Advice

Garden pond surround by and filled with various plants

The 10 best pond plants to keep your water clean and healthy

By Fiona Cumberpatch published

Selecting the best pond plants will keep your water clear and free of green algae, while transforming a plain feature into a tranquil haven

Garden
wooden clad home with heat pump on side of home on gravel pathway

Installing an air source heat pump — what to expect and why it needs a professional

By David Hilton last updated

If you're considering an air source heat pump as part of a new build or renovation, here's what the experts say you can expect when installing one

Heat Pump
Back of person who is setting their home temperature on a smartphone with a yellow sofa blurred in the background

Experts reveal the minimum house temperature to avoid damp, mould and condensation

By Gabriella Dyson last updated

Struggling with damp and mould? Your home's temperature could be the problem – here's how to fix it

Air Quality

These 3 survey findings should stop any property purchase in its tracks — no matter how much you love it

By Gabriella Dyson published

Fallen for a property? Before you sign anything, make sure your survey doesn't flag one of these three deal-breakers

Home Improvements
people looking at architectural blue prints on a table

The basement building regulations you can't ignore when extending underground

By Mark Stevenson published

Out of sight doesn't mean out of mind when it comes to the rules around basement conversions. Build expert, Mark Stevenson explains what you'll need to consider

Conversion
Rat on a wooden surface

Are you inviting rats into your loft without realising it? Experts warn of this common mistake

By Megan Milstead published

Understanding how rats get into the loft is the first step in stopping these furry little pests

Loft Conversion

Your Projects

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
Loft conversion with views over London skyline

'We turned the top of our Victorian terrace into a Manhattan-inspired loft – the views across London are amazing'

By Jennifer Grimble published

Perched above a locally listed Victorian terrace, this ambitious loft conversion was inspired by classic New York architecture and overlooks central London

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

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
reading nook with stripey chair. bookcase and plant to the left hand side.

I’m finally creating my dream reading nook – here are some of the cosiest ideas I’ve found on Wayfair

By Megan Milstead published

From a built-in bookcase to a luxe home bar, I’ve found some of the best ways to create a relaxing reading nook you’ll never want to leave

Living Room

Scandi bathroom ideas to nail the relaxing Nordic look in your home

By Gabriella Dyson published

From pale wood and stone to making the case for a home sauna, here's how to bring true Scandinavian calm to your bathroom

Bathroom

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