Advice

A package home under construction in the UK. The new build is surrounded by scaffolding, and there is a large crane in the background.

Self-build mortgages explained – what to expect in 2026

By Michael Holmes last updated

Self build mortgages release funds at set stages during a project. Find out how a self build mortgage works, how to apply for one and what to expect in terms of the latest rates

Self Build

Turning my cottage garden into a driveway damaged its kerb appeal — here's what I wish I'd done differently

By Natasha Brinsmead published

How to turn a front garden into a driveway that isn't an eyesore

Driveways
house with partially converted garage to side

Is a garage conversion easier than adding an extension? Everything you need to know about turning your garage into living space

By Sarah Harley last updated

Could an empty or unused garage provide you with the extra room you need? Our experts are on hand to explain just what's involved in a garage conversion

Garage Conversion
Mix of flowers and ornamental grass on lawn border

16 ornamental grasses that will transform your garden all year round

By Sarah Wilson published

Plants Add movement, texture and colour to borders and pots with these low-maintenance ornamental grasses

Garden
Building work being carried out in a room with insulation on top of exposed floor joists

Should you tackle insulating between floors from above or below?

By Mark Stevenson published

Our build expert explains how it's best to add a layer of intermediate insulation in a two-storey house for soundproofing, fire safety and warmth

Insulation
keyboard, wooden 2D image of house, calculator pen, EPC ratings, tape measure, compass and plants on blue surface

The energy upgrades I skipped on my Victorian home renovation — and why

By Kevin Stanley published

Renovating a period property doesn't give scope for every energy upgrade as this home renovator discovered. Here's what he's decided to put aside – for now

Renovation

Your Projects

Exterior view of a cladded house with a pergola on the patio in the garden and solar panels on the roof

'Our home generates more energy than it uses' – step inside this ultra-efficient self-build

By Seán O'Connell published

Explore a modern self-build where sustainability meets smart design, all while carefully integrating into its verdant setting

House Tours
Exterior of a house with wooden cladding and a patio in front with a table and chairs

'We wanted to reuse and recycle what we already had' – step inside this low-waste extension designed with the planet in mind

By Seán O'Connell published

The eco-conscious owners of a London terrace embarked on a zero-waste mission that exceeded all expectations

House Tours
Glass box extension in the back garden of a house

‘It feels connected to the outside’ – how a glass-box extension transformed this once 'claustrophobic' family home

By Seán O'Connell published

When David and Jenny Hewitt decided they wanted an extension with a difference, the choice was a clear one

House Tours
Exterior of a green house with a lawn in front of it and part of a tree in the left hand corner

Step inside this unique copper-clad eco home that's 'shaped like origami'

By Seán O'Connell published

A commitment to the environment led an Oxfordshire couple to design and build an eco-friendly house that stands out for all the right reasons

House Tours
Exterior of house with boxy design and trees to the left hand side and large lawn in front

Explore this ultra-modern home where a bold design 'maximises light and views'

By Seán O'Connell published

In their quest to turn a derelict site into a home with a view, Nicola Robinson and David Carr rejected tradition in favour of cuboid perfection

House Tours
Exterior of the home

'We took a big risk on a derelict tower and it paid off' – step inside this converted substation with sweeping Cornish views

By Alexandra Pratt published

Morveth and Abi Ward fell in love with a derelict industrial building and cleverly converted it into an award-winning home

House Tours

How To

Chrome Qettle single column tap in kitchen adding water to plastic jug

What is the minimum water pressure you should have in a house? Plus, how to increase it

By Steve Jenkins published

A lack of water pressure in the home is annoying and needs to be sorted out. Experts reveal how to test, resolve the issue and when its time to call in your water company

Utility
Person holding orange and black Black & Decker drill drilling into red brick wall

You need to get drilling into brick right. Follow this guide for all you need to know

By Luke Arthur Wells last updated

Drilling into brick is a key DIY skill, needed for all kinds of home improvement projects. Here’s everything you need to know but were too afraid to ask

DIY
Ants crawling by the bottom of a glass on a white surface

5 expert-approved ways to get rid of ants (and keep them out for good)

By Megan Milstead published

Sick of ants overrunning your kitchen? Here's how to banish them and stop them from coming back, according to three pest control experts

Kitchen
Close up of hand holding twist drill bit up to wheel on bench grinder

Using a blunt drill bit means more work and less control. Find out how to sharpen a drill bit for quick, clean drilling

By Steve Jenkins published

Learn how to keep your wood, metal and masonry drill bits sharp and ready for action

DIY
cooling down a tile drill bit with a wet sponge

Using the wrong drill bits when drilling into tile will leave your tiles chipped and cracked. Find out how to ensure this doesn’t happen

By Luke Arthur Wells last updated

Looking for advice for drilling into tiles in your bathroom or kitchen? Try these tips from our DIY expert to avoid cracks and ensure your drill is up to the job

DIY
Moss on roof

Got moss on your roof? Experts reveal why it could a bigger problem than it looks

By Megan Milstead published

Leaving moss on your roof can cause damp, heat loss and structural damage – here’s how to remove it safely, according to the experts

Roof

Ideas

cottage garden path ideas: stone pathway with borders

12 ways to make your path the star of your cottage garden

By Holly Crossley published

Ideas Discover our favourite cottage garden path ideas – from winding walkways scented with lavender to playful paving and more

Garden
Megan's bamboo plant in a planter made of decking next to a brick wall and a wooden fencex

Got leftover decking? Here’s how to turn it into a DIY garden planter

By Megan Milstead published

Don't let your scrap decking go to waste – you can give it a new lease of life with this DIY planter idea

Decking
flint stone cottage with gardens planted to lawn and heavily planted borders

24 ways to bring your cottage garden ideas to life – regardless of the style, shape or size of your garden

By Pippa Blenkinsop published

Ideas From blooming borders to wild-planted meadows, cottage garden ideas are perennially popular. Not sure where to start? Here's 24 ideas to inspire you

Garden
render of bedroom with bed, wooden bench at base of bed, wooden desk/dressing table and chairs, wooden floor, rug and artwork on walls with large full height window

My bedroom and home office need to break-up as I'm losing sleep. Here's what I'm considering as a temporary solution to keep the peace

By Sarah Harley published

My bedroom is big enough to work from, but having my desk and bed in the same space is proving too disruptive. Could these temporary fixes be the solution?

Bedroom

Buying Guides

Netatmo Smart Alarm System

The 6 best home security systems of 2026 that offer smart, simple and reliable protection

By Rebecca Foster, Joseph Mullane last updated

The best home security systems offer much more than a traditional burglar alarm and provide comprehensive monitoring

Home Improvements
Three of the best smart hubs on a wooden cabinet, with another on the wall, and a sofa and plants in the background

I've researched and tested the best smart hubs to simplify your home automation – these are my top 6 recommendations

By Megan Milstead published

Looking for the best smart home hub? Here are the top-rated buys we recommend you invest in after testing and comparing reviews

Home Improvements
Best smart thermostats lined up on a window sill above a radiator

The 6 best smart thermostats to cut energy bills and control heating remotely

By Megan Milstead published

We’ve found the best smart thermostats to help heat your home efficiently and lower your energy bills

Energy
Silver range cooker in modern kitchen with marble splashback and wooden cabinets

The 6 best range cookers — how to choose the right model for your kitchen

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

Want the best range cooker for your new kitchen? Look no further as we round up the top models out there

Cooker
The best kitchen cabinet paints on a worktop with paint colour chart and roller brush

The 6 best kitchen cabinet paints to refresh tired cupboard doors

By Steve Jenkins last updated

The best kitchen cabinet paints can be an inexpensive and easy way to revitalise your cupboards – browse these editor-approved options

Paint
Grey gloved hand removing dried leaves from metal gutter

Try these 6 essential gutter cleaning products to help keep your guttering leaf and debris-free

By Michelle Guy last updated

Looking for the best gutter cleaning products to sort your gutters DIY-style? We’ve made it easier to choose with a selection of 5 top tools in our round-up

Home Improvements