muffins78

I?ve been reading this thread with interest and other similar ones on the forum. I?m looking at a narrow Victorian terraced house to purchase and it all needs to be redecorated, to say the least. Having lived in one before, I now remember hearing the neighbours cough etc.. What?s the best thing to do, in your experienced re sound proofing? Should I get all neighbouring walls sound proofed? I won?t have the space to put up the ?timber framed? solution - I believe that takes 5 inches of space at either side! What is the best (and reasonable) to cover the neighbouring walls with? As the flooring will all be removed, is it a good idea to also do under the floorboards? Or perhaps only do under the floorboards in the bedrooms? It would be good to get it done right, so no regrets after! Would I be looking at 5k, 10k - everyone is saying it?s expensive!! But I?ve no ball park figure to go on!! Thank you :)

Anyone else got low pressure this morning? Reporting it now ....

Hi all, I?ve put my property on the market and started looking to buy around the area. I?ve never had a basement so hadn?t considered it as a means to extend usage of a property. The prices on the market are quite bizarre to say the least and while people move to gain space, I seem to be losing it (long story short)! I saw a lovely place today, and I?m considering it?s potential - as it?s two bed one bath, and ideally I?d like more. There is no scope to extend externally etc., but there is a small basement - so I?m googling all evening! It would be good to understand the potential costs involved - I understand it may not add full value - but I?m willing to overlook that, if the cost to escavate etc., was reasonable. It?s a terraced property and I understand other neighbours have done it. Thanks for any experiences or potential costs help!!! (I posted on the lounge but no feed back yet so thought I?d try here)

In a nutshell - without doubt - all hours worked should be paid at least National Minimum Wage! This is just based on the particular scenarios described above. There can be nuances- but not in these instances! I?m shocked at what I?ve read, for various reasons. Sorry I?m keeping this brief, but the hours worked should be paid.

Hi all, I?ve put my property on the market and started looking to buy around the area. I?ve never had a basement so hadn?t considered it as a means to extend usage of a property. The prices on the market are quite bizarre to say the least and while people move to gain space, I seem to be losing it (long story short)! I saw a lovely place today, and I?m considering it?s potential - as it?s two bed one bath, and ideally I?d like more. There is no scope to extend externally etc., but there is a small basement - so I?m googling all evening! It would be good to understand the potential costs involved - I understand it may not add full value - but I?m willing to overlook that, if the cost to escavate etc., was reasonable. It?s a terraced property and I understand other neighbours have done it. Thanks for any experiences or potential costs help!!!

That's all really helpful - thank you so much! Apparently the warehouse is out of stock now and I think I've googled too much and lost track of what I'm looking for. The prices varied between 100 and 300 $ - so based on the customs charge above - this could get pricey (but maybe worth it ) :)

Hi I hope someone can help please? Has anyone ordered something from the US but organised your own shipping? Similar to Hermes in the U.K., who do collections/deliveries! I'm going to ask if they've got a US partner. I've seen something that i can't get here and shop is being very helpful, but believe the shopping costs will be costly and are looking into now for me. It would be great if someone here went through the same process and can help/advise.

Jacqui that's a good idea!! I had a time waster on Wednesday - wouldn't mind but saw that he provided a service I needed and was going to ask him about when he came! His loss! A lovely person came along on Friday instead and took the item!! :)

Yes I'm waiting to get through too but no luck! I can't make or receive calls either on landline! I hope they compensate - the whole service costs a lot as it is!

Yes down again - that's really bad!!

I had a look at the site, they offer the same type of services as a traditional high street managing agent. We had our right to manage etc in place for our last agent, it was exasperating and I spent more time in communication with them. I'd suggest you find someone who's used them, and if they are good - I'd be interested too - but on the whole look at what you can do yourself and what you'd like them to do. For example the company secretary tasks are simple. The buildings valuation only needs to be done every three years. If you get a fire health and safety report done, you could use that as a means to establishing annual health and safety checks, with some additional points which I could help you with. Also, important to note, our previous agent engaged a surveyor for buildings insurance valuation. Recently we had to get a new one, and we were shocked to find out the agents surveyor calculation was significantly different and we were massively under insured. I could write a book :) :)

You can ask for every invoice for each item of expenditure. We used to use a managing agent and we now self-manage. I believe a previous agent charged for intercom costs that were never incurred and further confirmed by our intercom system company. As much as self managing is hard work, it's cheaper and more reliable. You know exactly where every penny goes and what state your building is in.

I had some standard responses to the email and follow up email I sent to the post office, really disappointing. Initially failed to answer my questions directly and then said at a cost I could have parcels dropped off at other post offices locally (if those post offices were partaking). Consultation based on my experience means decisions have been made and I think their approach is distasteful to their customers. Their initial email drew out how they would look after their employees, which I found rather silly to draw out given they are required by law to do xyz, so no, they are just doing what they need to, rather than benefit employees - and have no regard to the community.

I've written now too - thankS for sharing the details

If anyone is going to Gatwick on Tuesday morning - leaving at 9am latest from East Dulwich - and want to share a taxi a please let me know - given the latest strikes announcement :(

I never checked when they took my payment - but I think I sent it 14 July! So if that helps you :) Good luck :)

Just a FYI, that I got my permanent residency card today - it took 3.5 months for those who are waiting for theirs :)

Hi - we had the same problem and our neighbours etc got in touch with other neighbours on the road to see if anyone had any indicator - but no-one had. In the end, we just came to a mutual agreement. So if your neighbours can agree with their neighbours etc., about the responsibility, you'll all be able to take responsibility for one side!!

That's fab - do you know where you can get it?

Just a refresher - in case it helps and an article that was kindly written http://www.southwarknews.co.uk/news/thieves-strip-scaffolding-house-daytime-raid/

They cut me off after 50 minutes - and can't log issue by mail. It's really annoying.

My neighbour spoke to them - I'd suggest you ring them if you haven't as they've tried to tell him it's our buildings problem rather than Thameswater. I'm on hold to them now - at least I can see your posts to quote :)

I am only catching up on the thread now - and yes the police will know about the markings etc.. I'm not happy about any finger pointing in the sense of the travelling community. Every group/community etc have the same problems, as well as many great and positive attributes.. I don't specifically know any traveller family, but I do know people who do, and know them very well. They have nothing but high praise for them and the respect they show to this person and his business. And I am certain, no mind him saying this himself, they are more respectful after they use his services and go beyond the call of duty, where other groups/communities don't do anything at all in the same situation. I'm sorry if I am vague, but its true in its capacity. He won't be unfamiliar in his role on the tv programme they did on C4 or C5 about the travelling community. Thanks for any feedback regarding the scaffolding and just make sure yours is safe :)

I have no idea - except it wasn't metal collecting, as ive left metal post box things outside for anyone to take - no-one has!! It was a mixture of the poles and the wooden things that was taken!!