<![CDATA[ Latest from Homebuilding & Renovating in Advice ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice Thu, 21 May 2026 08:35:00 +0000 en <![CDATA[ These trees are perfect for small gardens – they'll add colour and structure but won’t take over your space ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/garden/best-trees-for-small-gardens JrfcrbNo22KzHphZMxB7Ld Thu, 21 May 2026 08:35:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Could pigeon poo derail your renovation? Expert reveals the hidden risks to your home and health ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/renovation/pigeon-poo-removal mk4VmHHsWjhsGb4YzScimC Thu, 21 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Growing hydrangeas in pots is easier than you think – here's how to keep them thriving ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/garden/growing-hydrangeas-in-pots ovyVmYmxZKqAkctDhx9Qad Wed, 20 May 2026 08:15:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Having the right documents to sell a house isn't just a necessity – it can also secure you a better deal. Experts explain the key pieces of paperwork you'll need ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/home-improvements/documents-you-need-to-sell-a-house tfnkwbuqLLqG69RnDvDDxU Mon, 18 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Want better odds of planning approval? Don't forget these essential documents when submitting your application, says planning expert ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/planning/planning-and-supporting-statements sJ6NpMnnbkA2Fz2Ta4ux Sun, 17 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000 Mon, 18 May 2026 11:13:19 +0000 <![CDATA[ 'Think of black like a sophisticated eyeliner that defines the space' – tips on using this bold colour like an interior designer ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/how-to-use-black BQKQneWK6oV2y2umZKtoAH Sat, 16 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ The ‘high-low’ decorating mindset designers swear by – it could save your budget without sacrificing the finished look ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/high-low-decorating KnrMxUavjDsWZgusSYCgT6 Fri, 15 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000 Thu, 21 May 2026 16:51:54 +0000 <![CDATA[ The verdict is in — experts agree these are the worst flooring types for a kitchen and reveal what to choose instead ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/flooring/worst-flooring-for-kitchens nfaN7zXvfkkKYPgdaRz5HA Fri, 15 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ How to grow hydrangeas successfully – expert tips for bigger blooms and healthier shrubs ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/garden/how-to-grow-hydrangeas LHYFoAaw7CWrMtcvYpNyzf Thu, 14 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ These are the smartest spots to install plug-in solar panels around your home, according to an expert ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/eco-homes/solar-panels/where-to-install-plug-in-solar-panels 5YRCXPGE5AfBJ9tcyXARSS Thu, 14 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Thu, 14 May 2026 08:30:36 +0000 <![CDATA[ 10 beautiful trees that thrive in pots – these top choices will make a big impact in a small space ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/garden/best-trees-to-grow-in-pots YVgmwyvgix9Rpoyw34Nrbd Wed, 13 May 2026 08:15:00 +0000 Tue, 19 May 2026 14:10:48 +0000 <![CDATA[ 9 simple rules designers swear by for brightening a dark living room — that you can try in your home too ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/living-room/how-to-brighten-a-dark-living-room mKsRuiXanHxZu3Jy2LDXcM Tue, 12 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Do you really need to spend big on power tools? I've had these 5 budget models for years and they're still going strong ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/diy/tools/are-budget-power-tools-any-good x6Ks54HTUHxiDtPriZJN24 Mon, 11 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ How to pull lots of natural light into your garage conversion — without being left feeling 'on show' ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/conversion/garage-conversion/how-to-get-natural-light-into-a-garage-conversion p3gQe5LYva74NeAXSRqn7A Sun, 10 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I was fed up with gravel spilling onto the road from my driveway – so I asked experts how to solve the problem ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/driveways/how-to-keep-gravel-in-place-on-a-driveway uSG3NixMCHffzDMezn6d2E Sat, 09 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Peel and stick tiles are a budget-friendly alternative to tiles. Here's why I use them and how you can too ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/diy/peel-and-stick-tiles uJJW3fbPjs3VvTenPwUERg Sat, 09 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Should you rethink No Mow May? Experts reveal the hidden downsides (and how to avoid them) ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/garden/no-mow-may-pros-and-cons TZWoHeXb6YSHgYCMgSKux7 Fri, 08 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ My bathroom walls look washed out and flat — I asked the experts which colours to avoid and which shades I should embrace ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/bathroom/bathroom-colours-to-avoid fZ45mXGJK3tn6ccuDLgJ6W Fri, 08 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ 10 things to plant in May to brighten your garden borders and pots all summer long ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/what-to-plant-in-may 5DXUrw8gshjcJytqFLGtxg Wed, 06 May 2026 08:10:00 +0000 Thu, 07 May 2026 10:35:45 +0000 <![CDATA[ Could toxic giant hogweed be hiding in your garden? Here's how to identify it and get rid of it safely ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/garden/how-to-get-rid-of-giant-hogweed 2Chz6DwEshfASCoJQkWgBD Tue, 05 May 2026 08:30:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ How long will your renovation really take? Our build expert reveals the truth about renovation timelines ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/renovation/how-long-does-a-renovation-take jBAoVrVMwNubdsqxVyWkzH Mon, 04 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Experts reveal the truth about converting a church into a home – the 11 hurdles you'll need to consider ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/conversion/what-to-consider-in-a-church-to-house-conversion kNjsLEL4Fs8sU5ArbEVsxH Mon, 04 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ My sloping driveway is damaging the bottom of our cars – so I asked the experts, what's involved in levelling it out? ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/driveways/levelling-a-sloping-driveway aBcX2rfr4NHLHTYZmuhDhY Sun, 03 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 Tue, 05 May 2026 08:08:15 +0000 <![CDATA[ Could insulation innovations feature in your self-build or renovation plans? Our build expert explores the options ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/heating/insulation/insulation-innovations byQzBPpEpSbxRPiSAjJMEG Sun, 03 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ 5 things people with an organised shed always have – these essentials will maximise space and cut clutter ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/garden/things-people-with-an-organised-shed-always-have pzzuXKZZqHoSDkh4QHy3sL Sat, 02 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ As a DIY expert, these are the 4 types of electric sanders I actually use (and when each one wins) ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/diy/tools/why-i-have-4-types-of-electric-sanders VrDV8VBu35vHSkEFtzhtuR Sat, 02 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Should you turn off underfloor heating in the summer? Experts confirm if you should, and the steps to follow if you do ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/heating/should-you-turn-off-underfloor-heating-in-the-summer yMyp87jwPtmSEMwsgXmn4V Fri, 01 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ The paper and cardboard recycling rules I've been getting wrong without realising – and you might be breaking them too ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/kitchen/paper-and-cardboard-recycling-rules rm6fDqrysJfZnzF2Bbtmdi Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Turning my cottage garden into a driveway damaged its kerb appeal — here's what I wish I'd done differently ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/driveways/turning-my-cottage-garden-into-a-driveway-damaged-its-kerb-appeal-heres-what-i-wish-id-done-differently KeDuL4v4hDmiL9tyHhmVu3 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 08:15:47 +0000 <![CDATA[ 16 ornamental grasses that will transform your garden all year round ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/garden/types-of-ornamental-grass xxxKdDJL2RU3HFFzv88kef Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:35:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ We reveal the surprising places you might find asbestos in your home renovation —and what you can do about it ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/renovation/surprising-places-you-might-find-asbestos LtxLW9XrpNKBsA2nkx2jXJ Sun, 26 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Should you tackle insulating between floors from above or below? ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/heating/insulation/insulating-between-floors 5wDaqKBzmnbUMUCr3JFFnm Sun, 26 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ The energy upgrades I skipped on my Victorian home renovation — and why ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/renovation/the-6-energy-upgrades-i-skipped-on-my-victorian-home-renovation-and-why hzsN266Hc75Q3YWqNhBj2m Sat, 25 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ 'We turned a dated dining room into our dream small living room – here's how we did it' ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/living-room/we-turned-a-dated-dining-room-into-our-dream-small-living-room DtP8qckv4DVGqouhC5RHre Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:40:08 +0000 <![CDATA[ 'These hidden costs pushed our renovation over budget' — 6 harsh reality checks from real-life renovators ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/renovation/the-hidden-costs-of-renovating HuEVGJoK4jfFRN8ELSmuyU Sat, 25 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ 8 facts about soapstone, and why it could be the lesser-known kitchen worktop finish you didn't know you needed ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/kitchen/soapstone b5uRpdsTkU4wRAm3nEh5Ab Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I am about to apply for planning permission to create a dropped kerb – so I asked the experts, 'what should my next steps be?' ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/driveways/planning-permission-for-dropped-kerbs 4az7Pv9Mybdf3uKyywnS2c Fri, 24 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ The 10 best pond plants to keep your water clean and healthy ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/garden/best-pond-plants QfiCpaNKQKQoA8WrjVwdKf Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:25:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Are you thinking of replacing your bathtub? Check out how much you can expect to pay in 2026 ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/costs-savings/replacing-a-bathtub-cost ssKjDyEMADV43h2WKXbbeh Wed, 22 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ An expert says this is the secret to attracting birds to your garden (plus how to identify each one) ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/garden/how-to-attract-birds-to-your-garden ZEB7F28uZxvA4HoqW2MGGU Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:45:00 +0000 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:56:59 +0000 <![CDATA[ Hardware can be the unforgotten hero of an interior scheme. I reveal my favourite places to shop and share expert advice on selecting yours ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/windows-doors/how-to-choose-hardware 8E5udLhLouUbZFeZVxc4mS Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ These 3 survey findings should stop any property purchase in its tracks —no matter how much you love it ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/home-improvements/survey-findings-that-should-make-you-walk-away SUsi2BNLDrfyLgHW5ydb76 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ The basement building regulations you can't ignore when extending underground ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/conversion/basement-building-regulations fcZrQzqwdacZFuZqD8nBCo Sun, 19 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Are you inviting rats into your loft without realising it? Experts warn of this common mistake ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/conversion/loft-conversion/how-do-rats-get-in-the-loft xyTeS2ojWicjU7QLcvhg75 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Are ugly streaks and faded finishes ruining your beautiful timber cladding? Find out why it's happening and what you can do to restore it to its best ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/cladding/restoring-timber-cladding m2ufycmgqCxZddyWknDMgZ Sun, 19 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:59:47 +0000 <![CDATA[ We renovated our 1950s home room by room — here's what we got right and what we learned the hard way ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/renovation/we-renovated-our-1950s-home-room-by-room-heres-what-we-got-right-and-what-we-learned-the-hard-way h2VgGs2dzRUJmamVHgvqLd Sat, 18 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Estate agents reveal the listing photos that tell you everything the seller doesn't want you to know ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/home-improvements/house-listing-photos-that-should-raise-red-flags 7uicKix8YXhzvPj4jMTNJ5 Sat, 18 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Is there really any way to get rid of the smell of paint? We lift the lid on paint smell hacks to reveal what works and what doesn't ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/paint/how-to-get-rid-of-paint-smell U7Bn2bHrzDAPSr9S4DXAUY Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I've always decorated on a DIY basis but this time I wanted to get a pro in to repaint our rooms — was it worth the money? ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/paint/is-a-professional-decorator-worth-the-money EEjg7WC8C3ToKnojwGjd7A Fri, 17 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Thought sharing your home with your dog meant putting up with mess and bad smells? Not with our expert-approved pet-friendly living room ideas ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/living-room/pet-friendly-living-room-ideas dqueRKKt3hkJFNR4FiAziT Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000