Advice

builder showing male and female plans in extension being built

Can you build an extension from SIPs? Yes says build expert, but you need to weigh up if it's right for your project

By Mark Stevenson published

Using SIPs to build an extension is not without its benefits. But is it the right material for you? Mark Stevenson explains what to consider before you choose

Extension
exterior of property that has been upgraded with render, new windows and roof

Considering a makeover for your home's exterior? We explore your options from budget revamps to total transformations

By Sarah Harley last updated

From low cost upgrades to total transformations, an exterior makeover can boost the kerb appeal, and value of your home when you choose wisely

Exterior
brick-clad rear extension with large sliding doors and a loft conversion

'Overlooking is an issue on almost every project I advise on' – our planning expert explains why it's a planning hurdle and how to overcome it

By Simon Rix published

Many applicants underestimate the impact of overlooking on planning decisions. Our planning consultant expert explains what planners look for and how you can reduce the risk of refusal

Planning
Contemporary cream kitchen with pastel green doors and wooden worktops

We explore kitchen worktop prices to help you find the one that best matches your style, space and budget

By Steve Jenkins published

Our guide to kitchen worktop prices is based on countertop material, size and suitability, so you can pick the best surface for your new kitchen

Kitchen
Water on a basement floor with person's legs, bucket and boxes in the background

The genius DIY fix that could stop your garage from flooding

By Megan Milstead published

This garage door water barrier is recommended by experts and, best yet, it won’t break the bank

Driveways
Rectangular white wall hung sink with chrome tap and glass shelf with accessories against a small rectangular tiles splashback

How much do experts say you'll need to splash out on your bathroom sink and installation costs?

By Steve Jenkins published

A new bathroom sink might not be as expensive as you might think – unless you have designer tastes. Experts share how much you'll need to set aside

Bathroom

Your Projects

Inside the kitchen of a barn conversion

'It's the perfect place for us to relax' – inside a charming Cotswolds barn conversion where original features still shine

By Debbie Jeffery published

A Grade II-listed farm building in the Cotswolds has been transformed into a compact, characterful home that blends history with contemporary craft

House Tours
Exterior of the house which backs onto a garden and patio with plant pots and veranda

'It's a privilege to live in this beautiful environment' – step inside this zero-carbon oak frame home on a Devon eco-farm

By Teresa Conway published

Susie and her husband Robert built a modestly sized sustainable home to support their work on an idyllically situated organic farm

House Tours
Exterior of the house which is set on grass and in front of trees

Step inside this homely oak frame self-build with spectacular views of the Monmouthshire countryside

By Seán O'Connell published

Chris and Ann Preston turned a potentially disastrous survey in their favour by building an oak frame self-build home with a difference

House Tours
Exterior of the back of the house, showing the side extension, garden and patio area

How a timber-frame extension has successfully 'enhanced family life' in this colourful 1970s terrace

By Seán O'Connell published

The success of this Kent extension is down to clever design solutions and a combination of talents

House Tours
Exterior of house

‘This house is future-proofed to let us age disgracefully’ – tour this modern oak-framed home reborn from a run-down 18th-century barn

By Seán O'Connell published

Bringing a dilapidated barn back to life using sympathetic materials proved a winning move for these homeowners

House Tours
Exterior of the property which is on a bendy road

'It's exceeded all of my expectations' – explore this award-winning self-build crafted from natural materials

By Seán O'Connell published

On the verge of starting this self-build, a late change of design proved to be the making of this Devonian house

House Tours

How To

Hand wearing a rubber glove cleaning a shower screen

Goodbye limescale and watermarks! Here's how to get a squeaky clean shower screen in two simple steps

By Megan Milstead published

Cleaning experts reveal the secret to a spotless shower screen

Bathroom
Contemporary white toilet with a background of white metro tiles and grey grout

Why fitting a toilet seat is a job you can do yourself for a quick bathroom upgrade

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Fitting a toilet seat is a task that any DIYer can take on, but they are not all the same. Get the insight on sizes, types of fittings and how to install

DIY
Plumbing parts on floor in front of white toilet in bathroom with square grey wall and floor tiles

Want to know how to fit a toilet? Our step-by-step guide to installing a toilet yourself

By Ben Field last updated

Update the look of your bathroom, or replace a faulty fixture with our step-by-step guide to fitting a toilet

DIY
Pantry moth

This common pantry pest could be munching on your food supplies – here's how to protect your kitchen

By Megan Milstead published

Find out how to get rid of pantry moths before they take over your kitchen cupboards

Kitchen
Woman in yellow rubber gloves spraying solution onto white tiles and grout and cleaning with a blue kitchen scrubber

Want to know how to remove mould from grout? These 10 tried and tested methods have the answer

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

Nasty black stains left you wondering how to remove mould from grout? We've been busy looking into the most effective methods to eliminate the problem

Kitchen
Back of women pulling down patterned wallpaper together

Removing wallpaper? Follow our step-by-step guide for flawless results

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Removing wallpaper can be tedious, but our expert advice will help you tackle the task quickly and effectively

DIY

Ideas

Understairs toilet idea with geometric tiling feature wall

8 clever ways to hide a toilet under your staircase and make use of wasted space

By Megan Milstead published

Transform this unused area into a practical WC with these genius understairs toilet ideas

Bathroom
grey painted staircase with built in bespoke understairs storage

12 understairs storage ideas that transform wasted space and can hide a multitude of items

By Sarah Harley last updated

Using the void beneath your stairs as storage is the perfect use of an awkward space. But as these ideas show, it doesn't have to be just for coats and shoes

Hallway
blue brick L-shaped extension with sliding doors

Want a spacious, bright new kitchen that feels connected to your garden? An L-shaped kitchen extension is exactly what you need

By Natasha Brinsmead published

If you want to add maximum space with your extension without eating into valuable garden space, an L-shaped design could be the answer

Kitchen Extension
Rustic kitchen pantry with weathered wood doors, brass handles, open shelving, and neatly stored appliances, softened by natural light and greenery.

13 small kitchen pantry ideas that prove you don’t need more space – just smarter solutions

By Gabriella Dyson published

From pull-out storage to hidden solutions, these ideas help you get more pantry space without expanding your kitchen

Kitchen

Buying Guides

Dehumidifier in a bedroom with a 50% humidity level

Best dehumidifiers – combat condensation and mould, plus dry laundry quickly with our tried-and-tested favourites

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

The best dehumidifiers help eliminate condensation, prevent damp and mould, dry your laundry and even cut energy bills. Here's our tried and tested favourites

Dehumidifier
Best window vacs on a window ledge with sun coming through window

The 5 best window vacs for clearing condensation, tested and approved by our team

By Megan Milstead published

We tested the best window vacs for tackling winter condensation – here are the winners

Windows & Doors
Best LED bulbs on a wooden table

The best LED bulbs: 5 tested picks to brighten up your home

By Jack Woodfield, Megan Milstead last updated

We tested the best LED bulbs that are long-lasting, inexpensive and help create different levels of ambience

Energy
does ryobi have the best angle grinder?

Best angle grinder: 6 top buys for your tool shed

By Hugh Metcalf last updated

Wondering what the best angle grinder is for your DIY project? Here's our pick of 5 of the best you can buy right now

Tools
Paint sprayer spraying white paint on kitchen cabinet door

Best paint sprayers – our favourite picks for a professional finish

By Steve Jenkins last updated

From budget buys to premium options, the best paint sprayers are a great tool to help speed up your next DIY project

Paint
Radiator in front of a green wall and next to a red sofa

Best radiators – our favourites for keeping your home warm this winter

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

We compare the best radiators that heat your home efficiently while enhancing your interior design

Radiator