We live in an old pair of cottages divided by a brick wall and plasterboard both sides. We can literally hear each other (neighbours) through the wall. It seems to me like there is a gap between brick and the plasterboard (hollow when knocking) and I'm just wondering if that's not making the sound louder. We are expecting a baby and we wanted to soundproof the wall. I wondered if some soundproofing wool and plaster could do the job (not 100% but at least not to wake them each time baby makes a sound). Also, would we have to remove the existing plaster and fill in the cavity with wool (between existing plasterboard and brickwall) and cover with plaster or would it be ok just to cover existing plasterwall with wool then plaster adding few centimetres? I would be grateful for your advice.

We recently moved into a house with a cooker hood extractor in place, connected to electrics but was just for show. There is no ducting in place, and the hood is on an external wall. How much approximately would this cost to get done so the extractor hood is in full working order please? TIA

We have rising damp on a party wall which is quite bad, we have taken off the plaster to reveal quite bad bricks (the house is very old) i was wondering that once we have done what we can would the thermaskirt skirting boards be a good idea to keep it at bay for future? Thanks

Hi We are looking to purchase a bungalow which has already had the chimney breast removed, but our survey has revealed that the remaining chimney breast in the loft has not been secured properly and is supported by pieces of wood on the joists! Also there are no building certificates or party wall agreements for this work so could be a legal nightmare. Would it be viable to correct this problem or maybe just rebuild the fireplace and install a wood burner at the same time? Michael

I’m just wondering what the best way to soundproof a room for a drum kit is? Is it something I can do myself with limited tools or will I need to hire a professional?

Can SIPs be used partially, so on parts of walls. Or does thermal bridging stop them from being efficient?

Please can you provide estimate of cost for installing built under electric oven and a separate gas hob - and removing current oven/hob.

What are the best damp-proofing options for a basement that's to be used as a utility room?

I've seen some really cool wine cellar units installed in the floor with a glass trap door. They're supposed to be easy to install but I can't find any info on floor strength requirements etc. Does anyone know much about these?

Hi, After our Aga is removed, what do we need to do to safely install a gas stove/fireplace? We currently have an Aga in a brick chimney breast in the kitchen. There is a chimney opening that goes up 2 floors, through other people's flats and out the roof chimney. We are on the ground floor in a large Victorian house that has been divided into flats. The fireplace opening is probably the original one. However, we don't know if the current black flue goes all the way through the roof. The Aga is a gas Aga, so gas is already running to that space. Any information you can give will be greatly appreciated. Once we are sure we can go ahead with the plan and will ask for quotes for the installation. Thanks.