Advice

The 6 areas of your home never to insulate and the damage it could cause if you do

By Gabriella Dyson published

Our straightforward guide covers six areas in the home where insulation should be avoided or approached with caution. Here's why

close up of mould growing in corner of room on white walls above wooden skirting board

Mould mites — could your home be hiding unwelcome guests?

By Sarah Harley published

Did you know there could be bugs lurking in your mould patches? We ask the experts what are mould mites, where can you find them and how do you eradicate them?

large brick self build property in centre flanked either side by black timber cladded sections

Self build homes: The ultimate guide to getting started

By Sarah Harley last updated

If you are considering a self build you probably have hundreds of questions that need answering. Our guide is here to give you advice on planning, designing and executing your project

Gardener mowing the lawn wearing grey woolen gloves

Cutting grass in November — the latest advice for UK lawns this winter

By Teresa Conway, Natasha Brinsmead last updated

If you are looking out of the window wondering when to cut grass in winter we are here to explain all, including when it is best to keep well away from the mower altogether

What are council tax bands and can you change yours?

By Joseph Mullane last updated

We explain how council tax bands work and what to know if you want to challenge the band that your home falls into

Boiler Upgrade scheme is used to help pay for installation costs

Boiler Upgrade Scheme applications triple as government commits more support to the scheme

By Joseph Mullane last updated

Following the increase in grants to £7,500 the government has allocated an extra £1.5 billion towards the Boiler Upgrade Scheme — find out now if you're eligible

Sourcebook

CDI Innovative Construction Materials

LEWIS Deck - underfloor heating, wet-rooms, acoustic floors

Posted

from CDI Innovative Construction Materials

Lifestiles

Ashbury hand-made clay roof tiles

Posted

by Lifestiles

Just Roof Lanterns

Timber framed roof lanterns

Posted

From Just Roof Lanterns

Windows

Clement Steel Doors and Screens

Posted

From Clement Windows Group

How to

Hands on underfloor heating manifold with green, red and blue pipes

How to bleed underfloor heating to keep it running efficiently

By Steve Jenkins published

Knowing how to bleed underfloor heating is a simple skill that you need to know to keep your home warm. Here we tell you what you need to know

Underfloor heating cross section with temperature thermostat on tiled floor

What temperature should underfloor heating be set at? An expert view

By Steve Jenkins published

What temperature should underfloor heating be set at? The pros answer the questions you ask

Exposed wooden rafters in vaulted ceiling with foil insulation

How to insulate a vaulted ceiling to improve energy efficiency

By Steve Jenkins published

Expert reveals how to insulate a vaulted ceiling to lower energy bills and keep away damp and condensation

Lit black log burner against decorative tiled background with logs in corner

Can you tile behind a log burner? We answer common queries to help you make the right choices

By Steve Jenkins published

We explain what tiles you’ll need to make it happen as well as how to approach this task in an often small space

Cream brick open fireplace with fire and large slate hearth

How to clean a slate hearth to get it looking shiny and new

By Steve Jenkins published

Cleaning expert reveals what you need to do to keep your slate hearth looking it best

NEFF N29HA11Y1B built-in warming drawer in contemporary kitchen with wooden cabinets and green walls

What is a proving drawer and what benefits do they bring?

By Steve Jenkins published

If you want to know the answer to what is a proving drawer you’re in the right place. Here we reveal what they are and what they can be used for

Ideas

13 double-sided log burner ideas for style and comfort from every angle

By Gabriella Dyson published

These double-sided log burner ideas can bring warmth and wow-factor to your home, no matter your style or budget

neutral coloured hallway with floor lamp, black and white artwork, bench seat and brown and white spaniel dog sat on hallway runner on top of tiled floor

16 small hallway ideas for a warm welcome in a compact space

By Amy Reeves, Sarah Warwick last updated

Try these small hallway ideas to make the most of even the tiniest of entrance spaces — from lighting and layout to furniture and flooring

A contemporary log burner with symetrical hanging pendant lights

12 log store ideas to keep your firewood dry and your garden tidy

By Teresa Conway last updated

These stylish log store ideas for both inside and outside your home will help keep firewood dry and close at hand, ready to burn

8 small landing ideas to make the space feel bigger, lighter and more functional

By Sarah Warwick published

Be inspired by the clever tactics that can transform small landings into stylish and useful areas

Buying Guides

Person putting cutlery into integrated dishwasher with grey kitchen cabinet doors in background

6 best integrated dishwashers for high-quality cleaning

By Amy Reeves, Jack Woodfield, Natasha Brinsmead, Steve Jenkins last updated

Looking for one of the best integrated dishwashers to take over dishwashing duties? We’ve put together a list that covers all bases and will help you make the right decision for you and your kitchen

Close up of green cordless strimmer head cutting grass

6 best cordless strimmers to help your lawn look its best

By Jack Woodfield 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

dehumidifier in panelled hallway in between wooden console table and dark grey internal door

The best dehumidifiers for condensation, mould, bedrooms and drying laundry

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

The best dehumidifiers help eliminate condensation, prevent damp and mould, dry your laundry and even cut energy bills. Here's our tried and tested favourites

Front of red petrol lawn mower on long grass

Best petrol lawn mowers to give your grass a neat clean cut

By Jack Woodfield, David Hilton, Steve Jenkins last updated

Give your garden the love and attention it needs with one of the best petrol lawn mowers on the market. Here you’ll find a range to suit all gardens and budgets

Woman using yellow DeWalt drill to drill into bare wooden door

The 9 best cordless drills to use on 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

steamy bathroom

The best bathroom extractor fans for a condensation-free bathing space

By Jack Woodfield last updated

Primarily, the best bathroom extractor fans should effortlessly remove moisture-laden, stale air from your bathroom. However, you also want them to be whisper quiet and attractive to look at. We've gathered the top buys to make choosing easy