An inglenook fireplace can be a great addition for any home, creating a cosy spot for relaxation. But getting it right can be tricky.   If not enough thought and care goes into it, an inglenook fireplace can be a disaster for your home and end up costing you a lot more than you thought. […]

Original fireplaces are a real asset in old homes, but are not always without their problems. Step to troubleshoot the most common issues Reinstating an old fireplace can be an ‘easy win’ when it comes to adding value as part of a renovation project. Few improvements are guaranteed to boost buyer appeal to the same […]

Ailing roofs need not spell disaster for a renovation project. From slipped slates to sagging roof slopes, What to look out for and what’s involved in fixing common roofing problems   It’s common to find roof defects flagged up in Home Buyer reports and building surveys, which have a unique capacity to evoke dread. Even […]

A guide to repairing and restoring original features. Includes advice on windows, floors, beams and doors.   One attraction of renovation projects is the charming original features they possess. But what do you do when they are in poor condition or missing altogether? Repairing Windows Without a doubt, the very best way to ruin your [...]

Secondary glazing has shed its image of substance over style to become a genuine option for those looking to reduce heat loss and noise pollution, says Paul Wagland. Badly chosen replacement windows can spoil the look of period homes, not to mention cause problems with moisture and damp, and planning departments are justifiably leery of […]

From buying a property ‘blind’ to poor cost control, there are many traps for the renovator. Turning a tired, run-down property into something fresh and desirable can be a hugely rewarding experience. But negotiating the complexities inherent in renovation projects is generally a lot more challenging than new construction, where you have the luxury of [...]

Many plots and houses in need of work are located away from the main sewers. Luckily, there are several off-mains drainage options to choose from   Off mains drainage guide. Includes advice on cesspools, septic tanks, sewage treatment plants, reed beds, soakaways and more. As development takes us beyond the reach and capacity of the […]

Building projects equal mess — usually in large quantities. But what is the best way to dispose of it all and how much will it cost you? Thirteen percent of construction products are sent to landfill without ever being used on site. There are several options when it comes to disposing of building waste: Recycling […]

Looks at the implications of building a new home on a previously developed site. An increasing number of self-build plots are what are known as ‘knock-downs’: occupied by an existing dwelling that is, for one reason or another, not worth restoring or extending and so lends itself to demolition and replacement. The existing house might [...]

Extending is a popular way to add space without having to move. We explain everything you need to know from planning permission to costs, design work and much more It is said that for every person who self builds there are 15 that add extensions to their homes. The reasons for all this are easy to see. […]