<![CDATA[ Latest from Homebuilding & Renovating in Advice ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice Sun, 05 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000 en <![CDATA[ How much electricity does a heat pump use? Our expert explains how to estimate your annual running costs ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/heating/heat-pump/how-much-electricity-does-a-heat-pump-use 3RMB8WcWFh9aHMiyKTeXjK Sun, 05 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Do you need to change your locks? How much you can expect to pay ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/windows-doors/cost-of-changing-locks nbtms2ZTjgWFC5UVrymzEN Sun, 05 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Could you be using your shutters incorrectly? The surprising technique I use to save me money in winter and keep me cool in summer ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/windows-doors/shutter-tip-to-prevent-heat-loss-and-heat-gain HK9zr24uD9is3kn6GkCv3e Sat, 04 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I've always wanted a pot filler in my kitchen — but how fiddly are they to retrofit? I asked the experts to help me out ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/kitchen/installing-a-pot-filler ZQXHiUfGSh9h8HETKKGpRB Sat, 04 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I discovered the 60:30:10 rule over 20 years ago — here's why I'm still following its principles today ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/home-improvements/60-30-10-rule NRYMfnWKs88Pw3p7PFqaob Fri, 03 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ 10 vegetables you should be planting in April (before it’s too late) ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/garden/vegetables-to-plant-in-april Xn6V8wjBKZVZR6cdFKdzJg Thu, 02 Apr 2026 08:50:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Thinking about laminate worktops? Why they could be ideal for a kitchen renovation ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/kitchen/laminate-worktops 9fJAwYZMMvmhCD8CwMh6DG Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Don’t miss your April planting window – these 10 plants will quickly brighten your garden as the weather warms up ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/garden/what-to-plant-in-april jvzJisnAKXfdDQpZRcJwJg Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:45:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Track saw vs table saw: Which tool is best for DIY and woodworking? ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/diy/tools/track-saw-vs-table-saw Y59vKmhksdbwALvVzeotEA Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Get rid of wallpaper stains without damage with these expert cleaning tips ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/diy/getting-rid-of-wallpaper-stains FcW4gJbrH9BGcXnY2DxY7d Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I visited this Octopus Energy Zero Bills home to see if the tech lived up to the hype ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/heating/heat-pump/i-visited-an-octopus-energy-zero-bills-home YQLAHpgwzybHf75v7FRXSB Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:49:57 +0000 <![CDATA[ Got washing machine mould? Here's how this cheap pantry staple could help ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/utility/how-to-remove-washing-machine-mould-with-white-vinegar Jm9DFVfrjVofUN5bufxQMF Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Growing bamboo in your garden? This mistake could land you in court ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/bamboo-in-garden-uk-law VSDdWRxMy2ptvX6iWYxWsJ Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:38:39 +0000 <![CDATA[ 'We saved thousands by building bespoke alcove units ourselves – here's how we did it' ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/living-room/budget-friendly-alcove-units-hack N9zkzgWqHPB4YEgJgZQrDF Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:21:27 +0000 <![CDATA[ Are floor tiles in a bedroom a practical choice or design risk? We take a look ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/bedroom/bedroom-floor-tiles BEWmnfU45mDpJZQMixhr5f Mon, 30 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:38:39 +0000 <![CDATA[ Large tiles vs small tiles — your essential guide to making the right choice ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/structure/walls-ceilings/large-tiles-vs-small-tiles orQu7jwWDbfVFUJRcudYWF Sun, 29 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:50:13 +0000 <![CDATA[ Could this small piece of plastic revolutionise flat pack furniture? Here's what I discovered when I tried it for the first time ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/home-improvements/ovvo-fixings-for-flat-pack-furniture fne4n2YztJLnNjefSzVSW Sun, 29 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ The one kitchen decision that's harder than it looks: Tiles or splashback panels? ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/kitchen/tiles-or-splashback-panels-in-a-kitchen YJNpJUZmph9C8WujS6YNr9 Sat, 28 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Thinking of installing a loft ladder? Find out how much you can expect to pay ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/conversion/loft-conversion/loft-ladder-installation-costs AvURF53AiY5KtoxGjb3dmb Sat, 28 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Could overlay underfloor heating be the best choice for your home renovation project? ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/heating/overlay-underfloor-heating yg9mmJAJzTeuVL6U5mKxMZ Sat, 28 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ 'I strongly advise against using a washing machine at night' – why you shouldn't run this appliance while you sleep ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/utility/is-it-safe-to-run-a-washing-machine-at-night KdnBW3T2dLiCbCEvtu3fg4 Sat, 28 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I thought an L-shaped bath would be perfect for a family bathroom — but these 3 mistakes turned my wet zone into a stress zone ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/bathroom/why-an-l-shaped-bath-wasnt-for-me iexJgywJotAyddSqBTf899 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ All the space above my kitchen units does is gather dust — so I asked the experts how I could make better use of it ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/how-to-make-the-most-of-the-space-above-your-kitchen-units aeCMFW8jtgsomDjLtSumXR Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ How to fix a sagging door? We asked internal door and joinery experts ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/windows-doors/how-to-fix-a-sagging-door qZsduF9bTZBtG9WMqKkuB5 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:31:02 +0000 <![CDATA[ What is a coffered ceiling? Why architects are falling in love with this classic detail all over again ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/structure/walls-ceilings/coffered-ceilings byJk4Sh6kkH9sNDdnAa3Em Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:32:12 +0000 <![CDATA[ I'm selling my flat and these are the 6 jobs I always do before an estate agent values my home ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/home-improvements/staging-a-home-for-sale EUd6A68EXqaYT6YYUttrW4 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ 4 things my air purifier has taught me about my home’s air quality ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/air-quality/what-my-air-purifier-has-taught-me-about-my-homes-air-quality ecJYbPu8ovdjggPVRSNW8T Sun, 22 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Where to dispose of rubbish that is now banned from your recycling bin under new rules ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/kitchen/alternative-methods-of-rubbish-disposal tjDCEKLsHkXyDPQjHyfDzk Sun, 22 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:13:09 +0000 <![CDATA[ Can you turn any house into a zero energy bills home? Our expert explains what you can do ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/eco-homes/energy/zero-energy-bills mq8J9EmqMMrG54yuetYaPK Sat, 21 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Cold spots on internal walls are not to be ignored — this is what to do ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/heating/insulation/cold-spots-on-internal-walls Aa6mhHx37YHrCA7A5pcYK8 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Insulating a basement the right way to avoid thermal bridging and trapping moisture ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/heating/insulation/insulating-a-basement j4EtcDKebxoN6YwQm36GJL Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:20:31 +0000 <![CDATA[ Could you be your neighbourhood’s bin hero? How to check (and remember) your bin day ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/renovation/how-to-check-and-remember-your-bin-day SPeoSG8cCpeMPqFLNxmcyk Wed, 18 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ How I'm complying with the new recycling rules despite living in a flat with no outside space for four (or five) separate wheelie bins ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/kitchen/how-i-manage-waste-with-no-outdoor-space vzRckNLC9ashcJpXm2YWH7 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:15:43 +0000 <![CDATA[ 4 spring maintenance tasks you should leave to the professionals ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/home-improvements/spring-maintenance-tasks-you-should-leave-to-the-professionals DYLyGCDmPJH3hcvm9D4KNA Tue, 17 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ The 7 signs your boiler is about to break down — experts reveal how to stop issues before they ever happen ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/heating/signs-a-boiler-might-break-down s8KbzihNbuVu3adYDL6m67 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ When was my house built? Accurately dating your house could be more important than you think ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/renovation/when-was-my-house-built 6rwvw4Wpnfxfw6FP6jCL6e Mon, 16 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I thought choosing paint colours was simple – until I learned these 5 rules the hard way ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/home-improvements/how-to-choose-a-paint-colour gKpKvCFpVfTRkurCwK8BrF Sun, 15 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:08:03 +0000 <![CDATA[ 6 reasons your lawn looks patchy – plus the easy fixes that actually work ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/outdoors/garden/common-causes-of-a-patchy-lawn mcPoJEhR6Sw4CkFffeZFne Sun, 15 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ My husband and I can never agree on when to turn off the central heating in Spring – so I asked the experts for their advice to put an end to the bickering ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/heating/when-to-turn-heating-off-in-spring odQkrvgqwiCfGe9fC85abh Sat, 14 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:03:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Orangery vs extension — 'both can add appeal if they are well designed and properly integrated,' say the experts, but which to choose? ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/conservatory/orangery-vs-extension t8AnNZyYcaqWzbCDBN7wFj Sat, 14 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:12:58 +0000 <![CDATA[ Concerned about your drinking water quality? I put these home testing kits to the test ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/kitchen/how-to-test-water-quality-at-home VP6r2Fay4nbehExk44SuYW Sat, 14 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I'll never use my tumble dryer overnight again after discovering this hidden danger ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/utility/risks-of-using-a-tumble-dryer-at-night h4EhyakuTbABqbeWwj53yD Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:10:54 +0000 <![CDATA[ Why designers are choosing veneer in high-end homes — and how it compares to solid wood ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/kitchen/veneer-in-high-end-homes tdVWfFE8XfACh7Sss9kn26 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Yes, dehumidifiers can reduce dust — but not in the way you'd expect ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/air-quality/dehumidifier/does-a-dehumidifier-help-with-dust KG5aCAJrZkgkLVbJC7R2MK Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ ‘It’s become a laundry essential’ – our editors reveal their favourite ways to dry clothes indoors ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/air-quality/best-ways-to-dry-clothes-indoors boisY7K6BS3dUQEx69Rwza Wed, 11 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Should I choose floor tiles or laminate for my kitchen? Our verdict is in ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/kitchen/floor-tiles-or-laminate 2SjmSmfTb6bSurYxuLw2oa Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Having trouble finding the timber studs in a wall? How to use a stud finder like a pro ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/timber-frame/how-to-use-a-stud-finder unXEXBS2xb9hXJ2e8hmzYk Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:25:02 +0000 <![CDATA[ The best types of wine storage in a kitchen from specialist fridges to stylish shelves ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/kitchen/wine-storage-in-a-kitchen jrYRa3Ni6nUFR6Ee6jqCvb Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ 'This is the secret to ensuring your kitchen extension timeline stays on track, and you avoid lengthy delays,' says self build expert ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/extension/how-long-does-a-kitchen-extension-take P2R6LBrcLznnTJuJhZ2Ddf Sun, 08 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Designing a living room in a conservatory — experts reveal their 6 secrets to success ]]> https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/rooms/conservatory/living-room-in-a-conservatory AVoXMLp6H4Kis4Y2Hq3L9T Sun, 08 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:28:08 +0000