Estimate Your Own Build Costs
An introduction to DIY estimating, for both renovations and self-builds

Find out more about conversions

Using Quantity Surveyors
How and when to use a quantity surveyor for your build project

How to cope with an extension project

Remodelling Postwar Homes
Bland mid-20th century homes could be the perfect canvas for your dream home

Remodelling Postwar Homes

Design advice

What Should Be In Your Dream Kitchen - Content supplied by Homebase

When you’re thinking about replacing your kitchen, it’s important to take some time to look at your existing kitchen and think about all the things you like or dislike about it.

Homebase - What Should Be In Your Dream Kitchen

Its ‘Curtains’ for Non-Energy Rated Windows and Doors - Content Supplied by Mumford & Wood

When it comes to choosing replacement timber windows and doors current Building Regulations will ensure your comfort, help to reduce gruesome heating costs - and help the planet.

Mumford and Wood

Loft Conversion Design Guide

If you want to gain space in your existing property then look up to the roof, says serial renovator Michael Holmes — a loft conversion could be the best way to maximise your home’s footprint

A detailed look at loft conversion design, including how to assess the potential of your loft, how to raise the roof, meeting the building regulations, rooflights and services.

Buying Plants Online to Create the Perfect Garden - Advertisement Feature

For many people creating their gardens is a thing of art. All the hard work that goes into weeding, tilling, planting, raking and watering, results in a beautiful garden with gorgeous plants and blooming uk flowers that begs for people to spend their time in it.

For many people creating their gardens is a thing of art. All the hard work that goes into weeding, tilling, planting, raking and watering...

Wetroom Design

Whether planning for a dream bathroom or tucked away en suite, a watertight shower room could offer the looks and practicality you are searching for, says Melanie Griffiths

A look at wetroom design including whether it is right for your home, how to make one watertight, the drainage detail and tiles.

The Five Golden Rules of Storage Success

Storage is about much more than a new wardrobe — and planning for it will ensure your new home remains clutter-free. Claire Lloyd explains the rules for getting it right

A look at storage solutions for the home including designing in dedicataed areas of storage, finding storage solutions in small and awkward spaces and utilising storage to divide spaces.

Making Single Storeys Special

The negative associations with bungalows are a thing of the past with more and more people choosing to build single storey regardless of planning constraints. Michael Holmes provides advice on how to take this house type beyond the ordinary, and explains the different styles you should consider

design masterclass single stories

Hard Landscaping

From patios and decking to driveways, your hard landscaping has a huge impact on your finished home. Claire Lloyd explains the options

A detailed look at hard landscaping including patios, driveways and decking as well as the various materials available such as stone, timber, gravel and reinforced grass.

How to Get the 'Wow' Factor

If you’ve ever seen a gravity-defying staircase, ‘invisible’ door or show-stopping floor and wondered how it was done, then read on. Michael Holmes reveals the practicalities behind spectacular design features

A design masterclass on the 'wow' factors you can now put in your home including floating staircases, glass flooring, concrete flooring and pocket doors.

Create the Perfect Home for the Summer

Make the most of the sunshine with a home that celebrates all that is bright and warm – and extend summer well into the colder months – with these design staples. By Melanie Griffiths

Creating the perfect home for summer

Alternative Flooring

Whilst solid wood and stone floors possess an enduring, timeless appeal, there are so many other fantastic options — we guarantee you’ll find at least one you love here. By Melanie Griffiths

A look at various types of flooring available on the market today including carpet, vinyl, linoleum, cork, bamboo, laminate, concrete, ceramic tiles, leather and rubber.

Bright Ideas for Bathroom Furniture

More than just providing functional storage, your bathroom cabinets can make a real statement. Claire Lloyd takes a look at the latest trends and reveals her top design tips

Bright Ideas for Bathroom Furniture

Classic Design Dilemmas Solved

Michael Holmes looks at five classic design dilemmas faced by self-builders and renovators — and reveals the best solutions

Design Dilemmas Solved

Converting the Garage

Fancy making more of your garage and turning it into living space? Natasha Brinsmead explains the issues

Converting the garage

Stylish Interiors on a Budget

If you want stylish interiors – whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom or elsewhere – that aim for places your wallet can’t reach, look no further. By Natasha Brinsmead

Budget Interiors

Patio Doors: Design Guide

Whether you have a huge sunny deck or a shady paved nook, make the most of your outside space with doors that open your home out to it, says Natasha Brinsmead

patio doors

Windows

The most important decision facing window buyers is which material to choose. Mark Brinkley considers the options and looks at style and glazing

Mark Brinkley takes a detailed look at windows including the different types of frame available, the different styles of windows and the different methods of glazing.

Airtightness: A Big Deal?

The Building Regs constantly push us towards building homes which are more airtight. Mark Brinkley looks at the implications and how airtightness is tested

Airtightness

How to Get Arts & Crafts Style Right

If you love the character and charm of the traditional country cottage but want to build a home on a more substantial scale, then Arts & Crafts could be just the architectural style you are looking for. Michael Holmes shares his tips for successfully achieving the look.

How to Get Arts & Crafts Style Right

Internal Finishing: The Options

What’s the best way to finish internal walls and ceilings? Mark Brinkley looks at the main options, their cost — and how to make the right decision for your home.

plastering, internal finishes

20 Brilliant Extension Design Ideas

If you are thinking of adding an extension to your home, take inspiration from some of the most successful projects, says Michael Holmes.

extension

Do Homes Need Sprinklers?

While undoubtedly they make our homes safer, the cost of sprinkler systems means they are dismissed by most self-builders. Mark Brinkley explains why they deserve a second thought.

sprinkler

Creating Dry Cellars

Whether you use it as habitable space or not, waterproofing your cellar is a worthwhile project, says Natasha Brinsmead

Habitable cellar

Underfloor Heating in Existing Homes

Installing underfloor heating into an existing home need not be disruptive or expensive, says Natasha Brinsmead.

Installing Underfloor Heating in Existing Homes

Ventilation methods

Good ventilation is a necessity in any house. The regulations require it, and it has to be planned in. Mark Brinkley investigates the options.

window ventilation

Using Curtains and Blinds to Get Picture Perfect Windows - Advertisement Feature

There are five key factors which can transform the look of your home and enhance the beauty of your rooms, giving you picture perfect windows using curtains or blinds - whatever your interior design style. This advertisement feature from Terrys Fabrics explains how window dressings can enhance your room.

Breathe New Life To Tired Looking Windows With Curtains and Blinds - Advertisement Feature

This advertisement feature from Terrys Fabrics explains the benefits of blinds to restore life to your room. Different approaches to window dressings creates a completely new look instantaneously and is a cost effect way to freshen up a room without having to completely redecorate.

Timber Cladding

Timber cladding is now a mainstream choice regardless of your home's style or where you are in the country. Natasha Brinsmead takes a look.

weatherboarding

How to Replace a Gas Fire With a Woodburner

Swapping in your gas fire for a woodburning stove may be easier than you think. Natasha Brinsmead explains how.

stove

The 10 Experts Every Project Needs: Part 3

Every single new house requires the skills of a whole team of experts. Melanie Griffiths lists the top ten people a building project can't do without, plus how to find them and what to pay. In part 3, Melanie covers planning consultants, quantity surveyors and plumbers.

10 Experts
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