Advice archive

August 2025

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55 articles

August 31
- I've lived with a heat pump for 7 years and these are the changes I've already made, and the ones I'll make in the future
August 30
- Can you cover a heat pump to hide it from view? Experts offer their golden rules and explain why getting it wrong could be costly
- Are wireless home security systems effective? Here's what you need to know to keep your home safe and secure
- Don't trip up by making these 12 common flooring mistakes in your home
August 28
- Experts reveal the worst places to install a heat pump – 6 areas you should avoid when fitting one in your home
August 27
- What loft conversion fire regulations do I need to know? Our self build expert explains
August 26
- What is Approved Document K? How your windows, balcony and stairs must comply with these regulations
- Does your fuse box keep tripping? Find out why and how you can fix it
August 25
- Get expert advice on how to change a light switch cover to add a new look to any room
- Are your squeaky floors harmless — or hiding a bigger structural problem?
August 24
- Homeowners urged to check their bins for these common pests which thrive during hot spells – experts reveal how to get rid of them
- Keeping your neighbours sweet when applying for planning isn't a legal requirement but is absolutely worth it, and here's why
- The 6 heat pump problems the experts want you to know about before even thinking about installation
- 6 ways to get straight cuts with a circular saw — including how to make your DIY guide
- Worried about ground source heat pump problems? We list the most common ones and how to find out what's causing them
August 23
- What it's like to live with a biomass boiler — the regular tasks and reality of using biomass to heat your home
- We reveal the top heat pump mistakes experts see time and time again — the good news? All are easily avoidable
- How to get rid of horsetail weeds in your garden — and stop them from coming back
August 22
- Change of use — 'How we turned designated commercial land into a residential plot for a family home'
- Experts reveal why HVAC might be the best solution to cooling your home
August 21
- Think you can paint your side of your neighbour’s garden fence? The truth could cost you more than you realise
August 20
- What is Approved Document P? The building regulations you need to know when electrical work is involved
- Are home security cameras safe? What you need to know about the hazards
August 19
- Wall-mounted vs portable air conditioners — as temperatures soar, which will be right for you?
- How to sand floors with a belt sander — and when to use a different tool instead
August 18
- The costs of sanding a wood floor — from professional rates to DIY sander tools
- Biomass boilers vs heat pumps — how to choose the best system for heating your home
August 17
- Do you know how much HVAC costs from purchase point to maintenance? Our guide is here to help
August 16
- High temperature heat pump or radiator upgrade? We explore your options
- The 6 top HVAC mistakes revealed by experts — and why professional input is essential
- Do you need loft conversion fire doors? Our expert gives his advice on which doors to choose
August 15
- 8 beautiful water feature ideas that will work in any garden space
- Thinking of using a heat pump for a hot tub? Here’s everything you need to know
- 5 most common tree disputes with neighbours — and how to resolve them
August 13
- How far can I extend without planning permission? We explore the limits and how prior approval could help
August 11
- Where to put security cameras at home — an expert guide
August 10
- Do home security cameras record all the time? Why you should pay attention to recording time
- Types of rooflight explained — a guide to choosing the best style for your home
- 6 things about loft conversion window regulations you need to know before extending upwards
August 9
- What is Stucco plastering? Discover its benefits for a durable and attractive wall finish indoors and outdoors
- Are video doorbells easy to install? What you need to know
- The thing you shouldn’t do to your neighbour’s tree roots — even if they cross your garden boundary
August 8
- HVAC vs air source heat pump — 'these systems aren’t direct equivalents,' say the experts
- The 7 biggest home security mistakes homeowners make — and how to avoid them
August 7
- Find out what you need to know to make plasterboarding a garage a success
- Discover the secrets behind tiling an uneven wall to get a smooth professional finish
August 6
- Can a heat pump cool a house? It depends, say the experts and here's why
August 5
- Pros reveal easy-to-follow techniques to stop paint peeling and keep it looking good for longer
August 3
- Master drilling into plasterboard to prevent cracks and damage for clean holes
- Do you use a key safe? Why adding one that’s visible is a bad idea
August 2
- Get expert insight into drilling into metal for clean, smooth and accurate holes
- How to repair peeling paint for a quick makeover and a fresh new finish
- 5 things that make an extension look cheap – design experts reveal the common culprits that could lower the value of your project
August 1
- 5 things that will make your house renovation look cheap – plus what to do instead, according to renovation experts
- Are your windows at risk from burglars? How to maximise home window security to keep your possessions safe