CATEGORIES

Reclaimed wood flooring

If you're thinking of installing reclaimed wood flooring, we lay down the facts about where to buy it, how much it will cost and any potential problems to be aware of

How to insulate a period home

If you're living in a period cottage you may love the character but find the fuel bills daunting. What can be done to reduce energy bills without damaging the building?

Inspirational есо retrofits

Find out how these amazing eco retrofits enabled the homeowners to reduce energy bills and make their existing homes more energy efficient

Brilliant fireplace ideas

These stylish fireplace ideas will ensure your hearth becomes the centrepiece of your living space

HOW MUCH DOES A KITCHEN EXTENSION COST?

If you're planning that life-changing kitchen extension project, start by reading quantity surveyor Tim Phillips' ultimate cost guide

12 things to know about floor structures

Chartered surveyor Ian Rock offers a self-builder's guide to getting the ground under your feet structurally sound

Living attainably

Wanting to downsize without leaving the area she had lived in for 57 years, Heather Turner utilised a local planning policy to build a modest, futureproofed home on a shoestring budget

The renovation game

Jane and Craig have bridged the centuries with an imaginative link between an ancient cottage and its outbuildings

The next chapter

Looking for somewhere in the country with the potential to generate an extra income, Luke and Laura Thomas decided to head for Dorset to convert an old flax shop-cum-garage in the grounds of their new home

Coming home

First-time self-builders Lucy and John Hardwick have chosen the turnkey route to build their charming oak frame home in Northamptonshire

Rural retreat

Keen to find a rural bolthole for their young family, Joe and Sarah Radmore have converted a sturdy barn that Joe built some 10 years previously

Coastal Dream

Simon Francis has transformed a 1960s house on the Cornish coast, finally realising his longheld ambition to renovate a home by the sea

House of TWO HALVES

After struggling to find a new home, Rachel and Matt Partridge decided to transform their historic Cotswold stone cottage into the house of their dreams

How to add space wıthout extendıng

Craving more room but want to stay put? No problem. Our tips and tricks will help you create more space without increasing the footprint of your home

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CONVERT A LOFT?

If converting the loft is a project you’d like to take on, read quantity surveyor Tim Phillips’ key cost breakdown

THE RENOVATION FILES HOW TO DEAL WITH ARTEX

It may have become the butt of many jokes since its Sixties heyday, but discovering you’ve got Artex ceilings is no laughing matter. Ian Rock explains how best to remove this perilous plasterwork

Do you need planning permission to turn a garage into a room?

Surprisingly, the answer may be yes, even though you are not creating a new space, says planning consultant Simon Rix

SNAGGING: WHAT DOES IT MEAN ON A BUILD?

Your project is about to end — now is the time to get to grips with snagging for a quality finish, says master builder Andy Stevens

Self-build: 13 things to do before you start onsite

Once your planning permission is obtained, it’s time to pave the way for your project to begin, but much of it starts before you’ve even broken ground. Mark Stevenson shares his expert tips

Inspiring lifetime homes

These self-builders put futureproofing at the top of their priority list, incorporating design features that will allow them to live in their dream homes for years to come. See how it’s done with these stunning examples from around the UK

Windows

Material, style and size are just some of the key factors to consider before buying windows. Here, we take a look at what will influence your decision

REPAIRING YOUR CONSERVATORY ROOF

A leaking conservatory roof doesn't have to be a headache - Natasha Brinsmead explains how to fix this and other common issues

NAVIGATING QUOTES IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

With materials costing more each week, it pays to have a clear and fair way of dealing with the unexpected before your builder starts on site

Pitched Black

Rhys and Joanna's new family home perfectly showcases the potential of awkward brownfield sites and the creative solutions they can inspire

How do I insulate suspended floors?

Insulating suspended floors can help eliminate draughts, reduce energy loss and prevent damp and dry rot. Find out what you need to know with our expert guide

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CONVERT A BARN?

If converting a barn is a project you'd love to take on, read quantity surveyor Tim Phillips' breakdown on how much it's likely to cost

Cool kit houses

These self-builders worked with package companies to realise their dreams of creating bespoke homes. Here's what you can learn about the different levels of service and systems that are available...

Eco VISION

Remodelling a large but neglected home in north London has unlocked its hidden potential as a warm and spacious family home

Flush threshold's

Adding a sliding or bifold door with a flush threshold into your project will add a touch of seamless design, while making the connection between inside and out as accessible as possible

Design evolution

A colonnade-style extension, designed by Re-Format, has added a contemporary flourish to a country home that was originally built more than 500 years ago