Advice

From penetrating damp to rising damp, we dig deeper into what causes it and the hidden signs to look out for

By David M Kinsey last updated

Solving damp is a case of identifying the cause and taking a methodical approach to solving it. But, while some signs are obvious, damp expert David Kinsey explains how hidden ones give clues too

Air Quality
damp patches on ceiling being photographed by someone using a tablet device
Damp in your home – how to identify the type you have and what you can do about it

By Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated

Damp isn't all the same. We explain how to work out what type you have and what your options are – before you spend a fortune fixing the wrong thing

Air Quality
Open plan kitchen diner
My open-plan kitchen is a nightmare to keep warm – here's what to consider when planning this type of space

By Megan Milstead Published

Designing an open-plan kitchen? Factor in these five things – or you'll be left with a space that's impossible to keep warm

Heating
video doorbell on a garage door
Is your home secure enough for winter? 5 simple checks you should never skip, according to experts

By Megan Milstead Published

Your home is more vulnerable in winter – but these five easy checks will help keep it protected

Home Improvements
exterior of second storey of house with black tiled roof and scaffolding around it
Construction Design & Management Regulations and why they matter – even on smaller self-builds and extensions

By Allan Corfield Published

Architect Allan Corfield explains why these health and safety principles are an essential part of every project, and why the risk of getting them wrong is simply too high

Self Build
condensation inside double glazed window
5 ways to stop double-glazed windows misting up – and when it's time to replace them

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

Want to get rid of condensation inside double-glazed windows? Here, our experts reveal the best ways to get rid of it – plus, what causes it in the first place

Windows & Doors

Your Projects

Couple standing in front of wood-cladded house
‘Buying a site without planning permission was a risk’ – step inside this future-proofed self-build with countryside views from every angle

By Seán O'Connell Published

A dated, post-war building has been replaced by a new hi-tech home that sits cosily within its Cotswold setting

House Tours
Exterior of castle-style home beside a lake with trees behind it
‘The building was in such an appalling state’ – step inside this historic lakeside castle transformed into a magical modern-day home

By Seán O'Connell Published

From the moment he spotted a neglected lakeside ruin, Joe Radmore was on a mission to give it the regal treatment

House Tours
Garden with kitchen extension
From a dark, cluttered home to a sunlit sanctuary, see how a glazed extension transformed this Edwardian London terrace

By Jennifer Grimble Published

Prioritising sustainable materials and a strong link to the outdoors has turned an Edwardian London terrace into a peaceful, contemporary home

House Tours
Exterior of back of the house with an L shaped extension, patio area and pool
'Our home has become a retreat' – step inside this extended Victorian lodge that embraces the old and the new

By Alexandra Pratt Published

David and Catherine McIntosh gave new life to their historic Hertfordshire home with a sensitive blend of period charm and contemporary design

House Tours
Exterior of extended bungalow with glazing
'The changes have transformed our lives' – step inside this extended bungalow, redesigned to maximise its coastal plot

By Seán O'Connell Published

Adding a double-height glazed extension to a tired bungalow on the Suffolk coast took seaside living to a new level for Jo and Richard

House Tours
Exterior of oak frame detached house with garden and pathway in front
‘It’s been future-proofed in lots of ways’ – step inside this oak frame self-build with stunning views and zero electricity bills

By Seán O'Connell Published

Having found the plot that was right for them, Jo and David built a home with one eye on their future needs

House Tours

How To

Trex composite decking
'We transformed our ugly patio with a floating composite deck – here's how we did it'

By Laura Crombie Published

Experienced home renovator, Laura Crombie, shares her step-by-step guide to turning a 1990s concrete patio into a long-lasting suspended deck

Decking
Now is the time to plant bare root trees to ensure stronger growth when spring arrives

By Sarah Wilson Published

Autumn and winter offer an ideal window to plant bare root trees. Discover how planting now gives roots time to settle in before the growing season begins

Garden
I stopped cleaning my paintbrushes after every job – these simple tricks save time and keep them ready for the next day

By Steve Jenkins Published

You don’t always need to clean your brushes and rollers after every decorating session. I’ve found these simple ways to store them overnight without letting them dry out

DIY
Bland white radiators letting down your interiors? Find out how to paint them for a low-cost, easy upgrade

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Expert DIYer Steve Jenkins explains how to paint a radiator in 5 easy steps, as well as the tools and paint you'll need for a professional finish

Radiator
I thought my damp and mouldy shed was beyond repair, but these 6 steps helped bring it back to life

By Gabriella Dyson Published

I finally plucked up the courage to open my mouldy shed after years of neglect. Here's the advice experts gave me to get it back in working order before winter

Garden
How I fitted cane webbing to my cupboard door fronts for an instant face-lift

By Pete Wise Published

Fitting cane webbing to cupboard doors can give you a soft and sophisticated effect, and be a more practical solution too

DIY

Ideas

cork splashback in modern black kitchen
Turn your splashback into 'the bit of the kitchen that makes you smile' with these 12 designer-approved ideas

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

If you're looking for original and eye-catching ideas that will protect your kitchen walls at the same time as injecting bags of personality, you're in the right place

Kitchen
Struggling to make your small front garden stand out? Here's 13 ideas to show how even tiny plots can make an impression

By Holly Crossley Published

Ideas From clever planting to standout features, these ideas prove that even the tiniest front garden can be transformed into something special

Garden
Want to keep heat out but let light in? These 10 beautiful brise soleil ideas balance sun and shade in perfect measures

By Natasha Brinsmead Published

Brise soleil is the perfect example of form meeting function – and is going to get more and more common as UK temperatures continue to rise

Structure
Got a large garden? Here’s how to turn all that space into something amazing

By Jill Morgan Published

A big garden doesn't have to feel overwhelming – discover 14 brilliant ways to create a space packed with character, stunning planting and places you’ll want to linger

Garden

Buying Guides

Two of the best circular saws on a wooden table in a workshop
6 best circular saws to help you achieve cleaner, straighter cuts (tested by our team)

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Whether you're working with wood, plastic, metal or masonry, the best circular saws deliver fast, accurate cuts every time

Tools
back of a person painting a wall orange
9 best paint rollers to take wall, ceiling and woodwork finishes to the next level

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Looking for a flawless finish on your surfaces? You'll need one of the best paint rollers in your kit – here are my favourites

Paint
Two of the best mitre saws on a work bench in a garage
Want precise DIY cuts? We’ve found the 5 best mitre saws for your next project

By Megan Milstead, Hugh Metcalf last updated

The best mitre saws are versatile tools for home improvement projects, offering highly accurate cuts. Here are the top options we recommend

Tools
grey portable heater
6 best portable heaters for fast and flexible heating this winter (tried and tested)

By Megan Milstead Published

Want quick, portable heating at the touch of a button? We put the best heaters to the test – here are our favourites based on performance, efficiency and ease of use

Heating
moroccan style stake solar light in grass with the pattern reflected on grass and patio
The 6 best outdoor solar lights to brighten up your garden, paths and driveway – tested and approved

By Megan Milstead Published

Cheap to run and easy to install, we've tested the best outdoor solar lights to illuminate your garden in style

Outdoors
Three of the best dehumidifiers in a living room
The 9 best dehumidifiers for tackling damp and condensation – tried and tested in our homes

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

Looking for the best dehumidifiers? We've rounded up our top picks for reducing condensation, damp and mould, and drying laundry faster

Dehumidifier