Autumn Homes: Got a problem?; Think you can't afford granite kitchen

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Sep 23, 2001 | by COMPILED BY: JULIE WOODGATE

I've set my heart on granite worktops for my new kitchen, but have had several estimates that all come to around pounds 1,500, which I can't afford. is there any other sort of stone I could try?

You can still have the real thing. Innovative By Design Ltd provide what is, in effect, granite-clad worktops. The worktop is built from chipboard or MDF and granite panels about 1cm deep are stuck to it. There's an easy installation guide so your kitchen fitters could build the worktop and fit the granite panels themselves. A kitchen pack of Mystic Green (pictured above), comprising six countertop sheets 1m x 610mm and 8 linear metres of front profile 26mm deep, costs pounds 510, exc VAT and delivery (020 8650 9730).

My daughter wakes up with a stuffy nose every morning which gets better as the day wears on, could she be allergic to her bedlinen?

It's more likely that she's allergic to the dustmites in her bed. If it's practical you could boil the bedlinen to kill the mites but they'll still be in the mattress and pillows. A new sleep system called Amicor Pure significantly reduces dustmites. Look out for the Amicor Pure logo on Fogharty pillows, mattress covers and duvets (01205 361 122), and Bedeck bedlinen (pictured below 0845 603 0861). For information, visit www.amicor.co.uk

We're spending the winter in Australia and worry about coming home to frozen pipes. A neighbour is looking after the house but what about outside?

Lakeland Limited have an outside tap protector in their autumn/ winter storage catalogue. The insulating jacket fits snugly around the tap and is quickly secured with hook and loop fasteners. You can even use the tap without removing it. It costs pounds 5.95 (01539 488 100).

My niece has just started at York University and wants to buy some things to personalise her room. Obviously budget is a consideration. Any suggestions?

Depending on the style she's after, she could frequent charity and junk shops and collect, say, mismatched blue and white china. Or buy cheap white sheets and tie-dye them in bright colours. If that's all too time consuming, tell her to visit the BAA McArthurglen designer outlet centre (0800 3164 352). A bus service to it leaves York station every 10 minutes. Their At Home section includes bedlinen by Caroline Charles and Designer's Guild (about 50 per cent off) and Wedgwood china (up to 75 per cent off).

We're planning to remodel our bathroom but I'm confused about the types of washbasin you get.

The majority of basins come in the following: pedestal - sits on a ceramic "leg"; semi-recessed - the back fits on a shelf or unit and the front curves out; vanity/countertop - fits into a unit with the rim showing; undercounter (pictured) - clips under a worktop so no rim shows. Specialist shops will also sell wall-mounted basins and bowls that sit on the worktop. This Aria Centric basin is pounds 91 from Twyford (0870 242 2440).

We sanded and stained the floorboards in our hall a year ago, but the colour has worn away. Should we give in and carpet?

A wood floor is a very practical surface for a heavy traffic area like a hallway - if it's finished properly. Your best bet would be to re-sand it, stain, then varnish it. The varnish is essential to provide a hard-wearing surface. Or instead of staining, use a coloured varnish. This floor (below) uses Medium Oak Diamond Hard Coloured Floor Varnish by Ronseal, pounds 33.99 for 2.5 litres (0114 246 7171).

I've read about cowboy decorators and now I've experienced them for myself. My wife has fled to her sister's in tears and won't come home until everything's been put right. Help!

The problem with "pay cash ask no questions" merchants is that you have no comeback if things go wrong. The Dulux Decorator Service will put you in touch with local decorators who have been vetted by Dulux. They have been trained by Dulux in technical skills, special effects and different paint finishes and to clear up after each job. More importantly for you, Dulux gives a free guarantee on materials and workmanship for 12 months. Call 0845 769 7668 or visit www.duluxdecorator.co.uk

We've had wardrobes fitted up to the ceiling in our bedroom and I can't reach my jumpers on the top shelves without a chair. At the moment my leg's in a cast making this difficult. Any suggestions?

You need the Nifty Nabber from Lakeland Limited. It'll give an extra metre to your reach and can grab heavyish items, like a book or can of soup, or pick up fiddly things from the floor, like a coin. You'll no doubt find plenty of uses for it long after the cast is off. It's pounds 19.95 (01539 488 100).