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The stone cottage we are renovating is being replastered throughout (as I strip off the woodchip :cry:). So far one bedroom has been done. It's quite a big room with just one small cottage window. Two weeks on there are still a couple of areas which look a bit damp - underneath the window sill...

Have had a survey plus quote from one of the big names in the business (not Rentokil). Is it worth trying to get the price down? How 'fixed' are these things?

The cottage I'm renovating was neglected and largely unoccupied for 25 years. There is damp on the 1st floor gable end in line with the chimney flue. We have hacked off all the plaster and are repairing any structural issues which might have caused the damp - ie no flashing on the chimney stack...

Just renovating an 18th century cottage. There are lots of woodworm holes in the beams but not sure if it is active - unless dust on the window sill is frass. Is it too early in the year to spot any beetles? The surveyor who went into the loft thinks there may be some activity there 'due to the...

Just removed some horrible carpet in an old cottage to find lovely dry flags in the kitchen and lounge. This picture doesn't do them justice. What is the best way to clean them up and bring out the colour? Would sealing them cause damp?

Note horizontal crack on lower beam. Any suggestions on how best to make this secure? Wondering if I should get a structural engineer in to advise but it's all extra expense of course

We were thinking metal plates screwed through from floor above and injected resin. Maybe should get a structural engineer to advise?

There is damp on the first floor chimney wall of the cottage I am renovating. One builder says the fitting of a proper cowl, removal of plaster and leaving to dry should sort it - especially once the place is lived in again and the stove lit Another builder says it needs a lead tray/flashing and...

Hello Getting a bit of 'dust' falling down from two window lintels from what I had thought were old inactive infestations. Does this mean that every bit of wood in the house has to be treated or is it sufficient to treat only where you see activity?

Currently renovating an unlisted 18th century cottage with solid stone walls. No major damp issues apart from one 1st floor gable wall due to previous chimney ingress (we are taking off the plaster and letting the wall dry out). Ultimately the builder has suggested lining all the external...

I found this guide online. http://www.checkyourprice.co.uk/building-installation-cost/index.php#buildingremovalcosts How realistic do you think it is? There is a limit to how much I can do myself so trying to get a rough idea before the quotes come in (from 3 recommended contractors). I'm in...

The original plastering is smooth but slightly 'wobbly' (sorry but don't know how else to describe it). However no doubt will be repairing some areas (after removing some woodchip). Would a plasterer be able to get the same effect? I think a really flat, even finish such as you get on a modern...

Restoring a 1750s cottage in Cumbria. The kitchen is one of my priorities. This is a photograph of it under previous ownership, Look where they had the cooker! The sink unit is at a slant - I think because there used to be a corner fireplace. I don't want a totally fitted kitchen. Possibly a...

I'm renovating a cottage. The old Parkray multifuel stove stands proud of the wall on a small 'hearth' with a horizontal rear pipe fitted into the chimney flue. There is a backsplash of horrible tiles behind the stove. Access for sweeping is via a removable plate on the other side of the...

The old cottage I'm buying needs the chimney checking and a fireplace opened up (if possible) for a new multi fuel stove. A new kitchen Extra electric sockets and re-siting of the cooker point A different hot water system (currently electric instant hot water heaters). There is no...

Sorry not sure if this should be in electrics or plumbing. I'm buying a cottage which has no water heating system other than those old fashioned electric instant water heaters so looking at alternatives. There is no gas in the village so a costly oil fired installation or electric are the only...

Hello folks I'm buying a cottage with a Parkray multifuel stove in the lounge - not a pretty Parkray but one with an ugly 60s look. It connects via a horizontal pipe/flue straight into the wall - there is no chimney breast just a tiled splashback as ugly as the stove. However there is a proper...

I am in the process of buying a 17th century cottage. The absentee owners have had it for 25 years (I believe it was inherited from parents) and have used it as a personal holiday cottage. The fittings are all modern and there is a modern shower room built onto the ground floor but I know they...

Hi all I'm thinking of buying a cottage which has no off road parking. There is a courtyard to the front bounded by a rough 3 foot stone wall which belongs to the cottage. If I take down part of the wall I could create a pull in for the car. Access would not be from the main road but from an...

On the point of contract exchange and we have received yet more queries from the purchaser's solicitor. I live in tiny hamlet with a communal septic tank in an adjoining field which is owned by the local farmer. The deeds show right of access for maintenance and repair subject to making good...