Home DIY

I’m actually getting into it! The x’s mark spot that’s still require work, after 3x sand and paint.

A man needs a hobby.

It doesn't look like much, but today/this evening I managed to finally switch from twin pendants back to a central light. This light is temporary* obvs. I need to repaint the ceiling, so I think my OH's dreams of fitting the new light may take longer than they expect... Or they'll make me touch it up and deem it good enough to live with.

I've also finally got round to wiring up the sockets and spur. They're not yet connected to the actual electricity... Which also needs the socket replacing with a plain white one. But I cba with fucking around with that in the dark. That's a daytime job.

The house is an absolute state. But fortunately my OH is away on a long work trip. Less fortunately they're back tomorrow, so I need to get things roughly in order.

But going to get that little bit of skirting painted while the drawers that live there are out.

*it's now been in use since Q3 2023

3 Attachments

What looks like plasterboard has taken a hit in our storage cupboard...anyone hazard an opinion on whether it's likely to be asbestos board?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zJrPpPEgrGDqkS2y5

As always, advice gratefully received

Looks like bog standard lath and plaster. I would think that's a low risk of asbestos in that. More likely to have horse hair and anthrax 😁

Much appreciated @Grumpy_Git

Seconded. It's what's holding up 40% of my house currently. Mmmmmmm, spongey

Right, I need some ladder buying advice to repaint exterior windows.
We have first floor windows at about 4.5m and second floor at about 8m up. Is a standard alloy extension ladder (something like this - https://www.ladders-999.co.uk/vlp-trade-pro-BS-EN13-professional-alloy-ladders.html) going to be suitable at 8m? Or should I be looking at something else?
Thanks

I'd hire a scaffold tower if you can get access with it 'cause I'm a big wimp on ladders

Your going to want what's called a, stand off. And some balls. .
Sanding and repainting windows from a ladder is not something I'd want to do at all. Hire a platform (wit insurance for if it's stolen)

(wit insurance for if it's stolen)

This. Ask me how I know.

I remembered your shit story when writing!

I have some big ladders to get up on my roof, about 9m high. I hate going up on them, and only do it roped up. Its super easy to fall from a ladder at at 4-8m, no thanks.

HSE says timeframes of <30m up a ladder you should be using a platform.

What are the rules about moving plug sockets? I’ve got to move this socket up and across (basically where I think it originally was). Am I supposed to get an electrician in?
Will involve a bit of chasing out and shortening the cable, maybe fitting a new back box as well.

1 Attachment

Noone will know. You aren't changing the circuit. Just move it.

@skinny and others

Thanks all, I had a feeling it was going to be too high for a ladder, but good to have it confirmed.

I am going to need one to paint indoors up at top of stairs though where we had some water damage after a roof leak when we first moved in. What's the best option for stairs and also versatile for other things where Id want to be up at about 3m or so?

2 Attachments

Check the weight on that. I have a 9m professional ladder and I have used it precisely twice, because it is just too damn heavy to actually put up.

Long handled roller?

Keep the cable direction going directly above/below the socket so future inhabitants know where not to drill...

I'm going to need to get up there to sand and fill a bit too

You need a stairs ladder they adjust to accommodate steps. Should do other things too. Can be called multiuse, teloscopic, combination. I bought a Krause ladder as they're meant to be good. Not cheap but will last a lifetime.

https://www.laddersukdirect.co.uk/page/stair-ladders

.that top corner looks difficult and you won't be able to place something on the stairs. You'll have to lean it on the wall across the hallway short dimension. Small combination ladder be ok.

Many thanks, looks good

Yeah fair enough!
Judging by the patched plaster already up there I'm expecting to see a shady diagonal kink in the cabling as it is. Might actually make it safer

Thanks. The answer I was looking for!

I want to level my front garden. At the moment there’s a raised section in front of the bay. What’s the best way to remove the strip of concrete against the render?

1 Attachment

Depends how long you want to wait but I've found forget-me-nots remarkably effective. Sprinkle a few seeds in the front cracks.

Otherwise someone will be along shortly to recommend a heavy tool option.