Send in your questions to Steve. . .

Q How feasible would it be to incorporate a downstairs loo in a terraced townhouse? I have an under-stairs storage unit which I would like to convert using the Saniflo system but wonder what likely problems I might encounter.

There is a small entrance under the stairs from the hallway but a full sized door also leads into storage backing on to this from the dining part of my kitchen/dining room. My main concern is the piping through the dining part of the kitchen, behind (or through) kitchen cupboards out to the back garden. Do these loos really work in a domestic setting or are they best for caravans and the like?

Susan A WC under the stairs would be of great bene"t to you. The Sani"o system you are thinking of using is the most convenient way of doing this. The three main obstacles to overcome are: water supply to the WC and wash-hand basin; access to the manhole; and electrical supply for the sani"o unit, lighting and an extractor fan. The Sani"o unit must have an un-switched "xed wiring connector with a 5amp fuse. The waste water from the wash hand basin can also be put into the Sani"o unit. As with all jobs, careful planning will help you avoid mistakes so I suggest you try a couple of layouts for the placement of the WC and wash hand basin "rst. The Sani"o is ideal for basement situations as it can pump the waste water vertically. Visit www. sani"o. ie for more information.

Q We are two OAPs who built our retirement bungalow 20 years ago. We find it a very cold house and want to insulate the attic. However, following your recent advice regarding inset lights we think we have a problem. We have six of these lights in our lounge: six in the hallway, nine down a hall and corridor, two in the TV room and one in each of the four bedrooms. So we now know why there are always draughts. If we were to insulate between the rafters, directly under the slates, would that help? We feel that a 6in space left around so many lights can't be remedied. Any suggestions?

Laura Kirby Insulating between the rafters would help, but I would favour the insulating of the ceiling as you are trying to stop the heat escaping. If you do not insulate the ceiling the heat will escape from these rooms into the attic area. It would be best to box around and over the light "ttings and then "t your insulation between the joists and over the boxes. Remember to lay some boards on your ceiling joists to prevent you from putting your foot through the ceiling! If you haven't a "oor in the loft already why not "t one at the same time. And if you use the attic a lot why not install Stira folding attic stairs while you're at it.

Q I live in a typical three-bed semi built four years ago.

How do I sound-proof my rooms so I don't hear what is going on in my neighbour's house? The dividing wall is 9in block on flat, then drywall. There is no insulation between the plasterboard and block wall. The mortar joints are pretty good and flush with the block work. I just want to sound-proof two bedrooms.

My thinking is to over slab the existing wall with Kingspan board that is backed with insulation then tape and joint to finish.

John Ryan Good idea. If you are going to do the job yourself, I would invest in the best form of insulated panel you can "nd. One such product is 'Calibel' from Moyisover (www. moyisover. ie/calibel). It is a plasterboard slab with glasswool stuck onto it. It comes in various widths and is stuck to the wall with adhesive dabs. You can also use plastic "xings to keep it in place. The insulation on the plasterboard ranges in thickness from 30mm up to 100mm plus the 12.5mm for the plasterboard. This will help reduce the transfer of noise through to your property. A party wall should be built of 225mm concrete block, with sand and cement plaster to both sides. Onto this should be added the Calibel insulating boards. Alternatively, a cavity wall construction with sand and cement plaster to both sides with insulated boards would really nullify the sound.

WRITE TO US If you have a building/renovation-related query that you'd like Steve to help you with, email: doorstepdoctor@tribune. ie Steve Guerin is managing director of www. tradesmenireland. com, the one-stop website that will help you find a tradesman, a site for sale, a property to rent or buy and all the plant hire and machinery you need to complete your house build or renovation