Advice

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

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

A contemporary garage with bifold garage doors

How much value does a garage add? It depends on what you build (and where)

By Gabriella Dyson published

From parking to profit – find out how much value a garage can add to your home and what to consider before converting or building from scratch

set of architect blueprints on a large table with four chairs in the background

I'm a planning permission expert and this is how to win over a planning committee and secure approval for your project

By Simon Rix published

Understanding the ins and outs of how planning committees work can prove the difference between the success and failure of your planning application

A green lawn with stripes and a hedge and trees towards the back

How to buy garden land from a neighbour to build your own house

By Jayne Dowle published

A neighbour selling off their garden can be the ideal solution for a self build plot, but it will come with caveats

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

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

Dark haired woman with glasses wrapped in duvet next to radiator

Is your radiator not heating up properly? Find out how to fix it

By Natasha Brinsmead last updated

There are several reasons for a radiator not heating up — but don't panic, our troubleshooting guide will ensure your home is warm and cosy again in no time

Ideas

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

A warm, contemporary living room with neutral walls and sheer curtains framing a large window. It features a green velvet loveseat, caramel leather chair, and oak furniture on a soft cream rug.

12 clever ways to style a living room without a fireplace

By Gabriella Dyson published

No fireplace? No problem. Discover how to anchor your living room design without relying on a fireplace, with tips from expert designers

Living rooms with large windows are wonderful to spend time in — but they do need a considered approach

By Natasha Brinsmead published

Be inspired by our collection of living rooms with large windows, all of which showcase how to style this kind of space

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