Topic: Ask - R(ob)AWK replies

[Drinks Sangria]

Trying to organise trains and flights out to France for next month, how soon do you need to be at the airport these days?

It used to be 2hrs before but I've not flown for 20yrs so no idea now.

Two hours prior to take off for short haul mate.

[reddebs]

Two hours prior to take off for short haul mate.

Perfect cheers.

[CraigDS]

Snip

This an internal wall?

[Drinks Sangria]

This an internal wall?

It is mate yes. No exposure to the outside on any part of the wall, no windows or door frames in it etc. Two chimney breasts on the length of it stretching from living room to dining room.

[Only Me]

I'm buying a house with my girlfriend late 2021 and will be keeping my house with a view to rent it out. It's an old three bed mid terrace, and has some small radial damp patches at the foot of the wooden staircase that has caused the wooden skirting board to perish. The wall also shows some patches. Worth noting that the area can't be more than two metres by one.

I've had a lad come round who's said it'll need the plaster removing and injecting with damp coursing treatment, then he can replace the wood or fill the cracks for a cheaper fix, then replaster. I'd have to do the decoration after this.

He's asking for £600 and saying it'll take a day/ day and a half to do.

Does this seem about right to anyone with some knowledge, or does it seem steep? I know the cost of plaster is huge right now. There's no rising damp, no issue with the roof, flashing or pointing so this is in the wall somehow. Happens with old houses I suppose (1920s).

Obviously I want it in good condition before I look to rent it out. Any thoughts would be very appreciated.

That's horrendously expensive on a £ per square metre basis mate.

Damp proofing materials are expensive, and the price of plaster has rocketed, but you only want a couple of square metres doing, so it wouldn't make that much difference.

I'd normally expect to pay around £70 - £100 per sq metre for that sort of work.

But, we are in weird times, and there's defo a "Covid Premium" appearing on the cost of all trades. I'd get another couple of quotes if that were me.

[WhereAngelsPlay]

That's horrendously expensive on a £ per square metre basis mate.

Damp proofing materials are expensive, and the price of plaster has rocketed, but you only want a couple of square metres doing, so it wouldn't make that much difference.

I'd normally expect to pay around £70 - £100 per sq metre for that sort of work.

But, we are in weird times, and there's defo a "Covid Premium" appearing on the cost of all trades. I'd get another couple of quotes if that were me.

That all day long,get on that trusted trader website.Disagree with the price due to covid though,I'd expect you to pay less due to Covid as so many traders are laid off or struggling to fill their time.

[John C]

It is mate yes. No exposure to the outside on any part of the wall, no windows or door frames in it etc. Two chimney breasts on the length of it stretching from living room to dining room.

If you're in the Liverpool area I know a bloke but he seems to be chocka at the moment. He can do plastering and joinery.

[Drinks Sangria]

If you're in the Liverpool area I know a bloke but he seems to be chocka at the moment. He can do plastering and joinery.

I’m no longer living in town or the general area mate, out towards Chester now. Appreciate it though.

Thanks to everyone for the replies, it’s a massive help as I’m crap with this sort of thing generally but I didn’t get a good feeling from the bloke and it did raise a bit of doubt in me. I’ll get on checkatrade as WhereAngelsPlay has said.

Thank you to all who replied.

[reddebs]

Another one.

I need to replace all my integrated kitchen appliances before letting the house but who does this?

Do I need a kitchen fitter or does it need to be an electrician/gas fitter.

I'll be replacing washing machine, dish washer, fridge, freezer, gas hob, electric oven and the extractor fan.

[CraigDS]

A lot of the appliances may come with free fitting from the place you buy them, so check if that’s an option. As well as taking old ones away if that’s something you’re after too.

Otherwise most of those are simple jobs to do yourself. Although oven  would be a gas engineer and extractor a sparky if you’re not keen on doing that one. 

[rob1966]

Another one.

I need to replace all my integrated kitchen appliances before letting the house but who does this?

Do I need a kitchen fitter or does it need to be an electrician/gas fitter.

I'll be replacing washing machine, dish washer, fridge, freezer, gas hob, electric oven and the extractor fan.

A quick Google seems to suggest that they can all be done by anyone. They'll all need to be checked under your gas and electrical safety tests that you need to get done anyway. Personally I'd get the hob fitted by a gas fitter just for peace of mind (although your neighbour problems would be dealt with if it went wrong ), even though it will be rechecked. I've changed the elements on our cooker a few times and its just a case of switching off at the fuse box and then disconnecting the cable from the oven to get it out and then reconnecting, so its the same when fitting a new one.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-rented-sector-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities/guide-for-landlords-electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-rented-sector

https://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/landlords/safetycheckswho.htm

[reddebs]

Thank you guys. 

Was intending buying from ao.com as I know the owner so I'll check the website to see if they do installation and removal of the old appliances.

I'm getting the boiler serviced in 2wks so I'll check with them about the hob.

[Medellin]

Anyone have one of these or an alternative to it?
Any good too?

https://uk.blade.shop/heineken-starterbundle.html

[rob1966]

Thank you guys. 

Was intending buying from ao.com as I know the owner so I'll check the website to see if they do installation and removal of the old appliances.

I'm getting the boiler serviced in 2wks so I'll check with them about the hob.

AO do both installation and removal of your old appliances, can remember what they charged to take the old washing machine away though. to be honest, installation is for most appliances a piece of piss, the units get built then the appliances go in, so should be pretty easy to swap and saves you money for spends on your trip, get Paul to have a look and see what he thinks he can do.

[reddebs]

AO do both installation and removal of your old appliances, can remember what they charged to take the old washing machine away though. to be honest, installation is for most appliances a piece of piss, the units get built then the appliances go in, so should be pretty easy to swap and saves you money for spends on your trip, get Paul to have a look and see what he thinks he can do.

I could do the installation if they were free standing but I don't have the tools to refit doors if the hinges aren't in the same place.

[.adam]

Brother is training to become a spark. He mentioned that when qualified he'll need some sort of tool which costs a few hundred quid. Any idea what that might be?

[Tesco tearaway]

Brother is training to become a spark. He mentioned that when qualified he'll need some sort of tool which costs a few hundred quid. Any idea what that might be?

An apprentice.

[WhereAngelsPlay]

Brother is training to become a spark. He mentioned that when qualified he'll need some sort of tool which costs a few hundred quid. Any idea what that might be?

A continuity tester maybe or a multifunction tester that go for between £300 - £1000+

[WhereAngelsPlay]

An apprentice.

 

[.adam]

A continuity tester maybe or a multifunction tester that go for between £300 - £1000+

Thanks, mate. I am assuming it is the multifunction tester given the price. Are you a spark? Do you know much about these?

An apprentice.

I would suggest that he is going to be said tool for a while.

[CraigDS]

I would suggest that he is going to be said tool for a while.

You’ve been a great role model in that regard, he’ll be fine.

[CraigDS]

If I join Costco online can I go to the store right away or do I need to wait for a membership card?

[Medellin]

If I join Costco online can I go to the store right away or do I need to wait for a membership card?

Pretty sure they take your foto at the desk where you apply & you can go straight in.
Just need to have the right street cred! 

[rob1966]

If I join Costco online can I go to the store right away or do I need to wait for a membership card?

I'd assume you have to go instore to collect the physical card, as it has your photo on it. When you join, they take your photo at the Membership counter and make your card there and then. You need the card for things like access to the store as they scan on entry and getting fuel as you have to scan your card at the pump.

[CraigDS]

Ta lads.

I'll prob just go over and join up at the desk then, seems they have to take pics, etc anyway.

[rob1966]

Ta lads.

I'll prob just go over and join up at the desk then, seems they have to take pics, etc anyway.

It only takes about 5 or 10 minutes and they issue the card straight away. Do they do fuel at the one by yours, its well worth it if they do, as its usually cheaper than Supermarkets but its the better quality stuff, more akin to the stuff at BP/Shell etc. I run mine and the wifes car on the fuel and I can deffo feel a difference in the diesel compared to Asda.

[CraigDS]

It only takes about 5 or 10 minutes and they issue the card straight away. Do they do fuel at the one by yours, its well worth it if they do, as its usually cheaper than Supermarkets but its the better quality stuff, more akin to the stuff at BP/Shell etc. I run mine and the wifes car on the fuel and I can deffo feel a difference in the diesel compared to Asda.

Yeah do fuel here.

Not sure why I've not joined up before, lived within walking distance of it for the last 4 years nearly 

[Ghost Town]

What do you need to join? I mean what documents do they want to see? Do you need to own a business or anything?

[CraigDS]

What do you need to join? I mean what documents do they want to see? Do you need to own a business or anything?

You can have an individual account if you don't own a business. Not sure if it's limited to certain professions still but was quite wide last time I looked.

[Ghost Town]

You can have an individual account if you don't own a business. Not sure if it's limited to certain professions still but was quite wide last time I looked.

Thanks. I always had this impression that you needed to show a company chequebook or something. I'll look into it.

[Medellin]

Thanks. I always had this impression that you needed to show a company chequebook or something. I'll look into it.

I had the same idea too..they had reps from Costco who arrived in me lads workplace & thats how he got his..he's just an employee where he is, he said they were dishing them out like confetti.

[rob1966]

Thanks. I always had this impression that you needed to show a company chequebook or something. I'll look into it.

For individual membership you do need to be one of some specified professions, I got mine originally through her brother as he had a limited company when he was a contractor, but then via work, they did some deal with Costco so employees could get membership.

Current or Retired Employee of:
Banking / Finance
Local Government
Fire / Rescue Service
Post Office
Airlines
Education
Police Force
Civil Service / Armed Forces
Medical / Health Service
Insurance
OR
Qualified as:

Qualified / Certified / Chartered Accountant
Chartered Architect
Doctors (MD) / Dentist / Optician / Pharmacist
Chartered Surveyor
Solicitor / Barrister / Magistrate / Advocate
Chartered Engineer / Civil etc

https://www.costco.co.uk/membership-individual-requirements

[CraigDS]

Took all of about 5 minutes in the store. Simple.

[WhereAngelsPlay]

Thanks, mate. I am assuming it is the multifunction tester given the price. Are you a spark? Do you know much about these?

No & no,just remember my inlaw moaning about the price after he got his lifted off site.

[.adam]

No & no,just remember my inlaw moaning about the price after he got his lifted off site.

No worries. Cheers.

[gazzam1963]

Thanks, mate. I am assuming it is the multifunction tester given the price. Are you a spark? Do you know much about these?

I would suggest that he is going to be said tool for a while.

This is what he will need , bought myself one of these a few months ago

https://www.tester.co.uk/megger-mft1711-bs-multifunction-tester?gclid=Cj0KCQjwuL_8BRCXARIsAGiC51BrCzui2k4-SN6Djsu3R5gpJuAfbOE3gw-qNeqhiNU6XnPVBseSOf8aAnr1EALw_wcB

[L4Red]

For individual membership you do need to be one of some specified professions, I got mine originally through her brother as he had a limited company when he was a contractor, but then via work, they did some deal with Costco so employees could get membership.

Current or Retired Employee of:
Banking / Finance
Local Government
Fire / Rescue Service
Post Office
Airlines
Education
Police Force
Civil Service / Armed Forces
Medical / Health Service
Insurance
OR
Qualified as:

Qualified / Certified / Chartered Accountant
Chartered Architect
Doctors (MD) / Dentist / Optician / Pharmacist
Chartered Surveyor
Solicitor / Barrister / Magistrate / Advocate
Chartered Engineer / Civil etc

https://www.costco.co.uk/membership-individual-requirements

I signed up with one of their sales reps at a community day thing and the girl said to me 'just say you're a carer' and i had no issues at all, nobody has ever checked and I've been a member for years now.

It even says 'carer' on my card.

[Medellin]

Anyone have one of these or an alternative to it?
Any good too?

https://uk.blade.shop/heineken-starterbundle.html

Went for it..should arrive today. 

[Ghost Town]

I signed up with one of their sales reps at a community day thing and the girl said to me 'just say you're a carer' and i had no issues at all, nobody has ever checked and I've been a member for years now.

It even says 'carer' on my card.

So they don't ask for actual documentary evidence?

I've been thinking to join but I'm not in any of those professions - though one is close enough to blag as long as they don't need documents

[L4Red]

So they don't ask for actual documentary evidence?

I've been thinking to join but I'm not in any of those professions - though one is close enough to blag as long as they don't need documents

Nope, no evidence at all mate. Went in, paid the yearly fee and got my photo put on a card, good to go.