Advice

Where to put security cameras at home — an expert guide

By Sarah Warwick published

Positioning CCTV cameras correctly is crucial to effective home security. Here’s what you need to know

Do home security cameras record all the time? Why you should pay attention to recording time

By Sarah Warwick published

Find out whether home security cameras record continuously or only at specific times – and why it matters

A loft conversion for a living space with sliding glazed doors out to a balcony and a sloped window

6 things about loft conversion window regulations you need to know before extending upwards

By Mark Stevenson published

Our build expert takes you through the key regulations you need to consider when choosing which windows to add to your loft conversion

Plasterer on raised platform applying grey stucco plaster to exterior block wall

What is Stucco plastering? Discover its benefits for a durable and attractive wall finish indoors and outdoors

By Steve Jenkins published

Find out what stucco plastering is, where it's used, what textures and finishes are available and how much it costs to add to your home

Are video doorbells easy to install? What you need to know

By Sarah Warwick published

Get the lowdown on whether you can fit a video doorbell yourself – and when you might need a professional

The thing you shouldn’t do to your neighbour’s tree roots — even if they cross your garden boundary

By Sarah Warwick published

You have rights if a neighbour’s tree roots are in your garden, but there are constraints on what you can do that you must know about

Your Projects

Waste not, want not: How this London home turned offcuts into an architectural statement

By Joseph Mullane published

Architects used OSB and other waster materials as a design decision, not just a budget one

A large two storey timber frame home with field and sheep out in front

How first-time homebuilders found a winning formula and created their lifelong dream home

By Seán O'Connell published

According to this couple, good organisation, excellent teamwork and 'treats' were the magic ingredients of their Warwickshire self-build

Inside one of Britain’s greenest homes: Award-winning Essex eco house relisted after price drop

By Joseph Mullane published

Sustainable Essex home with sustainability award relisted at £1.5m

A self build on a cliffside with a sunny terrace clad in black timber

This stunning cliffside home in Cornwall was a 'mission impossible' task that involved digging out part of the rock face

By Alex Pratt published

This couple successfully overcame the most daunting of technical challenges to create a unique home in Cornwall with world-class views

The rear exterior of an oak frame self build with timber and brick cladding

A home for life — how this couple created their dream home on a plot in the Cotswolds

By Seán O'Connell published

Inspired by a visit to the Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Ian and Louise embarked on the journey of building their dream oak frame home

Before and after shot of the rear kitchen extension of a victorian semi

See how this standard Victorian semi in south London is transformed by a unique French-farmhouse style extension

By Jennifer Grimble published

A rear and side return extension allowed this couple to create a French-inspired kitchen and dining space fit for the whole family

How to

Single garage with grey concrete floor and plasterboard on walls and ceilings prepped for painting or plastering

Find out what you need to know to make plasterboarding a garage a success

By Steve Jenkins published

Plasterboarding a garage can transform it into a smarter, energy-efficient space that can be used all year round

Discover the secrets behind tiling an uneven wall to get a smooth professional finish

By Steve Jenkins published

Find out what you need to do to make sure a less than perfect surface is prepped and ready to tile

Man in white overalls, cap and light brown tee shirt rollering a wall with white paint

Pros reveal easy-to-follow techniques to stop paint peeling and keep it looking good for longer

By Steve Jenkins published

Discover the steps you need to take to ensure your paint won’t start peeling any time soon

Women using orange cordless drill to drill hole into white wall of living room with shelves and plants in background

Master drilling into plasterboard to prevent cracks and damage for clean holes

By Steve Jenkins published

Drilling into plasterboard sounds like a simple exercise, but it's not as straightforward as you think. Here we tell you how to get it right

Silver metal drill drilling into sheet metal with shards of swarf around the drill bit

Get expert insight into drilling into metal for clean, smooth and accurate holes

By Steve Jenkins published

Main in glasses with dark hair rubbing down wall ready for painting

How to repair peeling paint for a quick makeover and a fresh new finish

By Steve Jenkins published

Say goodbye to ugly, unwanted peeling paint with these smart tips on techniques and tools

Ideas

modern courtyard garden design with pond, planting and garden sculpture

8 garden pond ideas that will make an instant impact in spaces big and small

By Sarah Wilson published

Whether you want to introduce a touch of calm to your space or boost biodiversity with fish, plants and wildlife, these garden pond ideas are the perfect solution

The best modern porch ideas should 'greet your guests with intrigue and excitement,' say the experts

By Natasha Brinsmead published

Get inspired to create an entrance that does your home justice with our round-up of modern porch ideas

10 stunning flat roof porch ideas to take your front door to the next level

By Natasha Brinsmead published

The best flat roof porch ideas combine good looks with practicality and can be designed to suit all kinds of homes

Bright, cosy home office with wooden floors, a large desk, shelves, woven baskets, and a plush armchair beside wide windows with white blinds.

These genius home office storage ideas will help you say goodbye to clutter for good

By Gabriella Dyson published

Discover the best home office storage ideas to keep your workspace organised, stylish and stress-free, no matter how much space you’re working with

Buying Guides

The Best Reciprocating Saws guide

Get power, precision and performance with the 5 best reciprocating saws for DIYers

By Hugh Metcalf last updated

The best reciprocating saws are handy tools to have for use around your next build or DIY project. Here are 5 of the best

The best bathroom extractor fans to combat condensation and damp

By Jack Woodfield last updated

The best bathroom extractor fans must efficiently and quietly circulate fresh air into a space while also removing moisture-laden air to stop mould forming. They also want to look the part too. We've gathered the top buys to make choosing easy

Gardener mows with string trimmer

An expert guide to the 7 best cordless strimmers — from budget options to the best overall model

By Jack Woodfield, Teresa Conway last updated

We've scoured the market for the best cordless strimmers to help you choose the perfect tool to keep your lawn and garden looking neat and tidy with minimal effort

Yellow cordless drill on top of box of screwdriver bits on wood and table

Choose one of these 9 best cordless drills to help you power through your next DIY project

By Sarah Handley, Garry Martin, Jack Woodfield last updated

The best cordless drills will help you tackle your next DIY project with ease. Choose from our selection of budget, mid- and top of the range cordless drills

Silver caulk gun applying white bathroom sealant to white bathroom sink

Looking for the best bathroom sealants to stop leaks and prevent mould? Here are six of our favourites for 2025

By Jack Woodfield last updated

Finding the best bathroom sealants for your needs is crucial for sealing gaps and preventing water leaks that can cause unseen water damage. Here you’ll find a selection of highly rated sealants that match your sanitary ware

Man in hi-viz yellow vest using a wet and dry vacuum in hallway with bare plastered walls

Get your hands on the best vacuum cleaners for builders and say goodbye to dust and debris

By Hugh Metcalf, Steve Jenkins last updated

We roundup the best vacuum cleaners to keep your space free of dust and debris during a house renovation or DIY project