Advice

Winter Fuel Payment changes 2025: Means-tested criteria have now been removed

By Joseph Mullane last updated

Winter Fuel Payments will no longer be means-tested after Keir Starmer announced the cuts to the scheme will now be reversed

grey paved driveway leading to large country house with car in drive

How much does a new driveway cost? We explain how to budget for a brand new entrance

By Tim Phillips last updated

Quantity surveyor, Tim Phillips explains how much to set aside for driveway costs including materials, installation prices and the hidden costs you might miss

Hand with pointing trowel smoothing out sandy mortar mix between grey patio slabs

Pointing patios is a quick and cost-effective way to get a great look. Here the pros tell you how

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Old or new, pointing patios makes them look smart and sophisticated and gives them a long life. Here we show you the contemporary and traditional choices

A modern grey corner sofa in a shady decked area of a garden next to a horizontal slatted fence in a dark grey shade

The 'left-hand side' rule is a myth — a planning consultant explains how you really find out which side of a fence belongs to you

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

Neighbourly quarrels left you asking 'which side of the fence is mine?' Fear not, our quick guide is here to explain everything you need to know to avoid boundary disputes

Should I build a house in a flood zone? A self build expert explains whether or not it's a good idea

By Mark Stevenson published

We look at how to go about building a house in a flood zone, how to identify if you may be at risk and if it's ever a good idea

Patio with wood effect floor, contemporary real wood porch with barbeque and furniture in foreground

Patio or decking? Experts reveal the pros, cons, and costs to help you make the right choice

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

Patio or decking? It is a choice commonly faced by those creating a new landscaping scheme. If you can't decide, our guide is here to help

How to

Hand with pointing trowel smoothing out sandy mortar mix between grey patio slabs

Pointing patios is a quick and cost-effective way to get a great look. Here the pros tell you how

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Old or new, pointing patios makes them look smart and sophisticated and gives them a long life. Here we show you the contemporary and traditional choices

Roller with extension pole painting grey patio slabs green

Start painting patio slabs to give a fresh new look to your outdoor space

By Steve Jenkins, Sarah Harley last updated

Get expert advice to give your patio a bold new look with these simple, professional patio painting tips

stone cottage with modern extension leading out to a patio with outdoor seating

How to design a patio in 9 simple steps – create a space that's practical, easy to use and looks good year-round

By Sarah Wilson published

Whether you're designing a patio from scratch or upgrading an existing one with a new look, don't skip these key steps

patio design with garden furniture, potted plants and flowerbeds with fence in background

7 easy methods for removing weeds from a patio – plus two that are best avoided if you don't want to damage your paving or plants

By Sarah Wilson published

Keep your patio weed-free with these expert tips to get rid of anything that pops up where it shouldn't

Section of feather edge fencing with green bush growing above top of the fence

What is feather edge fencing? The pros reveal how it differs from other types of fencing and how to build your own

By Steve Jenkins published

Feather edge fencing offers stylish and secure garden boundaries. Find out more about this popular fence option

Wallpapering an alcove can add style and panache to a room. Get pro tips on how to do it

By Steve Jenkins published

Discover the smart tips you need to know when wallpapering square and arched alcoves

Ideas

utility room with back wall featuring window, roman blind, butlers sink, green base units, green wall cabinets and laundry appliances

25 utility room ideas to bring joy to your daily chores

By Sarah Harley last updated

These utility room ideas prove it's a room that can still be stylish, even if the purpose of the space is more practical

A hidden utility room tucked behind tall, panelled cabinet doors. Inside is a neatly stacked washer and dryer, shelving with laundry supplies, and olive green cabinetry with a farmhouse sink.

Yes, you can hide a utility room — here’s how designers do it

By Gabriella Dyson published

Designers are masters at concealing utility rooms, here’s how to sneak one into your home without anyone ever knowing it’s there

modern bathroom with smooth stone walls and floor, walk in shower with glass screen, large countertop with sinks and picture window looking over forest

13 modern bathroom ideas that will flood your room with the 'wow factor'

By Sarah Harley last updated

Looking for modern bathroom ideas? We've rounded up a selection of the best around to help you transform your bathroom into a contemporary haven

small white dog with blue towel folded and led across top of head showing only nose, with blue square tiles and blue tiled pattern shower curtain in background

6 dog washing station ideas to keep your pet pampered and your home protected

By Sarah Harley published

If you're struggling to keep your dog clean and it's starting to spoil your home, we've rounded up six dog washing station ideas to help keep the mud at bay

Buying Guides

Period home doorway with wooden floor, burgundy walls and white decorative skirting boards

Not sure what type of skirting board you need? We’ll help you choose the right one

By Neil Turner last updated

Finding the right types of skirting board will put the finishing touch on any room — discover different styles and how to choose with our expert guide

Triton Showers AS2000SR Thermostatic Power Shower

How to choose a shower: What you need to know to get the best for your bathroom

By Claire Lloyd last updated

Plan well if you want your shower to be a luxury experience — there’s certainly a lot to think about, from the type of shower to the shower tray, shower head and type of enclosure

The best radiators for keeping your home warm and cosy this winter

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

The best radiators should not only heat your home efficiently, but they should look great and enhance your interior scheme. Our collection brings together the top designs, no matter what your needs

Person putting cutlery into integrated dishwasher with grey kitchen cabinet doors in background

6 best integrated dishwashers for high-quality cleaning

By Amy Reeves, Jack Woodfield, Natasha Brinsmead, Steve Jenkins last updated

Looking for one of the best integrated dishwashers to take over dishwashing duties? We’ve put together a list that covers all bases and will help you make the right decision for you and your kitchen

Close up of green cordless strimmer head cutting grass

6 best cordless strimmers to help your lawn look its best

By Jack Woodfield last updated

We've scoured the market for the best cordless strimmers to help you choose the perfect tool to keep your lawn and garden looking neat and tidy with minimal effort

dehumidifier in panelled hallway in between wooden console table and dark grey internal door

The best dehumidifiers for condensation, mould, bedrooms and drying laundry

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