Information and Advice on Housing and Living

Some information and advice on owning, renting and housekeeping.


[07 May 2005]

 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...


Want a Simple, Tasty Biscuit Recipe?
[29 Aug 2010]
These are called Fork Biscuits Ingredients: 50g caster sugar 115g margarine/butter (softened) grated orange/lemon rind 140g self-raising ...
A Great Deal from Sainsbury's? Don't Drink to THAT!
[05 Apr 2010]
Here's an offer from Sainsbury's you can possibly refuse - bottles of cider, usually £1.54, or THREE FOR £5! Wait a moment, doesn ...
Chris Roach Polycarbonate Supplies
[02 Apr 2010]
Chris Roach Trade & Retail Plastics in Magdalen Road, Norwich, have an online price list: Polycarbonate Sheet Prices The listed prices ...
Same Product, New Look. Huh?
[08 Nov 2009]
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 Oct 2009]
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 Oct 2009]
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 Feb 2009]
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 Dec 2008]
Here's a USB Wireless Weather Forecaster for £70 from Maplin, and their Instruction PDF. The manufacturer is Fine Offset Electronics ...
Water Consumption
[02 Jan 2009]
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 Oct 2008]
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 Aug 2008]
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 Jun 2008]
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 Feb 2008]
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 Jan 2008]
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 ...
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