Advice

How to build a dead hedge for the ultimate wildlife-friendly addition to your garden

By Sally Jenner published

Rather than throw your woody prunings onto a bonfire or take them to the tip, consider creating a “dead hedge” instead

model of house with energy ratings on side, woman in background using calculator resting on folder of papers

How much does insulation cost? What to budget for when trying to improve your home's energy efficiency

By Tim Phillips published

Want to warm up your home and improve its energy efficiency? Our expert advises on insulation costs so you can budget for the necessary work

When should you turn off your heating this Spring to save money?

By Joseph Mullane last updated

We reveal the right time to turn off your heating this spring while keeping your home comfortable

view inside garage conversion in progress of being plasterboarded looking out of entrance towards garden

Garage conversion costs: How much do you need to turn your garage into a habitable space?

By Tim Phillips, Sarah Harley last updated

While garage conversion costs will vary depending on the nature of your project, quantity surveyor, Tim Phillips, delves into the details to help you establish if your budget will meet your requirements

What do new windows cost during a build? What to budget for uPVC, timber and aluminium glazing

By Tim Phillips last updated

Whether you’re self-building or renovating, glazing is likely to account for a significant percentage of your costs. Our expert reveals what you should budget for different types of windows and the cost factors to consider

A domestic electric kettle emits steam and vapour next to a hot water bottle

How much electricity does a kettle use? The cost of making a cup of tea

By Joseph Mullane last updated

Boiling down the costs of using your kettle and how you can save on your energy bill

How to

Period home doorway with wooden floor, burgundy walls and white decorative skirting boards

Not sure what type of skirting board you need? We’ll help you choose the right one

By Neil Turner last updated

Finding the right types of skirting board will put the finishing touch on any room — discover different styles and how to choose with our expert guide

Pot of white paint on wooden floor next to white skirting board and green wall

Smart DIY tips for painting skirting boards to get a smooth, dust-free finish

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Need to know how to paint skirting boards to keep your home looking it's best? This handy step-by-step guide has got you covered

Gold column radiator against a dark blue wall with a yellow chair and plant in front if it

How to paint behind a radiator to get a first-rate finish

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Learn how to paint behind a radiator with these expert tips, and achieve a high-quality finish with the minimum of fuss

Grass growing old wooden decking boards

Is laying decking on grass a good idea? Experts reveal the problems and solutions

By Steve Jenkins published

Laying decking on grass isn’t considered a smart choice. Here we reveal the issues it can cause and what you need to do before you lay your new decking in a grassy area

Caulking gun applying white silicone to wall

11 caulking tips and tricks to make sure you get a professional finish

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Learning how to use a caulking gun to add caulk and sealant is a skill every DIYer needs to know. Here we give you 11 tips for a pro mess-free finish

Man applying wallpaper paste to lining paper on pasting table with wooden wallpaper paste brush

How to hang lining paper for a perfect wallpaper finish

By Steve Jenkins last updated

Need to know how to hang lining paper? Here we show you the steps you need to follow to get your walls ready for wallpapering and painting

Ideas

Locked Bank Vault In Closet At Home Or At Hotel Room

12 hidden safe ideas you’ll wish you’d thought of sooner

By Gabriella Dyson published

These expert-approved hiding spots are discreet, practical, and hard to detect – even by seasoned thieves.

A calm, neutral-toned living room with white roller blinds partially drawn over a bay window. A green leafy plant and soft furnishings in blush and cream create a soft, relaxing atmosphere.

How designers make awkward terraced living rooms feel bigger — without major renovations

By Gabriella Dyson published

Discover designer-approved living room ideas for terraced houses that maximise space, light and style

garden with stepping stones made of brick leading through gravel path with planting on either side

13 eco-friendly and stylish ideas to help you find ways to re-use brick in a garden

By Sarah Harley published

Whether you're keen on sustainability or are looking for innovative and beautiful ways to recycle materials, we've rounded up 13 ways to re-use brick in a garden

conservatory sitting room with pendant light, sofas and lots of table lamps located around the room

17 conservatory lighting ideas that perfectly balance light and shade

By Hugh Metcalf, Sarah Harley last updated

Conservatory lighting ideas are still important even when you have an abundance of natural light. Here's 17 ideas to help illuminate your glazed extension

Buying Guides

Period home doorway with wooden floor, burgundy walls and white decorative skirting boards

Not sure what type of skirting board you need? We’ll help you choose the right one

By Neil Turner last updated

Finding the right types of skirting board will put the finishing touch on any room — discover different styles and how to choose with our expert guide

Triton Showers AS2000SR Thermostatic Power Shower

How to choose a shower: What you need to know to get the best for your bathroom

By Claire Lloyd last updated

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

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

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