Advice

Teal and black orbital sander sat next to three circular sanding discs on a wooden table

6 common mistakes to avoid when learning how to use an orbital sander

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Learn how to use an orbital sander the right way and discover what you should – and shouldn’t – be doing to get the best finish using this hand-held power tool

hand opening trickle vent on white uPVC window frame

Why not having trickle vents could be more serious than you think

By Sarah Harley published

If you've ever wondered what are trickle vents and if you really do need them, we explain why this little trickle of air has more power than you realised

Experts reveal exactly how much a mansard loft conversion will cost you — and how to make savings

By Natasha Brinsmead published

As one of the best ways to add space and value to a home, just how much can you expect to pay for a mansard loft conversion? We asked the experts for their thoughts

Home security when you’re on holiday — the best ways to protect your property

By Sarah Warwick published

Discover how to keep your home secure when you’re not there in our expert guide

Why new Compulsory Purchase Order powers are making it easier for the government to take your land

By Joseph Mullane published

Compulsory Purchase Orders are important to be aware of if you're a landowner as you could face the prospect of having your land taken away from you

Hands using a brick jointer finishing a red brick garden wall

Learn how to build a garden wall with this DIY guide

By Steve Jenkins published

Transform your front and back garden with a neat new brick wall. Here we tell you how and what you'll need

Your Projects

Man standing in front of his self build home next to a field with a donkey. His wife sits in the background on a sunny veranda

A remarkable turn of events helps a retired couple build a home for themselves in their greatest moment of need

By Debbie Jeffery published

A heartwarming collaboration between a retired couple and a group of young volunteer builders has resulted in a unique and accessible timber eco-home

A tale of two homes: Victorian heritage meets modern design in this dual dwelling

By Joseph Mullane published

Discover a beautifully renovated Victorian villa paired with a contemporary garden house in Battersea

A wide angle shot of a downstairs kitchen extension with double-height ceilings and architectural glazing

'The look of disbelief on everyone’s face when they see the space we've created is priceless' – step inside this cleverly extended mid-terrace home

By Jo Messenger published

Award-winning interiors, double-height spaces and exceptional natural light make this London mid-terrace home a treasure trove of inspiration

This bespoke cottage took just over a year to build and cost only £350K — showing the huge benefits of a custom-build route

By Teresa Conway published

Read about how this couple created their 194m² dream home in a stunning rural setting

An unexpected presence on an ordinary street: See the North West home named Building of the Year 2025

By Joseph Mullane published

Strikingly contemporary, yet modest and respectful of its neighbours, this award-winning Cheshire home redefines what a suburban family house can be

This stunning city home cleverly gives the feeling of a rural retreat with 'bold ideas' and sustainable innovations

By Alexandra Pratt published

How this homeowner incorporated a suite of eco-technology and sustainable principles when designing and building his family home

How to

Teal and black orbital sander sat next to three circular sanding discs on a wooden table

6 common mistakes to avoid when learning how to use an orbital sander

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Learn how to use an orbital sander the right way and discover what you should – and shouldn’t – be doing to get the best finish using this hand-held power tool

Hands using a brick jointer finishing a red brick garden wall

Learn how to build a garden wall with this DIY guide

By Steve Jenkins published

Transform your front and back garden with a neat new brick wall. Here we tell you how and what you'll need

Hand holding yellow and black orbital sander on large wooden surface

Sanding wood needs the right sandpaper and tools. We tell you what you need to know

By Steve Jenkins last updated

There’s an art to sanding wood, from choosing the right sandpaper grade, to selecting the best tools and applying the best techniques. Find out how in our guide

Top down shot of person applying stain halfway across timber decking with white stone in background

Decking oil vs stain: Weigh up the differences to help you make the right choice

By Steve Jenkins published

Experts reveal the pros and cons of decking oil vs stain. Choose style or substance

Garden wall with old broken render and ivy on top off wall

Want to know how to do garden wall repairs? Pros reveal how to fix cracked mortar, crumbling render or damaged brick

By Steve Jenkins published

Learn how to perform garden wall repairs yourself to save money

Front on shot of two red up and over panelled red garage doors

How many types of garage doors are there? We look at the popular choices, plus how much you can expect to pay

By Steve Jenkins published

Choosing which type of garage door you want isn’t always easy. But here you’ll find expert advice on the popular options to help you make the right choice

Ideas

loft conversion bedroom with built in white shaker style wardrobes with slim black handles, white door, wooden and metal frame bed, black pendant light, velux window and cream carpet with striped rug

Why thinking out of the box is the best approach when looking for loft conversion storage ideas

By Sarah Harley published

If hunting for loft conversion storage ideas leaves you feeling everything is too big or too small, we've taken the task to hand and found 12 ideas to help keep your space clutter free

A loft conversion bathroom with velux windows, monochrome accessories, dark walls and wet wall panels in a light slate grey colour

13 wet wall bathroom ideas for a low maintenance and stylish alternative to tiles

By Gabriella Dyson published

Transform your bathroom with expert-approved wet wall ideas that are stylish, low-maintenance and anything but ordinary

dormer loft conversion bedroom with large windows looking out, bed, built in headboard and shelving, small rooflight above bed and pale pink plaster effect walls with porthole window on one side of the room

20 dormer loft conversion ideas if you're hoping to reach the lofty heights of an upwards extension

By Sarah Harley last updated

Dormer loft conversion ideas tick so many boxes. From small to large, simple to standout there's plenty of options to choose from. Here's 20 to start you off

large modern porch with metal roof stretching across entrance and rest of property, timber clad below with inset spotlights and small wall lights on dividing wall and external wall

Looking for porch lighting ideas? Here's 14 illuminating ideas to brighten your main entry point

By Amy Reeves, Sarah Harley last updated

Porch lighting ideas should be bright and benefit your safety and security. Here's 14 schemes that fit the bill

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