The really useful column

What makes the firm exceptional is that it will also remove old machines and supply and install the new ones. Efficient and costeffective, JR Griffiths is a godsend to landlords and owner-occupiers alike. It operates within a 15-mile radius of Fulham. Call 020 7731 7336.

Find a flatmate
Looking for a room share or bedsit? Got a room you want to rent out? Look at www.housepals.co.uk, an online letting agent that seeks to match people with rooms.

For £9.99 you get access to the site for 30 days. And, if you are moving to Ireland, the US, Canada or Australia, it will find you a place to call home with its international service.

Up in smoke
Glamorous it is not, but if you value your safety, take a look at the Self Rescue Smoke Hood, a personal protection product for the home that allows the wearer 15 to 30 minutes of breathing time in a smoke-filled space without inhaling the toxic fumes that cause the majority of smoke-related injuries. Available from Breathing Easy Ltd (020 7794 2000).

hot shot
I have come across a London-based dry-cleaning company that can spray household fabrics with a fire-retardant solution. Fabrisafe conforms to British Standards' testing requirements, and the firm behind it, Thepenguin.com, claims you can hold a blowtorch against treated fabric and all you get is a nasty black mark.

The-penguin.com also attaches a special label to the fabric that changes colour if the treatment has ceased to be effective over time. Home visits in London start at £80, or you can apply it yourself; a one-litre bottle costs £9, including p&p. Call 0800 781 4740 or visit www.thepenguin.com.

Cost of living
If you want to know what you will be charged for getting your odd jobs done before calling the builders, Churchill Contractors may be for you.

A London-based handyman/building company, it publishes its prices for a variety of jobs on a website, and sticks to those costs. Workmen are also willing to tackle small jobs, such as putting up a flat-pack shelving unit. Visit www.churchillcontractors.co.uk.

Homefront
I was impressed by the products and services at www.furnishyourhome.net, which offers very attractive, reasonably priced contemporary furniture delivered to your door. The company will also unpack the furniture, assemble it and take away the rubbish.

The website is easy to browse and offers contact information so shoppers can speak to someone about orders.