Home DIY

Yes, assuming it's a similar type of construction it's a pretty easy job. I found this video and hoped my model would be similar (it was): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S7C2O3YTVU

The hardest part was disconnecting the feed and waste pipes as they run behind my washing machine and into a cupboard, and getting it outside so I didn't have to worry about water spilling out - turns out they are pretty heavy!

Using scheidel products for stripping paint from masonry and wood to good result, with both Asur and SG94. Some raised grain on the door from the wipe down with a neutralising agent, but nothing too dramatic.

Looks great!

Front door frame is absolutely not square. Front door is new and has been fitted to the frame, but is obviously not perfect given the limitations of the frame.

Any alternatives to those foam strips to help baffle the gaps? The issue I have is that in places the door fits the frame well, but in others there are gaps which taper down to nothing,meaning foam insulation strips are a pain to cut (and look terrible).

Anything I've not thought of?

I believe that code 'PURCHASE4LESS' will get you these two Makita LXT 5ah batteries for £116. I don't need, but I think that's the cheapest I've seen. Plenty of other Makita kit in the 20% off promo too.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124766278740?epid=4032160094&hash=item1d0ca65454%3Ag%3AhfcAAOSwAgBhRQMk&_trkparms=%2526rpp_cid%253D6140c5cc56514804404900cb

Unblocking drains backed up and full of shit is the worst job.

I've done it once, using a pressure washer & jet hose attachment.

Never again. I will gladly pay the ~£100 it costs to have someone else come and do it.

I have a set of rods which I use - the old drains have (i think) bits of roots that catch stuff. Bit worried the jet wash would just spray shit everywhere, but it is probably worth a go when there isn't a pool of stagnant shit to get it properly clear.
Making me gag again thinking about it.

Unblocking drains backed up and full of shit is the worst job.

Inside or outside?

I've got to look at our external drains. I am not relishing the prospect. I do have a PW and the unblocking attachment though....

It will probably just crack our ancient Edwardian pipes though won't it? sigh

If you're happy too it might be worth replacing the external drains. Recently did mine and although it's hard work I hopefully won't have to worry about it for a long time, if at all. Plus I've added a few more gulley's so should shit get clogged (ha!) I can easily rod them.

I'd want to get them replaced if they are old and crusty. We will get the front garden completely done up in the not too distant so I want to get this done first.

What was the £££ like to replace?

A couple hundred in gulley's, inspection chambers and a few meters of pipe. I probably used a few bags of shingle too to sit the gulleys in.

If you plan the whole lot it'll be much easier, also just allow for strange smells (if you're connecting up to mains) and to be without toilet facilities until you're finished!

Outside. Lift up the fuckoff manhole cover to open up a world of putrid disgustingness then shove in the rod till there's a release and everything drains away. Hose everything down and have a long hot shower! Have a pair of elbow-length hardcore rubber gloves that were a good buy.

Drain attachment for the karcher looks like a handy thing - will buy that now.

Our old house was end of terrace, and the communal sewer ran up the side return to the road.

There was an inspection pit, some 2.5 meters deep.

It overflowed once.

There's your own putrid disgustingness, and then there is other people's putrid disgustingness.

The drain guy fished out at least one nappy, a bung of wet wipes, and 3 whole tomatoes.

Fuuuuuuuck

A question for the sparkies

1. How long is a piece of string
   
2. What's a ball-park for first fix for a garden room? Connecting up an SWA cable (all the digging bit is done), connecting up consumer unit, wiring up 2 ring mains, 2 lighting circuits, 1 heater
   
   

What else do I need to think of before looking to get someone in?

I paid about £1k for that, which included labour and all supplies apart from the lights and SWA cable. I'm not in London though, but do have a lot of sockets.

Why only first fix?

A garden room install, especially down south can be anywhere from 800-2k.

I did this with an outside space - sockets, lights, cabling etc. Cost was £880 I think - one year ago. I’m not in London though.

Why only first fix?

It's possible there will be a loooong gap until I can do second fix.

I'd like some Stainless Steel screws for outside use.

Where am I most likely to find high quality screws that are as strong as Stainless can be in Torx or Posidrive flavour?

Orbital fasteners is where I tend to buy that kind of thing.

When you say first fix, you mean cables and back boxes in, but nothing actually connected up?

I wouldn’t know where to start a with pricing it tbh. It’ll be more expensive doing it in two parts rather than pricing it as a whole job.

Are you planning to do the second fix yourself?

Ta will have a look.

@Howard
+1 for Orbital Fasteners.
Browsing their printed catalogue gets me into all sorts of practical mischief.