
Rebecca Foster
Rebecca began her journalism career writing for a luxury property magazine in Bangkok, before re-locating to London and becoming a features editor for a self build magazine. She is an experienced homes and interiors journalist and has written for many homes titles including Homebuilding & Renovating, Ideal Home and Period Living.
She has expertise on a wealth of topics — from oak frame homes to kitchen extensions. She has a passion for Victorian architecture; her dream is to extend an 1800s house.
Latest articles by Rebecca Foster

Take a step in the right direction with our guide to loft conversion stairs
By Sarah Harley last updated
Loft conversion stairs need to be safe, practical and designed to suit the rest of your home. We explore, rules, regulations and how to deal with tricky issues such as headroom and size

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

Not sure whether to pick an up-and-over or a roller? Here's how to buy garage doors
By Teresa Conway, Sarah Harley published
Buying a new garage door isn't just about appearance. It also needs to be practical, fit the available space both inside and outside your garage, and be secure

How much does it cost to build an oak frame home? Here's how much to set aside and how to stay on budget
By Sarah Harley, Rebecca Foster last updated
We take a look at what is the cost of an oak frame home to help you set a realistic budget for this type of self build or custom build project

Could an oak frame conservatory be the extension idea you need?
By Sarah Harley last updated
Oak frame conservatories invite natural light and garden views into your home. Read on to discover everything you need to know from the rules and regulations to designs and costs

18 loft conversion bathroom ideas to elevate your space
By Sarah Harley, Rebecca Foster last updated
Adding a loft conversion bathroom when extending upwards is a great addition to the space. We've rounded up 18 ideas and expert advice to help you get it right

Garage conversions: An expert guide to transforming your space
By Sarah Harley last updated
A garage conversion can be one of the easiest ways to add space and value to your home, but what’s involved and how do you get the best results? Follow our expert guide to getting it right

Kitchen extensions: Our expert guide to planning, building regs, design and more
By Michael Holmes, Michelle Guy, Rebecca Foster, Sarah Harley last updated
A kitchen extension can turn a pokey cooking space into a large, open plan space the whole family can enjoy. From budgeting, planning and building regs, here's what you need to know.

Which types of carpet are best suited to your home?
By Rebecca Foster, Natasha Brinsmead last updated
With so many types of carpet available, knowing which will be best for the various areas of your home can be tricky. In this guide, we explain the different products available to help make your decision a little easier

12 ways to keep your self build budget on track
By Rebecca Foster published
Keen to ensure your self build budget stays on target? Our top 12 tips are here to help you plan and organise your finances, as well as offering advice on how to save some pennies

A colourful concrete extension breathes new life into this London terrace
By Rebecca Foster published
A traditional Victorian property has been transformed via the addition of a striking rear extension, finished in pigmented patterned concrete

Renovated terraced homes: 14 great examples of clever design
By Lindsey Davis, Amy Reeves last updated
With a little imagination, renovated terraced homes can provide interesting layouts with good-sized rooms and tonnes of character — find your favourite ideas

The incredible before and after of a 1960s coastal renovation project
By Rebecca Foster published
Simon Francis has transformed a 1960s house on the Cornish coast, finally realising his long-held ambition to renovate a home by the sea

6 Design Ideas to Steal From This Self Build in the Country
By Rebecca Foster, Amy Reeves published
Keen to up sticks and relocate to the countryside, Sarah Farrington traded her west London home for a striking rural self build

Designing a Conservatory: All Your Questions Answered
By Rebecca Foster published
Designing a conservatory is a great way to create a valuable addition to a home — find out how with advice on cost, style, materials and build routes

Garden Paving Ideas: 14 Inspiring Patio Designs for Your Outdoor Space
By Hugh Metcalf, Rebecca Foster published
Try these garden paving ideas to get the most from your patio design and complement the rest of your outdoor space

7 Design Ideas From a Modern Extension to an Old Vicarage
By Rebecca Foster published
James and Tessa Gatti have added a striking two-storey extension to their Victorian vicarage to create a bright and spacious family home

Mansard Loft Conversion: 17 Designs for Added Living Space
By Rebecca Foster published
Looking to build a mansard loft conversion? Check out our hand-picked selection of extensions to spark ideas for your next project

Take a Tour of This Extraordinary Green Extension and Makeover
By Rebecca Foster published
Henry and Jacqueline Gummer discovered that a spacious, sustainably built extension was the key to unlocking the potential of their rural period property

Replacing Windows: Advice for Upgrading Your Home's Glazing
By Rebecca Foster published
Thinking of replacing windows in your home? From what Building Regs apply to styles, materials costs and more, this guide has everything you need to know

Best Kitchen Sinks: Styles to Suit Every Kitchen
By Rebecca Foster published
What is the best kitchen sink? We weigh up the differences in materials and styles so you can make the right choice for your space

Stairlifts: A Guide to Buying and Installing
By Rebecca Foster published
What type of stairlift is the best fit for your home? From design options to installation and maintenance, our handy guide will help you choose

Oak Frame Garages: How to Nail the Perfect Design
By Rebecca Foster last updated
Oak frame garages are the picture perfect way to create a parking spot for your home. In our ultimate guide, we look at everything from design and cost to building regulations
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