4 minute read
Ask the experts Your home
ASK THE experts
Our team of experts answer your home improvement questions
Advertisement
QI’m going to renovate my kitchen – how should I plan for the plug sockets? Sam Miller, via email
AHoward
Solomons, Head of Design at Wandsworth Electrical,
says… You’ll need to ensure the sockets are far enough away from water sources for safety. But it’s important to remember that your kitchen is a hard-working area, so the more outlets you have, the better. Think about the appliances you want and those you use a lot – you’ll want at least one twin socket per appliance.
You should also be able to isolate large appliances, such as fridges. You can do this with a regular socket, but a more practical approach would be to use a fused switch for each large appliance. These can be tucked away as long they’re still accessible, so that the appliance can be easily isolated when required.
Once you know what appliances you want, think about what else you use in the kitchen, especially devices such as tablets and smart speakers. I recommend installing twin-switched sockets with integrated USB outlets in areas that are clogged with devices.
Lacquered satin brass double
socket, £77.13, Wandsworth Electrical Q How can I clean my windows without leaving streaks? Tara Shepherd, Shrewsbury
ALynsey Crombie, @Lynsey _
QueenofClean on Instagram,
says… Never clean your windows when the Sun is blazing on them – the cleaner will dry onto the hot window before you get a chance to wipe it away, which will cause streaks. Instead, start cleaning the windows in the shady part of the house or clean them on a dull, overcast day.
Use a solution of warm soapy water with a dash of white vinegar and two thick microfibre cloths – one for cleaning and one for drying – and work in an ‘S’-shape motion. After cleaning, scrunch up a sheet of newspaper and use it to absorb any water that’s been left behind.
QI have hairline cracks in my ceiling. When are they serious and can I fix them myself? Hannah Banwo, Bradford
APat Gilham, painting
and decorating expert at
MyJobQuote.co.uk, says… Cracks wider than a £1 coin or that run across the ceiling to the corner could be structural and are worth getting checked by a structural engineer or builder. But hairline cracks aren’t usually anything to worry about. If there’s only a few cracks, you can fix these with a fine filler and filling knife. If there are lots, I’d advise getting your ceiling reskimmed by a plasterer to create a smooth surface for a repaint.
QI’m thinking about re-mortgaging my home to bring my monthly cost down – what do I need to know? Kelly Shafik, Ipswich
ATayo Oguntonade,
Mortgage Broker and Property Expert at @brickzwithtipz on
Instagram, says… If you’re thinking about remortgaging, one of the best things to do is to plan ahead. If your current mortgage deal is going to end in the next three months, you can speak to an adviser now. They’ll get your mortgage offer in place so that the day your current deal runs out, you’ll go straight onto your new mortgage and not the lender’s higher standard variable rate.
It’s important to note that if you’re still within your deal, it may not be worth re-mortgaging, even if a much lower rate is on offer. Many mortgages have early repayment charges that are payable if you re-mortgage before your deal has expired. These charges are generally much more than any savings that could be made from the lower interest rate.
QHow can I paint my tired-looking garden fence to make it look professional? Georgina Neal, Peterborough
ABecky Rackstraw,
Managing Director
at Protek, says… Firstly, decide if you’d like a natural, wooden look or a sleek, painted finish, as light colours are good at brightening smaller, more enclosed spaces. Sample pots are very helpful for making the right decision.
Next, make sure your fence is clean and dry and remove all algae – a stiff-bristle brush usually does the job. There’s no need to apply additional primers or sealants on fences if you use a paint or stain designed for exterior wood. You can use a brush, roller or a garden sprayer, depending on how many panels you need to paint – and applying two coats of paint is always better than just one, if you have the time. Clean up any splashes or drips of paint quickly – while the paint’s still wet – using warm soapy water.
Royal Exterior Wood
Finish in Teal, £40.20 per 2.5L, Protek
Royal Exterior Wood
Finish in Heritage Blue, £19.20 per 1L, Protek
Royal Exterior Wood Finish in Guardsman
Red, £40.20 per 2.5L, Protek
WE NEED YOUR QUESTIONS!
If you have a DIY or maintenance question, write to Ask the Experts, Your Home, Our Media Limited, Eagle House, Bristol, BS1 4ST or email
