Send in your questions to Steve, our expert tradesman, and he'll solve your problems

Q How expensive/messy would it be to install a guest bathroom under the stairs in my three-bed semi and how long would it take?

The main things to consider when adding a WC anywhere in your house are the proximity of the nearest manhole, a water supply to the toilet cistern and the wash hand basin, an electrical supply for lighting and an extractor fan if there isn't a window in the proposed space. The job shouldn't be too messy but this as always depends on the type of tradesmen you hire to carry out the work. I can't give you an exact costing but it's a good idea to write down exactly what it is you want from the space and get three written quotes for the job from three tradesmen. It's also a good idea to "nd a person who can do the whole job and not just parts of it, like the electrics or the plumbing, so you can keep an eye on cost.

Q How difficult is it to remove paint from a cast-iron fireplace?

What product can I buy to do this?

This is a fairly simple procedure but one that must be carried out with caution and using protective clothing, a dust mask and goggles. The first way to remove the paint would be to buy a tin of paint remover . . . Nitromores. This is put on the fireplace with an old paint brush and left for a short time while it dissolves the paint, which can then be scraped off. You will have to wash the "replace after using the paint remover. Alternatively you could use a blow torch and burn the paint off the "replace . . . again I would stress that it is necessary to use protective clothing and it can be dif"cult if you don't know what you're doing.

Otherwise you could have the paint stripped off the "replace by a professional company. The "replace will need to be taken off the wall so they can dip it into a vat of acid which will strip off the paint.

Q We have an old garage at the bottom of our town garden which has an asbestos tiled roof which needs to be removed for renovation. Where can we get information on how have it removed safely or is there a company we can contact?

Firstly let me say you are doing the right thing by leaving a job like this to the experts. The internet is a great way of researching anything at all and if you type 'asbestos removal' into any search engine you will get all the information you require, including information on asbestos regulations in Ireland. The Environmental Protection Agency should also be able to provide you with whatever information you need. I have not had to undertake a job like this before but I know that asbestos is a very dangerous material when it is disturbed as it is the loose "bres that cause the damage. If inhaled as dust, they are known to contribute to increased risk of lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. When you "nd a reputable company to remove the asbestos, they will tell you exactly how they will package it and dispose of it in the correct manner. It should be noted that you can no longer buy, use or re-use asbestos products in Ireland.

Q How simple/difficult is it to change from a conventional central heating system with radiators to underfloor heating?

In an existing house it can be quite dif"cult to change completely from a conventional heating system to an under"oor heating system. The term 'under"oor' means just that . . . under the "oor. You will have to rip up your old "oorboards to install the system and it's pretty messy. Under"oor heating is mainly for a new-build situation, the total refurbishment of an existing property or an extension to an existing property. When undertaking anything this major it is wise to do as much research on the subject as is possible.

Alternatively you could enquire about a Devimat under"oor heating system, which is ideal for bathrooms. It runs off electricity and can be easily "tted directly on to your existing "oor whether it is concrete, timber or tiles, without the need to take up the existing "oor construction.

Devimat is a water-resistant, maintenance-free, completely invisible system and comes with a 10-year guarantee. For further information visit www. devi. ie.

WRITE TO US If you have a building/renovation-related query that you'd like Steve to help you with, email: doorstepdoctor@tribune. ie