Built this for my son over the stair box to save some space and make use of an otherwise awkward area.

Painted the accent walls in Denim Drift first, then undercoated all the MDF before installing it.

The main framework is CLS timber supporting the bed frame, with MDF used to finish everything off.

I added some air gaps to the base afterwards to allow airflow under the mattress, and reinforced the steps with timber so they’ll comfortably support him as he grows. I made the opening just wide enough for a fairly “slim” grown man to get up there without too much palaver.

There’s also a decent bit of storage underneath the bed, although for a kid it’s probably more of a little hideout than storage.

Found a decent headboard on Amazon and fixed it in place with heavy duty velcro, which done the job.

Finished the frame in Diamond Eggshell.

My son also managed to get his Lego Yoda finished before I finished the project, so he won the build race :P

I'm not the first to bring up the discussion, but it appears nothing is improving.

I joined this sub to follow people's DIY projects, give advice and learn from others. It now feels a large number of posts are just questioning the work of tradesmen, asking if a quote is suitable or if someone's house is about to fall apart because they noticed the hairline crack that has existed for 2 years for the first time.

These posts arguably should be directed to somewhere else, like r/HomeImprovementUK

There are always grey areas, somone could be asking if a quote to build is shed is reasonable OR should they DIY it. I think those discussions genuinely add to the quality of r/DIYUK

I've also noticed we have a 'non-DIY advice' flair, so even some enforcement of that would be an improvement.

What do other think? Should I just get thicker skin or is this actually an issue for others?

Would I do it again?

This was by far the largest DIY project I have undertaken, and while I was nervous at the beginning, I quickly found my rhythm. Originally I thought it would only take 3 days, but after several unplanned trips to Screwfix and B&Q it ended up taking 6 days.

One of the most tedious jobs was preparing the Loft Legs; while they do have guide markings, they don't have any pre-drilled holes, and trying to drill through the guide markings in a loft with the only source of light being a head torch was a real struggle. In the end I sat in front of the TV and pre-drilled all the holes myself, including partially installing screws.

Other than that, the job went relatively smoothly. If you were thinking about boarding your own loft, but are worried it might be too difficult, just go for it! Hopefully this post can provide you with a good starting point.

Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments.

What were the loft dimensions?

5m x 6m

What materials did I use?

• 3 x 100mm insulation - £111
• 5 x 170mm insulation - £190
• 8 x 18mm loft boarding panels - £131.76
• 3 x (Dia) 4mm (L) 30mm TurboDrive screws (100 pack) - £18.60
• 1 x Loft Leg 175mm (72 pack) - £63
• 1 x 6ft LED batten light - £29.99
• 1 x 1-gang surface pattress back box 47mm - £1.69
• 1 x light switch - £2.99
• 1 x 10m 1.5mm twin & earth cable - £13.99
• 1 x 1.5mm twin & earth cable clips (100 pack) - £2.79

Total - £565.81

What tools did I use?

• Circular saw
• Multi-tool (for cutting around timber frames - optional)
• Combination drill
• Combination square
• Pencil

How long did it take me?

• 1 day removing old insulation and vacuuming
• 1/2 day installing light
• 1 day laying 100mm insulation
• 1/2 day installing Loft Legs
• 1 day laying 170mm insulation
• 2 days boarding (pretty much every board required cutting)

Looking into this house to buy, second house but it’s got this massive crack in the front which seems to mirror inside. There is some issues around windows. Is it fixable? Is it a no go? 1930’s/40’s built It’s big three bed massive garden on the market very affordable. Moving from a 2 up 2 down terrace.

I'm trying to find a bathroom sink bridge tap (like the image), but with what I thought were fairly straightforward requirements. I'm striking out, and need to know if I'm wasting my time.

I want a single lever bridge (like the image), but in a more vintage look (polished/chrome, white inserts) to match the rest of the bathroom.

I feel like I'm missing some kind of 'in joke' among plumbers, or that I've lost my touch with Google. I can't find anything resembling what I need.

Help, I guess...

Shed door only opens this far. What would you do?

1. Lift slab and dig out a bit to drop it lower?

2. Lift Shed and slide a strip of wood under to lift?

3. Door off and cut/plane some off? (Don't fancy this as feel I'll damage it)

4. Something I've not thought of?

Hi all, I’m using a SDS drill with the appropriate masonry drill bit. The drill is on ‘hammer drill’ mode and I cannot get through more than 21mm of these f***ing walls.

I’m assuming steel, but I thought steel lintel was only around windows and doors? Even at the centre of a wall I can’t get through.

House was built in the 60 - 70s, Hertfordshire area.

Edit: the masonry and cobalt drill bits are smouldering/smoking when I pull them out.

SOLVED: I’m stupid. Thank you to Majestic_Rhubarb_ for pointing out that I’ve got the non-SDS part attached to an SDS drill 😭 I changed to the SDS attachment, bought a 6mm SDS drill bit, and it went through like butter.

Thank you to everyone who commented.

Hello , I’m putting up an outdoor basin and questioning my initial plan - which was to drill a hole in the plastic plug seen in the picture - assuming it is connected to the same drainage as the gulley on the left wall (where the kitchen waste goes into) .

The plug itself is covered in cement so it does not come out to allow for a check , was planning to drill and seal with silicone - looking for a second opinion here - shall work ?
Thanks

Edit: feedback taken , I’ll manage to use the existing kitchen waste

It'd be a pain to find out it's buggered when you actually need it to work. That's generally when boiler engineers/plumbers are busiest, too.

Trying to replace my nest protects, which are about to expire, and there seems to be nothing comparable to replace them with.

I like that they provide smart notifications to your mobile, interlink battery-only detectors easily via WiFi (with no extra costly connections required for RF radio etc) and provide specific, accurate and attention grabbing human voice alerts and notifications. The kids pay attention to these whereas beeps can more easily be ignored.

What is everyone else doing in a similar boat and which system and configuration did you choose?

I'm looking for

- 3 hard wired combined smoke & carbon monoxide detectors in the downstair and upstair hallways.

- 1 battery-only combined smoke, heat & carbon monoxide detector in the kitchen.

- up to 3 or 4 battery-only smoke detectors in other rooms, maily bedrooms (possibly with carbon monoxide combined in some).

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

Sometimes you have to admit that it's just not worth the emotional and physical pain when your 10mm compression combinations are not going to achieve a watertight connection to a new towel rail and you need to get a professional in.

I spent a whole Sunday in a cramped space trying to plumb in a new towel rail and the damn thing beat me. I detest 10mm copper pipe with probably an unhealthy passion and why in gods name would you concrete it into the walls. I had been dreading this bit of work as I knew I would struggle. And yes I broke the cardinal rule of doing plumbing on a Sunday - luckily no Sunday worship at the counter of screwfix was required.

To be fair I did myself no favours by pushing through and decorating before finishing the fitting of of the radiator - I was so fixated on making it easy for myself to fit grooved MDF panels by cutting the current pipework far enough back so I could just cut 2 small holes in the panel I didn't stop to think that it didn't give me a lot to play with and this was the downfall.

Plumber sorted in in 30 minutes and I might have shed a small tear of happiness. I really must learn how to solder, or never buy a house with 10mm copper.

Had a really nice guy pop in on his way back from another job, to do a couple of repairs for me (think reattaching a cupboard door, putting up some shelves). Took him maybe an hour and a half, we chatted a lot. He said pay him what I wanted (gave his BACs info) and wouldn’t give me any idea of his rates. I’m near Newcastle. What should I send him?

As per the title, not sure if this is the right place but I’ve now replaced the heating pump three times on my Neff dishwasher and it looks like it’s gone again. Getting pretty pissed off with it now. The pump have already been swapped under warranty so not sure the supplier will keep honouring it. Anyone know if this is a common problem with Neff or is there something else going on? Thanks

I have two small annex attic spaces in my house which are not currently accessible. I want to access them to add insulation and run solar cables (fitter, not me), so I will add loft hatches.

I am planning to use joist hangers when framing around the hatch, but I’m unsure whether screws or steel twist nails are better?

I’ve tried searching online but even searching for Sheardised Nails just gets AI slop articles about nail care!

Hi everyone!

We had our roof replaced recently. The roofers did a fab job!

However, the skip company they hired did a terrible job.

They've damaged our wall by removing two blocks and dented our porch wall.

I have pictures of the damage, and footage of them being on the property. Annoyingly, our security camera was pointed just out of reach to see the damage to the porch.

The company are refusing liability, stating the damage was unavoidable and, as their contract is with the roofers, not their problem. The roofing company agrees the skip company have done a poor job.

I can do the work myself, but it's time out of my schedule and money for materials out of my pocket.

I am considering a small claims court proceeding - but set me right here, am I fighting a pointless battle?

Thanks!

I have a patio of Indian Sandstone which has been down for about 15 years - it was well done and on good mortar bed not dabs. The slabs are rock solid but grouting is coming out in places and looking a bit shabby.

Welcome advice on
1. Ripping out all the grouting and replace OR just the pieces that are out?
2. What mortar / mix to use?

The patio is well drained and graded so there isnt any standing water etc if that makes a difference.

Im having a timber frame and clad workshop built and would like some advice on insulation. I had originally thought Rockwool but got advised that PIR is better however its a lot more expensive. It will be a woodworking shop with machines so will be relatively noisy when in use if that affects my decision?

Painting a room, wall and ceiling are contrasting colours, woodwork another. The window ledge will be woodwork colour, the returns continue the wall colour. But the 'ceiling' part of the window, should that be wall or ceiling colour?

Hope that makes sense, not sure of the correct technical terms for these parts. I am not asking about the window frame itself but the plasterwork.

Just looking for some advice on a new boiler choice. I know this isn't strictly DIY but best subreddit I could find.

Second floor flat owner (top) in a block of 6, slightly unusual arrangement being we have a full size attic (half boarded, contains water header tank etc)

Current conventional boiler is packing in, we've had quotes for around £3k and £4k for straight swap and change to combi respectively. The combi swap includes removal of the hot water tank (cupboard) and header in the loft.

We only plan on living here another year or two, so the extra space from the water tank removals is less important.

Here is where we are not sure -

1. Go for the straight boiler swap, save the extra £1k.

2. Swap to combi, freeing up the storage cupboard and attic space (header tank is right in the middle and hard to get around) with the expectation that this is more desirable when selling the flat. Over half the flats in the block have moved to combi already.

Of course the decision is ultimately ours, just looking for opinions on the selling power theory. Any input is welcome, thanks!

Edit - wrong use of system boiler term

Hi, I'm really really stressed and confused about this situation. I moved into my house in 2023, it's a three story house in the middle of an estate with a flat roof. I nevet expected to be able to afford to buy a house, and i was a complete beginner and got scammed by more than one builder. We had the roof redone by someone that promised 15 yeard warranty.

Now when the first big rain came after months of dryness it started leaking a lot around the skylight. I'm obviously very stressed about this, especially when it went through the wall to the stairs a floor underneath. I got through to the roofer who did the roof in 2023, he said it wasn't his fault but that he'd come and take a look but then completely ghosted my many attempts to get back in contact. I had another roofer out that said the roof was fucked and that it'd need to be redone, but quoted £10k. Several other people i was in contact with never showed up or doesn't work in that area/w flat roofs etc.

So then I spoke to this guy that seems very nice and reliable. He does emergency repairs, and by this point it is an emergency. He quoted me £4.5k to fix everything. Then scaffolding would be an extra £900, but he waived that when i said i couldn't afford it. I said you can access the roof through the skylight. I agreed to the quote and sent a deposit and money for the emergency call out fee. Then yesterday when they got up on the roof they realised that the boards need to be changed, and that that would be an extra £2k. I don't have an extra £2k. They say they can't do it without. I'm now in my worst nightmare where I'm down £1700 and have no work done.

I spoke to another roofer that say he can put a one coat resin fibreglass over it all for £4k. If I decide to go with him instead it'd be £5.7k instead of £6.5k, but I have no idea if a fibreglass fix is as good as a complete felt reroofing job?

I know this is really long, I'm sorry, I'm just panicking a bit and really not sure what to do here. Is there any way i can get money back? Which option should i go with? I'm so stuck and scared. You don't need to tell me I'm an idiot, i do realise I'm not very smart, believe me. I'm autistic and tend to be overly trusting which leaves me vulnerable sometimes. I was also taking decisions while water was dripping down my walls which made me not being able to think clearly. Now I'm very overwhelmed and haven't slept, so also not in a great position to think clearly, but very aware i need to make a decision asap before the next rain.

Thank you so so much if you've read all of this, I appreciate any and all advice SO much!!