Getting the most from extensions

The increasing costs of moving due to stamp duty and mortgages, combined with the unrelenting hassle of dealing with broadband and utility companies, mean more of us are realising extending is the best solution to our housing conundrums. The lure... View Article

A quality double act; roof windows and blinds

Daylight is one of the holy grails of modern living. Bright, well-lit spaces have clear health and well-being benefits. In short they make us feel good and unsurprisingly this is something we want from our homes. In this quest for... View Article

CROMOCON meter measures LRV and Colour

CROMOCON sells the world’s only meter that measures the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of materials for the build and construction industry and colour matches paint references from 19 international colour libraries. The CROMOCON METER is a “must-have” clever, pocket-sized, affordable... View Article

The go-to guide for natural stone paving

One of the UK’s leading independent natural stone suppliers Natural Paving Products (UK) Ltd has created a highly detailed resource for merchants, specifiers, homeowners and installers wanting to know more about natural stone paving including technical information, laying guides, aftercare and... View Article

The soft/hard debate

Choosing your flooring is undoubtedly one of the most important elements of a self-build – but should you go for for carpet or hard flooring? Selfbuilder & Homemaker’s Roseanne Field weighs up the pros and cons Choosing the flooring for... View Article

Opening up the possibilities

Garage doors have improved hugely in recent years as the value placed on them by homeowners has increased. David O’Mara of Hörmann looks at the different options available and how to decide which is best for you Garage doors have... View Article

Embracing nature

Garden designer Elaine James and her antique dealer husband Ian used their combined skills to design a tranquil home around the ever-changing view of the north Yorkshire countryside. It can be blowing a gale across the field at the back... View Article

Smart answers on smart homes

Ben Johnson, director of Powertrac Electrical Services, a Berkshire-based smart home and electrical contractor, answers some of the frequently asked questions on smart homes. What is a smart home? In short, a smart home intelligently automates and allows you to... View Article

RIBA shows support for custom and self-build

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has shown support for self and custom-build in its latest policy document: Housing Matters: 20 Ways to Tackle the Housing crisis. In a bid to help improve the housing market, RIBA has listed... View Article

LED by efficiency & style

Kitchens and bathrooms are increasingly being used for more than just their functionality. Dave Simpson of YESSS Electrical looks at how recent lighting developments can be harnessed to maximise a room’s enjoyment. The 2016 Kitchen Trend Report, from interior design... View Article

Doors of perception

Kloeber’s Matt Higgs corrects some myths on sliding door performance, saying they are a thing of the past. The image in many people’s heads when they think of a sliding door is a thermally inefficient metal door which sticks on... View Article

Controlled spirals

Antonia Harding of British Spirals & Castings dispels the myth that spiral staircases are dangerous and explains how they can be used effectively and safely in your project. With their architectural beauty and space-saving benefits, spiral staircases can be the perfect... View Article

HOA on how a Brexit might affect homeowners

Paula Higgins, founder and Chief Executive of the HomeOwners Alliance (HOA) has the following thoughts on the impact of a Brexit on Britain’s homeowners: 1. Interest rates: Most economists expect if we do vote for Brexit, it will lead to... View Article