Advice

Women with ponytail and teal top using a mini roller to paint edge of wardrobe door white

How to paint wardrobe doors to give a fresh look to your bedroom

By Steve Jenkins published

Get expert advice on the paint, tools and techniques you’ll need to know to paint tired wardrobe doors

How to keep your home safe from burglars — essential security strategies

By Sarah Warwick published

Get savvy about the home security products and measures that reduce the risk of thieves breaking into your home

above ground swimming pool made from shipping container with glass side panels, decked area to side and wood and rope fence dividing deck and lawn

Could this swimming pool trend from the USA and Australia soon be making a splash in gardens across the UK?

By Sarah Harley published

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?

Before and after of a patio clearing, sweeping and cleaning

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

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

Woman sitting on a sofa with several fans giving her air and a fan in her hand, high summer temperatures

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

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

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

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

Women with ponytail and teal top using a mini roller to paint edge of wardrobe door white

How to paint wardrobe doors to give a fresh look to your bedroom

By Steve Jenkins published

Get expert advice on the paint, tools and techniques you’ll need to know to paint tired wardrobe doors

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

Ideas

Louvered pergola with a roof, garden sofa and firepit, on a deck with potted plants and flowers, with trees in the background and lawn in the foreground

9 decking cover ideas that will instantly transform your deck into a 24/7 space, whatever the weather

By Sarah Wilson published

Turn your deck into a year-round destination with these practical overhead solutions

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

Buying Guides

The best bathroom extractor fans to combat condensation and damp

By Jack Woodfield last updated

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

Yellow cordless drill on top of box of screwdriver bits on wood and table

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

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

Silver caulk gun applying white bathroom sealant to white bathroom sink

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

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

Man in hi-viz yellow vest using a wet and dry vacuum in hallway with bare plastered walls

Get your hands on the best vacuum cleaners for builders and say goodbye to dust and debris

By Hugh Metcalf, Steve Jenkins last updated

We roundup the best vacuum cleaners to keep your space free of dust and debris during a house renovation or DIY project

A Samsung Electronics Co. AI dish washer during the company's Bespoke AI event in Seoul, South Korea, on Friday, March 28, 2025

The best 6 integrated dishwashers of 2025

By Amy Reeves, Natasha Brinsmead, Steve Jenkins, Joseph Mullane last updated

We’ve put together a list that covers all bases and will help you make the right decision for you and your kitchen

man in garden pouring petrol from red container in orange and black petrol lawnmower on lawn

Treat your lawn to a fresh trim using one of the 6 best petrol lawnmowers

By Steve Jenkins last updated

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