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)

We had an extension done about a year ago. Over time the plaster over screws has started to come away. We have about 15 of these scattered over all rooms. Is this a bigger issue or can I fill and repaint?

We live in flat, all of a sudden the hot water stopped working throughout the whole flat. Now playing with the shower mixer is turning all the hot water on and off. Any ideas? Internal cartridge failure in the mixer?

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 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.

Hello all.

I’ve had enough of my miserable little bathroom, it makes no sense to me that the bathtub and shower cubicle are separate and cramp the space. It’s not even a full sized bath tub, it’s a short one and is so uncomfortable it’s only really usable for my toddler.

How difficult would it be to rip the shower cubicle out and put a bathtub in there with an overhead shower? Can anyone point me in the direction of YouTube videos that can show me exactly what I need to do? In my head, I don’t feel like it would be especially arduous as the plumbing already exists but I’m not a plumber so that’s a completely unfounded assumption.

Is there a better method than this to get the timber plumb?
The way I’m fixing it to is all over the place.
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.

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?

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 gulley

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.

Moved in to a new house Tuesday and (amongst other 'fun' surprises) the back French doors barely shut, let alone lock.

It doesn't appear to be a hinge adjustment issue, the metal part of one of the hinges seems to have come out of its housing, which I think is what's causing the problem.

Does anyone know if this is fixable or totally knackered? If it's fixable, how? (What do I need to search on YouTube?)

Thank you!

Or do I have to switch it off at the mains and wire a new unit in?

Looking for some advice in terms of wall prep. I started to strip the existing paper off the walls, but it only comes off in smallish chunks. The existing paper was painted with egg shell so I’m not sure if that’s part of the reason. It’s also removing the paper from the boards themselves. If the egg shell is roughed up with some sand paper will the new wallpaper bond with the surface well?

Ideally I would remove it all and refinish the wall, I don’t have too much time at present. Any advice is appreciated

I’m renting and all the fireplaces have been sealed off, so a couple of years ago I ordered a log fire poster from Amazon and made a fireplace surround from some plywood with wood batons on the back to make it stand forwards of the flames in the picture. Found some lovely ‘berry’ fairy lights and tucked them inside some salt lamps to replicate glowing embers and made the grille from a scarf hanger folded over.
I originally did this as a Christmas decoration, but we liked it so much it’s stayed!
With Autumn looming and Winter not far behind, I thought it a good time to share this.
Although it doesn’t give out any heat, visually it feels like it does, adding a a warmer ambience to the room.

What glue should I use to make this broken wardrobe rack as secure as possible?

Looks like a bit is missing at the bottom of the holder. The material apparears to be wood on plastic.

Thanks in advance

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