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Installing a new staircase can transform a home, but what are the practicalities and requirements involved?   There are lots of different reasons why a new staircase might be required. Obviously, if you are building a house from scratch then you will be specifying a new staircase, while those renovating or remodelling an older property […]

A step-by-step showing what to expect when your loft is converted   This step-by-step guide shows how the roof space in a 1950s bungalow was converted to provide two bedrooms and a shower room — all at a cost of $35,000 (which, according to a recent valuation, has added $55,000 in value). Most of the […]

Depending on the roof structure and planning constraints, a loft conversion is one of the most straightforward ways of getting extra space. Almost all houses can benefit from this extension with a bit of basic planning   This feature explains everything you need to know about planning your loft conversion project and, by way of […]

We explain what to look for when buying a stove. Includes types and styles guide. Three times more efficient than an open fire, the solid fuel stove is one of the most effective, cleanburning forms of heating, and – with a range of stunning designs available – makes for a striking centrepiece. Melanie Griffiths offers […]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 […]

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. […]