Rob Keal

Content Editor

Rob Keal is the Content Editor at Homebuilding & Renovating. With a background in content marketing, he began his career back in 2016 as a freelancer, before honing his craft at various digital marketing agencies. Looking to specialise in DIY and homes, he joined the team in February 2022. 

Renovation has been part of his life since he was nine years old, when his parents bought a medieval cottage and completely revived it, introducing him to kitchen remodels, loft conversions, landscape gardening, and much more besides along the way. A bedroom extension and patio refurbishment are among his next planned projects. He is also passionate about interior design and landscape gardening.

Latest articles by

Wooden decking outside contemporary home with furniture

Wood decking vs composite: Which should you choose for your next garden project?

By Rob Keal last updated

Choosing between wood decking vs composite will impact the look, cost and maintenance of your decking. Our guide explores the pros and cons to help you decide

Julia Kendell at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Lucy Willcox latest star to join amazing National Homebuilding & Renovating Show line-up

By Rob Keal, Alison Wall, Joseph Mullane last updated

The self build event of the year is back for March 2025! Find inspiration, advice, and all the suppliers you need under one roof at the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Contemporary white and wood kitchen with island, large window and plants

Why getting your kitchen island sizes spot on is essential for a remodel

By Rob Keal last updated

Kitchen island sizes will vary depending on available space. Our guide shows you what to look out for when determining if your kitchen can accommodate an island

Long garden with wide lawn surrounded by trees

Long Garden Ideas: 16 Tips for Landscaping a Spacious Plot

By Rob Keal published

Long garden ideas should be well balanced and not have any unused or uncultivated areas. Our 16 ways to landscape an extensive outdoor space can help with this

Narrow garden with seating, wood furniture and shrubbery

Narrow Garden Ideas: 14 Ways to Maximise Space

By Rob Keal published

Narrow garden ideas are all about maximising available area while preserving style. Get the most out of your compact plot with our 14 design suggestions

A narrow kitchen with a modern design and integrated appliances

Narrow Kitchen Ideas: 10 Ways to Maximise Space and Storage

By Rob Keal published

Great narrow kitchen ideas can help add style and practicality to any area where space is at a premium. Improve your kitchen’s appeal with these 10 design tips

light bulb and money on top of electric bill

Four in 10 Struggled to Pay Energy Bills Before Price Hike

By Rob Keal published

As most UK homes are hit by rising bills, new data suggests that 40% of households were struggling to pay before the latest price cap increase

contemporary garden with outdoor furniture and well lit fencing

Fence Lighting Ideas: 8 Ways to Create a Glowing Border

By Rob Keal published

Fence lighting ideas can help highlight your garden’s boundaries and add security — find out how with our eight handy tips

Brown composite decking with garden furniture

Composite Decking Ideas: 14 Ways to Raise Your Outdoor Space

By Rob Keal published

Composite decking ideas add interest and functionality to a garden, as well as being low-maintenance. Get inspired for your deck project with our 14 design tips

country patio with planting and large oval garden dining table

Patio Planting Ideas: 15 Ways to Spruce Up Your Outdoor Area

By Rob Keal published

Patio planting ideas add another dimension to your garden and help enhance outdoor seating areas. Start cultivating a vibrant patio with our 15 suggestions

Old property with for sale sign outside

House Surveys: Types, Costs, and How to Choose the Right One

By Rob Keal published

House surveys can reveal a lot about a property’s condition. We explore the different types of house surveys, the costs, and how to choose between them

A patio in the evening with candle lighting and spotlights

Patio Lighting Ideas: 18 Ways to Illuminate Your Garden Area

By Rob Keal published

Patio lighting ideas can help you achieve a bright, welcoming outdoor space. Get inspiration for how to light up your patio with our 18 illuminating suggestions

Garden screening ideas using shelter and low furniture

Garden Screening Ideas: 14 Solutions for Privacy and Shade

By Rob Keal published

Garden screening ideas can help add a sense of peaceful seclusion and privacy to your garden. Screen off your outdoor space with these suggestions

UK Homes Struggling to Go Green Amid Energy Crisis

UK Homes Struggling to Go Green Amid Energy Crisis

By Rob Keal published

Homeowners are reportedly struggling to install heat pumps and solar panels due to high prices and long delays

Conservatory blind ideas

12 Conservatory Blind Ideas for Optimal Insulation and Shade

By Rob Keal published

Conservatory blind ideas can help ensure year-round comfort, while also maintaining privacy. Discover our 12 design suggestions to complement your conservatory

Lion headed knocker on dark green front door

Front Door Furniture Ideas: 11 Extras for Your Home Entrance

By Rob Keal published

The right front door furniture ideas help finish any entrance — see our 11 hardware suggestions for your home

Flickering lights in the house - living room with multiple lamps hanging from ceiling

Flickering Lights in the House: Common Causes and Fixes

By Rob Keal last updated

Flickering lights in the house can be due to any number of issues, some very serious indeed. Our guide reveals eight common causes and how to resolve them

Homebuyers survey being undertaken in the interior of a house

Homebuyers Survey: Does Your New Property Need One?

By Rob Keal published

A homebuyers survey can help shed light on the condition of your potential new home. Learn about inspection processes, costs and more with our guide

Mortgage valuation outside of brick town house with white bay windows and sold sign

Mortgage Valuation: The Process, Purpose and Costs Explained

By Rob Keal published

Part and parcel of homebuying, our mortgage valuation guide will help you get to grips with the inspection process and how it can affect your property purchase

Japanese garden ideas with sofa against field background

17 Japanese Garden Ideas to Inspire Your Garden Revamp

By Rob Keal published

Japanese garden ideas can lend zen to even the smallest of British gardens; discover how to create the look in your outdoor space this spring