Send in your questions to Steve. . .

Q I had two upstairs bathroom floors tiled about a year ago but am having trouble with grouting in places. It is breaking up. The tiler did screw down floorboards tightly before tiling. I called him back and he scraped out the areas and regrouted but it keeps happening. Taking up all the tiles is not really an option as I can't afford it. Would be grateful for any help.

Stella Flanagan Stella, although you say the tiler did screw down the "oorboards, he should have screwed WBP (weather and boil proof) plywood on top of the boards before tiling. Although you might think that screwing the "oorboards will keep them from moving the only certain way of controlling movement is with the plywood sheets. The ply should be screwed at approximately 150mm (6") centres. In conjunction with this the tiler should also use "exible tile adhesive and "exible grout.

You say that taking up the tiles is not an option, well if the tiler did not use the "exible grout then you could ask him to scrape out the old grout and regrout with the "exible grout. I would suggest the best compromise is for you to take up the tiles and try to save as many as possible and ask your tiler to tile the "oor again with you providing all materials and him tiling the "oor with no extra charge.

If you do not take up the tiles and "t the plywood then your problem will be an ongoing one.

Q I live in a 1930s local authority house in Dublin.

I'm looking to replace my PVC front door with an original 1930s timber one (cottage-style with six panes of glass at the top). Apparently these doors are two inches wider than the standard front door and have proved difficult to get. Do you know a company that make these doors and what would it cost to buy and install? Some companies that I have approached have the standard 'mock' Georgian doors, I'm looking for something more authentic. Also I don't want to go to the expense of having a joiner specially make one. There are so many of these houses in my area, surely there is a company that supplies and makes them.

Crumlin reader.

As I am not based in Dublin, I would have very limited knowledge of companies that might be able to arrange this for you. However, I really think there is only one way to go about this and that is the route of the specialist joinery shop. It shouldn't cost a whole lot more than the standard doors and would be well worth the extra cost when it is done. Take a look at the carpenters / joiners in www. tradesmenireland. com and search the Dublin area. You can contact the relevant tradesmen there and explain your requirements to them. Alternatively you can 'POST A JOB' on the site and we will send your job requirements by text / email to all the carpenters / joiners that will work in your area. Why not ask some of your neighbours if they are interested in changing their doors and if you approach the joiners with a few orders you night be able to secure a better price than if it is a one off.

Q I want to convert my garage into an extra living room. It's a flat roof build connected to the house, with a door in the hall leading into it. Do I need planning permission?

Doreen, Dublin The answer to your question is yes. But do not worry unduly as it is a straightforward procedure and I cannot foresee any problems for you. You would need to apply for a conversion / change of use. It is always best to approach your local council and they will advise you of their requirements. Visit www. dublincity. ie for more information Q I live in a timber frame house. The living room is very long and quite boring so I was hoping to give it a focus with a wall hung flat screen electric fire.

Can I get the fire installed so that it hangs on the wall like a picture? I don't want there to be any trailing wires; I want the wires hidden. The wall I want to hang it on is the dividing wall between the house next door (I live in a terrace). Will the wall be strong enough to support the fireplace?

Lisa Mullen The party wall between the two houses is most likely made of concrete block. This is most de"netly a suitable base to hang the "re on and you can hang it on the wall like a picture. Make sure you use a suitably quali"ed electrician to carry out the installation preferably RECI or ECSSA registered. Again. Log onto www. tradesmenireland. com and search your county for electricians or 'POST A JOB' on the site.

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