Information and Advice on Housing and Living

Some information and advice on owning, renting and housekeeping.

[07 May 2005 21:44]

 Here you'll find hints and tips we've picked up and learnt while buying, living in and selling our homes through the years.

The houses we've lived in as a family are:-

Buying a house
There are many issues surrounding the decision on how, or even whether, to buy a house. 

Selling a house We twice put ourselves in the position of DIY conveyancers.  There are distinct advantages to being 'in charge' of everything, but preparation is everything!  You also might like some pointers on how to sell a house privately.

Renting a house
It's sometimes much more convenient and suitable to rent a place, but you need to be careful! 

Washing Machine Costs
Want to know how much it costs to run a washing machine?  This javascript application may help.

B & Q
Have you thought about having the great DIY superstore deliver your goods? Read on first...


Same Product, New Look. Huh?
[08 November 2009 20:47]
There was a little green label on a pack of tuna fishcakes I bought from Sainsbury's the other day. I only noticed it when I'd got home, and ...
Insurance Cashback? Avoid Yes Insurance!
[20 October 2009 21:03]
Warning: Everything here is my opinion only. It is up to you to draw your own conclusions. Quidco is a great place to get cashback on all ...
Elm Planks For Good Shelves
[11 October 2009 15:18]
Too often I've bought sheets of plywood in order to construct shelves of one sort or another. This time, though, to make some free-standing ...
Not So Expensive Sofa
[10 February 2009 21:55]
This is our old three-seater sofa that we want to give away. It sags somewhat and is patched up, but the frame is very solid.
USB Wireless Weather Forecaster
[04 December 2008 22:56]
Here's a USB Wireless Weather Forecaster for £70 from Maplin, and their Instruction PDF. The manufacturer is Fine Offset Electronics ...
Water Consumption
[02 January 2009 22:24]
How much water do you use? Do you have any idea? According to Environment Agency figures, each person in England uses 148 litres PER DAY. ...
Home Design Software
[26 October 2008 12:56]
Fun & Easy Home Design Software from Better Homes and Gardens, $59 for the download version. Demo Punch! Super Home Suite from Punch ...
There's a Better Way
[13 August 2008 00:00]
The UK Government's Cabinet Office is managing a site called ShowUsABetterWay.com with the tagline Tell us what you'd build with public information ...
Carpet Cleaners: Our Favourite in Norfolk
[25 June 2008 21:16]
Arena Cleaning Services is the company we use to give our main carpeted areas a thorough deep clean once a year. We say that they're our favourite ...
Zenith Windows: The Hard Sell
[22 February 2008 11:52]
I am writing this to let people know what it's like to be given the hard sell by a uPVC installer. One afternoon I was asked by a badged young ...
Immersion Heaters: Safety Thermal Cutout
[10 January 2008 20:47]
To avoid the danger of your cold water tank accidentally filling with hot water due to a faulty immersion heater element, check your hot water ...
Energy-saving Lightbulbs
[09 June 2006 10:30]
Our house is smattered with halogen lights - Dichroic Lamps, and these are about as energy-inefficient as you can get. The good bit of news ...
Solid Wood Kitchen Worktops
[24 November 2007 11:44]
We're considering whether to invest in solid wood worktops for our kitchen. We currently have a vast expanse of chipboard laminate which does ...
Warm Front Grants
[18 September 2007 15:49]
From WarmFront.co.uk: The Warm Front Grant provides a package of insulation and heating improvements up to the value of £2,700 (or £4,000 ...
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About Us:

Julii is finishing up work as an Environmental Economics Researcher at the University of East Anglia to give more time to the children.

John is lead developer of Blurtit.com, Qhub.com and other exciting Web projects.

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