'Plan early' — homebuilders warned building costs are set to rise 12% by 2030 Joseph Mullane published 6 April 25 A new survey by the Building Cost Information Service have revealed construction costs are set to rise and have offered advice for potential homebuilders
Couple faces unexpected £70,000 bill from council after building their extension Joseph Mullane published 5 April 25 Waverley Borough Council defends the charges but local residents are calling for greater transparency around the "CIL fees"
Pivot House: A rare Paragraph 84 home with a striking gabion wall exterior Joseph Mullane published 4 April 25 The Pivot House is an example of a Paragraph 84 where special planning exemption is given for unique homes in green belt areas
The castle that is aiming to become the UK’s first ever net-zero castle Joseph Mullane published 3 April 25 The owner of this 800-year-old castle is on a mission to make it more sustainable with a range of eco-friendly features
Rotting barn becomes one of Grand Design's most incredible transformations Joseph Mullane published 2 April 25 Grand Designs' latest episode showcases an ambitious Bedfordshire barn conversion
Will the UK’s solar power boom be built on the back of slave labour? Joseph Mullane published 2 April 25 One MP described the government's decision to block a ban on Chinese solar panels as "a sad and incredible day"
Should decking grooves face up or down? Experts explain which way they should go and why By Steve Jenkins published 5 April 25 If you’re laying a deck, you’ll probably be wondering decking grooves should face up or down? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think
Decking vs paving: Which is going to work best for your next garden project? By Steve Jenkins published 5 April 25 Decking vs paving is a common question when planning to build an outdoor space. Here we look at the pros and cons for both options
Green belt planning loopholes — fact or fiction? By Sarah Harley published 4 April 25 While building on green belt may seem impossible, armed with the right knowledge and expertise there are ways to get permission say the experts, and here's how
8 front garden wall ideas that blend style and practicality By Sarah Wilson published 4 April 25 Get inspired by these clever front garden wall ideas to make your design dream a reality
Avoid these five living room design mistakes say the experts, or risk having a living room that's simply not liveable By Sarah Harley published 3 April 25 Living room design mistakes can quickly turn cosy and welcoming into cramped and unworkable. We explore the five main mistakes and offer expert advice on how to avoid them
Experts reveal how much value a conservatory will add to your home By Gabriella Dyson published 3 April 25 We discover how much value a conservatory will add to a home on average and what style of conservatory makes for the best investment
Should decking grooves face up or down? Experts explain which way they should go and why By Steve Jenkins published 5 April 25 If you’re laying a deck, you’ll probably be wondering decking grooves should face up or down? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think
Installing cavity wall insulation — an expert guide By Sarah Harley, Gabriella Dyson published 30 March 25 Installing cavity wall insulation correctly will help you keep your home warm and avoid the expense that can result from getting it wrong. Here's what's involved
Experts reveal why you shouldn't use a pressure washer on a deck — but also when you can By Steve Jenkins published 29 March 25 There are a few reasons why you shouldn't use a pressure washer on a deck. But used correctly, it can do a good job. Here, the pros tell you how
Want to know how to repair decking to keep it looking good? Experts share their tips By Steve Jenkins published 27 March 25 Learn how to repair decking and say goodbye to rotting timbers and cracked and scratched composite
Learn how to wallpaper corners for a professional-looking finish By Steve Jenkins last updated 26 March 25 Learning how to wallpaper corners will give your inner and outer corners neat, straight edges for a professional-looking finish. Here's how to get it right
Can you wallpaper over wallpaper? Find the answers here By Steve Jenkins last updated 25 March 25 Need to know if can you wallpaper over wallpaper? Then you’ve come to the right place. Here we give you a how to guide and alternative options
The best living room extension ideas should expand your space and improve your outdoor connection. We explore five that perfectly meet the brief By Sarah Harley published 5 April 25 Looking for living room extension ideas? We take a deep dive into five inspirational projects to help get you started on your plans
44 modern staircase ideas to elevate your interior By Amy Reeves, Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated 2 April 25 Modern staircase ideas can transform a simple set of steps into an integral part of your interior design. Here's how to take your home to the next level
26 conservatory ideas to add space and improve your outdoor connection By Amy Reeves, Natasha Brinsmead, Sarah Harley last updated 28 March 25 Choose your conservatory ideas well and you can turn your spare outdoor space into a comfortable, stylish and practical room you can use all-year-round
Kitchen wallpaper ideas will change the way you view your walls. Here's 14 ideas to whet your appetite By Sarah Harley published 25 March 25 Kitchen wallpaper ideas are fast becoming a popular trend. We've curated a selection of prints, patterns and finishes to bring your walls to life
How to choose a shower: What you need to know to get the best for your bathroom By Claire Lloyd last updated 27 February 25 Plan well if you want your shower to be a luxury experience — there’s certainly a lot to think about, from the type of shower to the shower tray, shower head and type of enclosure
The best radiators for keeping your home warm and cosy this winter By Natasha Brinsmead last updated 11 November 24 The best radiators should not only heat your home efficiently, but they should look great and enhance your interior scheme. Our collection brings together the top designs, no matter what your needs
6 best integrated dishwashers for high-quality cleaning By Amy Reeves, Jack Woodfield, Natasha Brinsmead, Steve Jenkins last updated 7 November 24 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
6 best cordless strimmers to help your lawn look its best By Jack Woodfield last updated 6 November 24 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
The best dehumidifiers for condensation, mould, bedrooms and drying laundry By Natasha Brinsmead last updated 5 November 24 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
Best petrol lawn mowers to give your grass a neat clean cut By Jack Woodfield, David Hilton, Steve Jenkins last updated 4 November 24 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
