Home Improvment
Watch out for rogue doorstep traders during summer months
While British weather cannot guarantee sunshine, the longer days of light and hopefully dry spells provide the best time to undertake outside building and home improvement work.
Grand Designs Live returns to Birmingham
Returning for the fifth consecutive year to the Birmingham NEC, the award-winning Grand Designs Live Birmingham is back, showcasing inspirational design, self build, interiors and cutting-edge homewares from the 8th – 10th October 2010.
Living the green dream with George Clarke
In recent years, climate change has been firmly placed at the top of the political agenda and we all know that we should be doing more when it comes to making the world a greener place. But how many of us have made real changes to our homes to help improve its energy efficiency and nudge it towards that all important ‘A’ rating?
Homeowners set to invest in their properties
Research has revealed that 61 per cent of UK homeowners intend to invest in their property over the next two years. The research shows that loft conversions and conservatories are set to be popular additions in 2010, with figures for such projects up 16 per cent and 32 per cent respectively.
Homeowners spending more on home improvements
More home-owners than ever are choosing a lick of paint and new wallpaper to improve their home, according to research from the Halifax.
Over 50s turn to DIY for credit crunch home improvements
Despite household budgets still being tight, research conducted by Saga Home Insurance reveals that over 50s are still keen to make improvements to their homes, but more are now choosing to do it themselves to save costs. A quarter (24%) say they are doing it themselves this year, compared with only one in ten (10%) in 2009.
How to swap your clutter for cash
As spring cleaning fever hits, it is not just space that clearing out will free up, as a staggering amount of cash can be made from the clutter.
British men to create luxury bolt-holes to watch World Cup
New research from Halifax Home Insurance reveals the growing phenomenon of the bloke's retreat - with nearly a million men creating a 'den' in their homes before kick off in South Africa this summer.
Dodgy DIY improvements damage house values
The recession has driven many UK homeowners to take on complex home improvements themselves, in a bid to increase the value of their home.
Londoners bitten by springtime spending bug
Election uncertainty and talk of a double dip in the economy has done nothing to suppress the optimism of London home owners.
Give your outside space a DIY spring clean
With two May bank holidays just around the corner, budding DIY enthusiasts will be dusting off their drills, sharpening up their saws and honing their hammering skills, ready for their annual foray in to the world of home improvement.
DIY corner cutting can prove costly, warns M&S Money
Almost two-thirds (64%) of British adults are more likely to do jobs themselves rather than employing a skilled tradesman, according to research for M&S Money.
Home insurance can be invalidated if tradesmen are not insured
Up to £590 million of damage is caused to homes in Britain each year by tradesmen, according to new research rom Sainsbury's Home Insurance.
Don't move - improve, says Millwood Designer Homes
If you are tired of living in a home that no longer fulfils your needs yet reluctant to move because you live in your dream location, then perhaps it is time to consider another option. John Elliott, Managing Director of Millwood Designer Homes, explains why moving is not necessarily the answer.
Top tips for stress-free DIY
Summer is almost here and many of you may be thinking about doing some DIY. However, whether it is a much needed quick–fix job or a more ambitious project, if you are not careful your home improvement can lead to a very stressful weekend.