Hi

Thinking of building an insulated and soundproof garden room – partly so that our son can practice drumming more often, but also for as use as an art studio etc.

We have space for something around 5m x 4m in the garden, about a metre from the fence. Will be a pent style roof probably.

Current thinking is to get someone in that can dig out the foundations for a concrete base and ensure that it is level etc. as the ground slopes in that area. Following that, the first question is – kit or get the raw materials? Bearing in mind we want it soundproofed (to a degree) as well.

We have power nearby that we can run into so that won’t be a problem. Thinking of plywood walls internally and for the ceiling which will be painted so that it reduces the need for plaster as I’m not that good at plastering. We do have a water supply nearby but don’t think we’ll be running water into it.

Other consideration is to to have a patio door type opening to let plenty of light in.

I’ve seen some kits online and they range in price quite considerably, but then you do get all the materials you need and it should be easier to construct.

So, any thoughts and experiences – anyone done this? Anyone used a kit etc?

Cheers

Hi

We had some issues with our central heating recently and one of the engineers recommended also making our system into a 2 zone one – upstairs and downstairs.

Currently we have one room thermostat downstairs and TRVs on all the radiators and it works well. Ok, I know it isn’t the most efficient anymore, but:

– Is it worth getting the system turned into a multi-zone one?
– Is it complicated to install?
– Is it complicated to use long-term?
– Likely costs to install?

If anyone has been down this route that would be great to hear about.

Cheers

Hi
Have a Canon Pixma MG6250 printer – had it since 2012 and it has always been a solid performer.
This morning it just stopped. Doesn’t power up at all, just has an orange triangle lit up.
Have made sure the ink cartridges are full etc.
there aren’t any physical buttons other than the power one as it’s done by the touchscreen.
I’m presuming that it is now time to get a new one, but thought I’d see if anyone had any ideas before I throw it out.

If I do get a new one, am thinking of one that does up to A3 so any recommendations would be useful.

Cheers

Hi

Have a question that I hope I can get some insight into.

Basically, one of our bathrooms does not have an extractor fan. Not been a problem before, but as the kids have started taking longer and hotter showers it is starting to become one. Opening the windows to vent the room works to a small degree due to the type of window.

So I was thinking of buying and fitting a fan for this bathroom – so far so good.

Thing is, I don’t want to create a new hole in the wall to vent the fan but was thinking of joining the new fan to an existing ducting run with a Y-type connector.

So the question is, will this cause any issues?

Both fans will be operated independently, it will just be the ducting that joins at some point so they will use a single vent. Each fan will be an in-line type.

Cheers

Looking at going down the route of buying a plot of land with planning permission and building (more likely getting built) a timber frame house.

Been looking at suppliers like Dan-Wood; Potton; MBC; Scandia-Hus to get a feel for what is out there and the different options.

Have had some initial discussion with a couple of them to get a sense of what they’re like etc.

Thought I’d ask if anyone here has been down that road – or considered it and then done something else etc.

I know Potton have a show home centre so am planning a trip there at some point.

Any experiences would be helpful.

Cheers

Hi

I know a few people on here are either active or have been in the BTL sector so thought I’d ask for some insight.

A friend is looking to re-mortgage their BTL and as he doesn’t have a job at the moment, the regular routes are closed (apparently many providers insist on a minimum income, excluding any rental income) so are there are any brokers you guys would recommend that are worth talking to for non-standard cases like his?

Ideally a broker that doesn’t charge a fee.

Many thanks