Advice

I'm a heritage bricklayer and this is how to avoid common mistakes when repointing brickwork

By Pete Wise published

A third-generation bricklayer and a property expert discuss the most common repointing mistakes and how to avoid them. Find out the right way to prepare your brickwork and apply fresh mortar.

Hands touching a white column radiator, against a white wall, and thermostatic radiator valve

Are you having thermostatic valve problems? The pros reveal how to identify and fix issues

By Steve Jenkins published

Learn how to recognise thermostatic valve problems so you can sort yourself or call in a professional

male cutting insulation to go into walls

Renovating your home? Make sure you understand how to insulate your home so you can save energy and boost your bank balance

By Tim Pullen, Sarah Harley last updated

Improving your home insulation is part of most renovation projects, but how do you do it and do you need to insulate everywhere? Experts share their best advice

female wearing blue polo shirt, yellow hard hard hat and gloves, inserting insulation into wall

Not sure whether you need boards or batts? We explore the main types of home insulation, how to choose them and where to use them

By Tim Pullen, Hugh Metcalf, Sarah Harley last updated

Home insulation is essential for a warm and energy efficient house. We explore the main types, where to use them and why it's so integral to a build

Why ground source heat pumps could be the cooling fix you didn’t know you had

By Joseph Mullane published

More than just heating – ground source heat pumps offer a low-cost, low-energy way to cool your home renewably

How to add garden security lights to deter intruders and illuminate your space effectively

By Sarah Warwick published

Our guide has the details you need on using garden security lights to help keep burglars away and to make the space safe for you after dark

Your Projects

Before and after shot of the rear kitchen extension of a victorian semi

See how this standard Victorian semi in south London is transformed by a unique French-farmhouse style extension

By Jennifer Grimble published

A rear and side return extension allowed this couple to create a French-inspired kitchen and dining space fit for the whole family

A living room of a self build home with large glass doors

'Building in a flood risk area comes with lots of challenges' – see how this homeowner successfully created a waterside home on a complex plot

By Alex Pratt published

A significant number of obstacles stood between this homeowner and his dream of a self-build home on a tricky riverside plot

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

How to

I'm a heritage bricklayer and this is how to avoid common mistakes when repointing brickwork

By Pete Wise published

A third-generation bricklayer and a property expert discuss the most common repointing mistakes and how to avoid them. Find out the right way to prepare your brickwork and apply fresh mortar.

Hands touching a white column radiator, against a white wall, and thermostatic radiator valve

Are you having thermostatic valve problems? The pros reveal how to identify and fix issues

By Steve Jenkins published

Learn how to recognise thermostatic valve problems so you can sort yourself or call in a professional

Contemporary white room with lamp, rug, and sofa in background and white radiator on wall in foreground

What is the ideal radiator height from floor? Pros reveal the answer — but it's not as simple as you might think

By Steve Jenkins published

Getting the right radiator height from the floor will ensure efficient and effective heating of your home

Close of of plumbing tools, fitting and pipes on top of architects plans

Can you use plastic pipes for heating systems? Copper vs plastic pipes explained

By Steve Jenkins published

Our expert dives into the pros and cons of plastic and copper pipes for your heating system

Powered chisel breaking beige floor tile

Cracked and chipped flooring? How to replace a broken floor tile without causing damage elsewhere

By Steve Jenkins published

Restore your floor to avoid damaged tiling becoming a hazard

'Removing loft insulation is tough, messy and can be dangerous,' say the experts – here's how to do it safely and correctly

By Natasha Brinsmead published

There are many reasons why removing loft insulation might be a job on your to-do list. Our guide is here to explain everything you need to know

Ideas

brick and zinc clad modern house with large windows and copper colour planters along front of house

Cladding ideas — the master of disguise design feature that turns a standard exterior into a stunning spectacle

By Sarah Harley last updated

From brick to metal, wood to render there are no end to the different cladding ideas available to use on your home or extension. Here's 14 to inspire you

A VELUX Cabrio balcony window that opens up to create a mini rooftop balcony, bringing in natural light and urban views

These 13 real-life loft balcony ideas turn overlooked spaces into the best seat in the house

By Gabriella Dyson published

From Juliet balconies to rooftop retreats, these expert-approved ideas show how to add style and space to your loft conversion with a balcony that works year-round

oak frame porch with tiled roof on oak and brick home with table and chairs to one side, plant pots to entrance

12 oak frame porch ideas that are pretty, practical and can be sized to suit

By Sarah Harley published

Pretty as a picture, oak frame porch ideas can add a sense of rustic charm while providing practical cover from the weather

modern house with landscaped garden and outdoor lighting

If you only light one area of your garden, make sure it's this one – experts say it will help to boost safety, style and security

By Sarah Wilson published

Illuminate the way with these innovative garden path lighting ideas that will turn a functional landscaping element into a design feature

Buying Guides

Netatmo Smart Alarm System

The 6 best home security systems of the year 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

blue wall and front door with black eufy video doorbell on wall to side, with light shining out from the top and bottom of the doorbell

Our guide to the 6 best video doorbells to improve security and make sure you never miss a delivery again

By Sarah Harley last updated

Looking for the best video doorbells? We share six of our favourite options, whether you're looking for a budget friendly bell, an integrated system or a subscription free model

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 of the 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