Send in your questions to Steve. . .

Q I read your weekly section in the Sunday Tribune. I have read mails in the past looking for advice on soundproofing/insulating dividing walls. With a new baby on the way, I am looking to ensure the guest bedroom may have some hope of not hearing every sound the baby makes! I posted a job on your website under insulation. Is that the correct place to post it? Who would undertake a job like that?

Maeve

A As you have read previous enquiries about soundproofing and insulation I will not go into these again. I must point out that you will never totally eliminate the noise of a baby crying, as when babies cry, boy do they make noise! The answer is yes, you have posted the job in the right section although you could also post it in the builders or drylining sections, as both these trades would be able to do the work.

Q I am thinking of changing my kitchen and have decided to purchase a flat-pack kitchen. Can you give me some advice before I undertake this work? I consider myself to be a confident DIY person.

G Reilly

A My advice would be to get a competent kitchen fitter to do this job for you. If you ask the people you buy the kitchen from, they will give you a list of fitters they use and recommend. You can also 'Post A Job' on my website . . . www. tradesmenireland. com . . . in the kitchen fitters section and we will then send that job to every kitchen fitter registered with us in your area. However, if you do decide to undertake the work yourself then here are a few tips:

1) Fitting a flat pack kitchen can take a kitchen fitter anything from two to five days, so don't expect to have yours done in this time. You can safely say five to seven days.

2) You most likely will not have the correct tools which will mean buying or hiring them as needed.

3) Take time to study the layout of your new kitchen. Do you want to add new sockets, reposition the sink etc? Careful planning will save you a lot of time in the long run.

4) The new sink will most likely come with a template to cut out the shape. If it doesn't, then place the sink on the worktop and mark the shape of the sink. Then come inside this line by 10mm all round. Use a wood bit to make a hole for your jigsaw to fit into. Be very careful when using the jigsaw to cut a straight line as the sink has to be a snug fit.

Follow the fixing instructions supplied with the grab claw fixings.

5) Get a friend to help you as worktops are heavy, and be careful when the sink section has been cut out as it will be a weak point.

6) Before cutting any timber always double check that you are cutting the right piece and the right size. Remember this saying: Measure twice, cut once! Once timber has been cut, if you have made a mistake you cannot put it back together again.

Good luck with the job.

Q I live in a 150-year-old house with no double glazing. I have heard of a system called ventrolla in the UK which is a draught sealing system but which allows the windows to be opened. Are there any suppliers of this product in Ireland?

Maeve McHardy

A The company that carries out the restorations using the Ventrolla system in Ireland is Ventrolla Ireland, run by John & Paul Bolger of 18 Ardee Street, Dublin 8 (01-453 0377). The Ventrolla system reduces the transfer of external noise by approximately 50%. The system virtually eliminates draughts which in turn reduces your heating bills.

The company gives a five-year guarantee covering the Ventrolla system and the repairs undertaken.

Q My bungalow is 25 years old. A bedroom at one gable end has always suffered from damp walls.

This has been treated before to no effect. The windows accumulate a lot of condensation and the curtain lining turns black. Would a vent be of use, or would a much bigger job have to be done?

Tipperary reader

A Without seeing the problem it is hard for me to pinpoint the exact cause. However, are the windows in your bungalow single-glazed? If so, then consider replacing the windows with double glazing or install secondary glazing to the existing windows. Is this bedroom a bedroom that is seldom used, with the heating turned off? If so, open the windows every day to increase the flow of air and turn on the heating, as this allows the air to absorb the moisture that is in the room. The dampness may be penetrating from the outside. Is the outside guttering in good condition? Is the brickwork or plaster in good condition? If not, get this seen to. You can apply a clear waterproo"ng solution to the exterior walls to prevent the ingress of water.

WRITE TO US

If you have a building/renovation-related query 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, site for sale, property to rent or buy and all the plant hire and machinery you need to complete your house build or renovation