Manchester to become UK’s heat pump capital with historic five-year agreement Joseph Mullane published 12 July 25 Manchester are leading the way on low-carbon heating with plans for 64,000 heat pump installations by 2030
Hosepipe bans begin with fines of up to £1,000 — and more could follow soon Joseph Mullane published 12 July 25 With South East Water and Yorkshire Water enforcing hosepipe bans and Thames Water poised to follow as thousands of households face restrictions and fines as the UK endures one of its driest years in over a century
Are mortgage rates going down? July sees major cuts as lenders compete for your business Joseph Mullane last updated 11 July 25 UK mortgage rates are tumbling as lenders ramp up competition ahead of an anticipated Bank of England base rate cut in August
Balcony solar panels are now on sale for Amazon Prime Day — and they’re cheaper than you’d think Joseph Mullane published 10 July 25 DIY-friendly solar kits now start under £65 during Amazon’s Prime Day sale
Councillors shouldn't be able to veto approved self build sites, new report says Joseph Mullane published 9 July 25 No more death by committee? Why Tier A Classification could be a gamechanger for self-builders
Book a 15-minute call with an expert to help you with your next self-build, extension or renovation project Teresa Conway last updated 7 July 25 With a Homebuilding & Renovating Premium membership, you can access experts who can provide face-to-face help with whatever advice you need for your project
How to keep your home safe from burglars — essential security strategies By Sarah Warwick published 12 July 25 Get savvy about the home security products and measures that reduce the risk of thieves breaking into your home
Could this swimming pool trend from the USA and Australia soon be making a splash in gardens across the UK? By Sarah Harley published 12 July 25 We dive into a popular overseas swimming pool trend that's starting to make an appearance in the UK. But is it one that's going to make us reach for our cossies and rubber rings?
I was going to buy a pressure washer this Prime Day, but I picked up this £2 product to refresh my patio instead By Teresa Conway published 11 July 25 I couldn't bring myself to checkout for fear of investing in another item that would sit unused in my shed for most of the year
Wondering whether to splash out on an air conditioning unit or fan in the Prime Day sale? Here's how they rack up so you can confidently shop By Sarah Harley published 10 July 25 Wondering if you really need air con or if a fan can do the job just as well? We weigh up air con vs fans so you can stay fresh and cool when the sun shines
How I trained the hedges in my cottage garden using this £11 arch from Amazon — that's now a Prime Day deal By Amy Willis published 10 July 25 This metal garden arch from Amazon might've been cheap and cheerful, but it was perfect for training the young hedges in my garden when landscaping
Confused by how big your dehumidifier needs to be? Follow these simple sizing rules By Gabriella Dyson published 10 July 25 Our expert-backed guide explains how to choose the right size and capacity of dehumidifier for your home
See how this standard Victorian semi in south London is transformed by a unique French-farmhouse style extension By Jennifer Grimble published 27 June 25 A rear and side return extension allowed this couple to create a French-inspired kitchen and dining space fit for the whole family
'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 20 June 25 A significant number of obstacles stood between this homeowner and his dream of a self-build home on a tricky riverside plot
A remarkable turn of events helps a retired couple build a home for themselves in their greatest moment of need By Debbie Jeffery published 30 May 25 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 25 May 25 Discover a beautifully renovated Victorian villa paired with a contemporary garden house in Battersea
'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 24 May 25 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 23 May 25 Read about how this couple created their 194m² dream home in a stunning rural setting
I'm a heritage bricklayer and this is how to avoid common mistakes when repointing brickwork By Pete Wise published 3 July 25 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.
Are you having thermostatic valve problems? The pros reveal how to identify and fix issues By Steve Jenkins published 3 July 25 Learn how to recognise thermostatic valve problems so you can sort yourself or call in a professional
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 30 June 25 Getting the right radiator height from the floor will ensure efficient and effective heating of your home
Can you use plastic pipes for heating systems? Copper vs plastic pipes explained By Steve Jenkins published 27 June 25 Our expert dives into the pros and cons of plastic and copper pipes for your heating system
Cracked and chipped flooring? How to replace a broken floor tile without causing damage elsewhere By Steve Jenkins published 26 June 25 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 25 June 25 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
Cladding ideas — the master of disguise design feature that turns a standard exterior into a stunning spectacle By Sarah Harley last updated 3 July 25 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
These 13 real-life loft balcony ideas turn overlooked spaces into the best seat in the house By Gabriella Dyson published 30 June 25 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
12 oak frame porch ideas that are pretty, practical and can be sized to suit By Sarah Harley published 29 June 25 Pretty as a picture, oak frame porch ideas can add a sense of rustic charm while providing practical cover from the weather
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 28 June 25 Illuminate the way with these innovative garden path lighting ideas that will turn a functional landscaping element into a design feature
The best bathroom extractor fans to combat condensation and damp By Jack Woodfield last updated 8 July 25 The best bathroom extractor fans must efficiently and quietly circulate fresh air into a space while also removing moisture-laden air to stop mould forming. They also want to look the part too. We've gathered the top buys to make choosing easy
Choose one of these 9 best cordless drills to help you power through your next DIY project By Sarah Handley, Garry Martin, Jack Woodfield last updated 7 July 25 The best cordless drills will help you tackle your next DIY project with ease. Choose from our selection of budget, mid- and top of the range cordless drills
Looking for the best bathroom sealants to stop leaks and prevent mould? Here are six of our favourites for 2025 By Jack Woodfield last updated 7 July 25 Finding the best bathroom sealants for your needs is crucial for sealing gaps and preventing water leaks that can cause unseen water damage. Here you’ll find a selection of highly rated sealants that match your sanitary ware
Get your hands on the best vacuum cleaners for builders and say goodbye to dust and debris By Hugh Metcalf, Steve Jenkins last updated 4 July 25 We roundup the best vacuum cleaners to keep your space free of dust and debris during a house renovation or DIY project
The best 6 integrated dishwashers of 2025 By Amy Reeves, Natasha Brinsmead, Steve Jenkins, Joseph Mullane last updated 4 July 25 We’ve put together a list that covers all bases and will help you make the right decision for you and your kitchen
Treat your lawn to a fresh trim using one of the 6 best petrol lawnmowers By Steve Jenkins last updated 4 July 25 Whether you're looking for a sharp cut or pristine stripes here's 6 of the best petrol lawnmowers to suit gardens and budgets of all shapes and sizes
