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 indoor solar panels could power the next generation of smart devices Joseph Mullane published 7 July 25 New indoor solar panel technology could offer a potential power source for low-energy devices using everyday indoor lighting
I grew lettuce in my new 'crack garden' following advice from Monty Don Joseph Mullane published 6 July 25 Can you really grow salad between block paving? I tried Monty Don’s “crack gardening” advice – and the results surprised me
The new planning reforms that could help self-builders fix Britain’s broken housing market Joseph Mullane published 5 July 25 Is the government shifting power away from big builders to local people?
How to get two free tickets to the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show Joseph Mullane last updated 4 July 25 Hurry up and get two free tickets for the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show
Don't ignore these important factors when asking 'what size air con unit do I need?' By Sarah Harley published 9 July 25 What size air con unit do I need is an important question when considering how to cool your home. But, there's more than just room size to think about
I'm fed up of being time poor which is why these 4 time-saving appliances are now top of my Amazon wishlist — and 3 of them are Prime Day deals By Sarah Harley published 9 July 25 Time poor or wallet wealthy? A balance between the two is always the goal, so I've loaded my shopping list with a variety of appliances to help buy back time
Is air conditioning becoming a must have in your home? I'm an energy expert and these are the pros and cons of the main options available By David Hilton, Sarah Harley last updated 8 July 25 Finding yourself considering air conditioning in your home? We explore the different options to help you decide if it's right for you and your home
Can doorbell cameras be hacked? Experts reveal the threats you should know about, plus how to keep yours protected By Sarah Warwick published 8 July 25 Our guide has the lowdown on doorbell camera hacking so you can ensure you don't compromise your security
Will an enclosed or open porch be best for your home? Why the experts say it's about the design of your property By Natasha Brinsmead published 7 July 25 Our guide explains the pros, cons and cost implication of both enclosed and open porches to make deciding between the two easier
Struggling to keep your home cool? You could be making these common air conditioning mistakes By Gabriella Dyson published 7 July 25 Suspect your AC unit isn’t doing its job? These easy-to-make air conditioning mistakes could be the reason your home is still hot
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
An expert guide to the 7 best cordless strimmers — from budget options to the best overall model By Jack Woodfield, Teresa Conway last updated 8 July 25 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
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
