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Brixton tradesmen recommendations: plumbers, electricians, locksmiths, van drivers etc

tarannau said:
has it all fallen down, or just partially collapsed? And what sort of property?

I'm admittedly channeling these questions on behalf of a Stonemason mate down the pub and can't give you a quick answer. The basic jist of what I understood is that if it's entirely gone, you may need more than a masonry specialist to come and quickly patch up
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Crappola. I made the decision yesterday to get rid, it was just too dangerous. It had partially collapsed but large chunks from the underside had been pulled away, and bits were dropping off all the time. Plus from the upstairs window a crack was visible along its surface.
Worryingly most of it just lifted off. There is now a small remnant of masonry where the ledge was attached to the house.

That part of the house is mid Victorian I think. Now Im concerned that the builder Ive got coming round to look at it wont have the expertise to safely replace it. Over the phone he was talking about steel rods....?
 
Steel rods are fine. He will probably intend to chemically fix them into the remaining stone under the window and cast a sill in situ. The steel rods hold the two parts together. If he uses the right mix of concrete and builds a decent mould allowing for a run-off and drip edge you wont be able to tell the difference once it is painted.

If you opt for replacing the stonework it will probably mean removing the remaining part and this could involve removal of the window and disturbing the inernal plasterwork. Lots of hassle. Only worth it if you have very special window ledges!
 
I think that vaguely tallies with what Mr Mason said fwiw. i also suspect that he and his masonry type specialists would recommend the latter path, whereas a general purpose builder could be better placed to do a cheaper repair.
 
Don't gas suppliers come out? (I could be wrong but thought it was in boiler service contracts for them to come out?)
 
Biddly said:
Don't gas suppliers come out? (I could be wrong but thought it was in boiler service contracts for them to come out?)
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As in the gas company?. I doubt they would fix the boiler. I have the phone number of the guys who service it - but they aren't answering, lucky it's not cold.
 
Pip said:
Anyone know a cheap man and van?
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If you've got a driving licence it might be worth joining Streetvan (http://www.streetvan.co.uk/)
I usually need a van 2 or 3 times per year. In the past I hired one by the day, but for the last couple of years I've used Streetvan.
You book online, pick one up from one of their locations (Acre Lane is nearest), and pay by the hour (c. £9). I think the joining fee is about £20.
I think it's saved me some money, but the great advantage is not having to go through the normal van hire rigmarole (finding paper licence, going to hire office to fill out forms etc.)
 
Ive just done a quick thread search for damp specialists and didnt have any luck.

Does anyone have any recommendations?
 
Can anyone recommend a painter and decorator in the Vauxhall area?

I've a small room that needs mould removal and then painting. Also some work on wood - doors, window-frames and skirting boards etc
 
My washing machine is in crisis. It's not draining all the water, it's leaking sometimes and the catch on the door is broken. Anyone know who I could get to fix it? I don't want to end up paying loads of dosh just to be told I need a new one.
 
nagapie said:
My washing machine is in crisis. It's not draining all the water, it's leaking sometimes and the catch on the door is broken. Anyone know who I could get to fix it? I don't want to end up paying loads of dosh just to be told I need a new one.
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I don't know of any specialists but when a washing machine isn't draining properly (and there isn't any other drainage problems in the house) then it's usually because the filter needs to be cleaned/emptied.

If you look at exhibit A below:

Zanussi_washing_machine.jpg


On the bottom right hand side of the washing machine there's a rectangular thing that most people don't notice. It's access to the filter. Open that, remove the filter and then it's a case of disposing of whatever is in there (hair and fluff and stuff) into the bin and then putting it back again. Try that first.
 
hello am a man and van who needs work,if anyone is interested to hire my services you more than welcome to put them thru to me,many thanks
 
nagapie said:
My washing machine is in crisis. It's not draining all the water, it's leaking sometimes and the catch on the door is broken. Anyone know who I could get to fix it? I don't want to end up paying loads of dosh just to be told I need a new one.
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I have used a repair chap from Automatic Appliances for years. I think they are pretty honest and reliable. 02087711971
 
Thanks, Rushy. Will try the filter as suggested by C66 (have been told to try this before but typically mine isn't at the front so I've not been able to move the washing machine to get to it) tonight and call the recommendation if that doesn't work. No washing machine with a baby is no fun.
 
nagapie said:
Thanks, Rushy. Will try the filter as suggested by C66 (have been told to try this before but typically mine isn't at the front so I've not been able to move the washing machine to get to it) tonight and call the recommendation if that doesn't work. No washing machine with a baby is no fun.
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Put some cloths down on the floor first
 
As for the leak, if it isn't related to the draining problem then it might be an idea to do a load whilst the washing machine is pulled out to see if you can spot the source of it. Chances are it's one of the water supply pipes and a jubilee clip needs tightening.
 
Thanks all. Actually filter was on front but I couldn't find it due to it being behind a panel. With help from the boyfriend we got it done and there were a couple of stray items in there. Running it now to see if it will drain properly.
 
Still not draining. I guess the pump is broken. Does anyone know if this means I need a new machine or if it can be cheaply replaced?
 
Managed to fix it. Blew some sealant out the pipe, it was preventing draining. Pity we found this after we'd broken the door trying to get it open:facepalm:

Thanks for the links, Minnie, let me know if you have one for a leaking kitchen sink.
 
nagapie said:
Managed to fix it. Blew some sealant out the pipe, it was preventing draining. Pity we found this after we'd broken the door trying to get it open:facepalm:

Thanks for the links, Minnie, let me know if you have one for a leaking kitchen sink.
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Where's it leaking from?
 
Landlady has asked me to recommend a person to deal with damp in a hallway.
I can find one okay through networks but any recommendation?
Damp always seems like a tradesmen's cash cow to me rather than the big, scary task it is painted to be.
 
Badgers said:
Landlady has asked me to recommend a person to deal with damp in a hallway.
I can find one okay through networks but any recommendation?
Damp always seems like a tradesmen's cash cow to me rather than the big, scary task it is painted to be.
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Worth seeing if anyone you knows knows a brickie to get them to look at it first as they may be able to tell you where it's coming from or get a surveyor or similar in before you end up with a larger than necessary job being done by a builder
 
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