has treated me several times for lower back and leg problems - caused by too much cycling, and he is simply amazing. His number is 07855745513. He also has a website is www.jodyshomemassagewordpress.com. Check him out if you need help like me.

If I were in your shoes, and had the capital, I would convert. I recently read an article in a magazine that said that generally an extra bedroom adds ?25k to the price of a property. Ok thats across the country but in London that will be a lot more. Jeremy's prices seem about right. Given that a new roof is going to cost ?25k anyway, for that little bit extra add value and space to your property.

Hi everyone, Homes in Harmony are offering a special deal on their heat reflective paint. 2 coats of the paint will increase ambient internal temperatures between 2-4 degrees, helps to solve problems of condensation to walls and the associated issue of mould growth. This offer is only vaild till the end of february and the promo code is - HRP2for1. Check out www.homesinharmony.co.uk Hope this helps. EcoNic

Hi there, Your lucky actually, living in a conservation area and living in a listed building are 2 very different things not that you brought up listed buildings, but having worked on a refurbishment of one, they are. . . demanding! Back to your situation, a conservation area is designed to protect a local area for its architectual or historical significance/importance. This includes trees, roads, buildings etc, and mainly covers what you see from the street, ie the front aspect of a property. If your extension is to the rear and not easily visible from the street then you should not have too many problems. Standard process would be to apply for conservation area consent. If you have tentative plans already drawn up then you can ask Southwark planning for an pre planning advice - I think this costs about ?275 and means that if your application will be rejected (if submitted) then they can give you advice and feed back on your design proposals. The process should not be that difficult or complicated (fingers crossed). If you need any help, advice or would like to discuss your project with me and my team, then please let me know. You can contact me directly on 07939838896. Hope this helps. Nic

Hi everyone, my names Nic Leigh and have been in the area for a couple of months and find the forum of great value in recommending places to dine, see whats going on and your recommendations. We moved here for 2 reasons to have a child - a beautiful little girl, and also to start a new business - homes in harmony. I look forward to being part of this community for quite a while and really can't think of anywhere that my wife, child and I would rather be. Thanks to everyone that we have met who have made us feel very welcome.