The rise of DIY

According to the 2018 Hiscox Renovations and Extensions Report, the number of people who chose to improve their home, rather than relocate, reached 26 per cent, compared to just three per cent in 2013. But how has this increase of... View Article

Managing your build’s bottom line

Despite the numbers of self-builds growing rapidly, getting the right advice on mortgages can be tricky. David Lownds of Hanley Economic Building Society outlines the basics of self-build financing, and gives some tips on how to manage your build’s budget... View Article

Reclaimed retreat

A timber cabin in the woods, designed as a tranquil Cornish rural retreat, has been carefully crafted from reclaimed, natural and sustainable materials As a Cornish farmer, Bob Coad has always held strong opinions on ecology and the merits of... View Article

Traditionally eco

An eco-afficionado achieved his dream to create a Passivhaus home in Leeds, but it had to be traditional in style so wasn’t plain sailing As a solicitor by profession, Stephen Cirell took a very methodical approach to planning his first... View Article

Back to nature

The world of home improvement is nothing new to Athena and Mark, but their latest project renovating a house to help it nestle into a Sussex nature reserve proved a challenge For some, a major renovation or self-build project is... View Article

Graven Hill answers demand with release of two new home designs

Graven Hill, the UK’s largest self and custom build development in Bicester, Oxfordshire will be showcasing two brand new custom build home options at an open evening on Thursday 15 August. Due to the popularity of Graven Hill’s terraced homes, the development has launched... View Article

A new life in Newquay

It was a decade in the making, but ex-Londoners Jeff and Wendy East finally created their idyllic family home on Cornwall’s Atlantic coast, which started from a crumbling bungalow As well as surfing, the humble pasty, and piracy, Cornwall is... View Article

Save the date: Decorex International 6 – 9 October 2019

Decorex International will make its debut at Olympia London this year, from the 6-9 October, marking an exciting new chapter in the show’s 42-year history. Offering a showcase of the very latest in high-end design, an exceptional speaking programme and... View Article

The Nation’s top 10 home improvements revealed

GoCompare Home Insurance’s annual survey into the UK’s top home improvements reveals that interior redecoration, updating the bathroom and replacing flooring top the list of work carried out by homeowners. Most (85%) homeowners surveyed have updated or improved their property in... View Article

TeknosPro; the eponymous portfolio

TeknosPro, the Teknos range of paints for professional decorators, offers professionals the eponymous product portfolio, TeknosPro, for smooth and long lasting finishes. Suited to interior walls and ceilings, the waterborne range consists of low-sheen TeknosPro 10 and TeknosPro 7 which... View Article

Five reasons why it makes sense to self-build

For many people in the UK, owning a home is not only a sound investment but the opportunity to put down permanent roots, create stability and modify surroundings to personal taste and style. Buying a property is one of the... View Article

Real Homes Show opens its doors with series two this summer

The highly successful new home improvement programme The Real Homes Show returns to YouTube for a second series of seven innovative and informative fortnightly episodes, debuting from 11 July 2019. The magazine-format show, in partnership with Checkatrade, the trusted tradespeople... View Article

Kingspan Tek provides off-site solution for luxury homes

The Silverlake development of sustainable homes in West Dorset is setting the standard for low-impact construction with the Kingspan TEK Building System. The bespoke holiday homes and on-site spa have all been constructed from the versatile off-site solution, ensuring excellent... View Article

Re-think, re-purpose, relax

If you’re embarking on a house renovation project, this is an exciting opportunity to make your home truly suited to your lifestyle and tastes says Jo Dyson, partner of Mae House Design and renovation and interiors expert for the London Homebuilding & Renovating... View Article