Guest posts
A five-part guide to damp problems
Specialist TradesmanDamp in our homes is something that most of us dread. The discoloured paintwork and the musty smell send us into a spin of worry, often for…
September home improvement jobs - guest post by Jonnie Irwin
Let’s not beat around the bush, it’s been a rubbish summer. We’ve not had the best of weather for mowing our lawns, never mind attempting much DIY. Not with…
Before you start a home improvement project - guest post by Jonnie Irwin
You should always speak to your neighbours before you start a renovation project, especially in a shared communal block. This won’t just prevent them getting…
Christmas decorating tips - guest post by Abigail Ahern
I love Christmas. Not so much the crowded shops and the pressure of conjuring up the most amazing food, for me it’s more about adding some festive spirit to…
How much less can you offer on a house -post by Phill Spencer
In a buyer’s market, potential buyers look for a bargain. Lowball offers that might otherwise seem cheeky and unwelcome become the chosen tactic of many house…
How to build a stud wall - guest post by Jonnie Irwin
I’m renovating my London flat, luckily I know some good builders. Installing a stud wall isn’t a particularly difficult job for an experienced DIY-er, but I…
Kerb appeal - guest post by Phil Spencer
If you’ve watched any of the property shows that I present, you have more than likely heard me mention kerb appeal. It may seem like an overused term, but it’s…
The lowdown on following decorating trends
The thing about trends is that they constantly go in and out of fashion, quicker than you can bake a potato! Yet we are all influenced by them as none of us…
Make the most of your space - guest post by Jonnie Irwin
The costs associated with moving house are continuing to increase: stamp duty and estate agent fees for a £300,000 house are around £15,000. For many people an…
My top 10 mistakes - guest post by Fiona Fullerton
Over the years I have made some prize-winning mistakes with my rental properties. When I started out in 1994 it was all trial and error but I was given some…
New year, new pad - guest post by Abigail Ahern
Happy 2013. You might not know it but I am a little obsessed with interiors. I have been from the earliest age when I saved up all my pocket money to rip up…
The answer to shameful 'shoebox homes' - improve, don't move - interview with Jonnie Irwin
A study by RIBA revealed that UK property developers are building smaller houses than ever before, making UK houses some of the smallest in Europe. In addition…
Space matters - guest post by Abigail Ahern
I probably say this a zillion times a day but I find the biggest barrier when it comes to decorating is confidence. Taking risks with paint colour, or pushing…
Stamp duty: why it's better to make your home bigger! - guest post by Jonnie Irwin
So a month has passed since the Chancellor delivered his budget, and we shouldn’t be surprised that we are no longer discussing its long term implications for…
8 factors to consider before upgrading your floors
Upgrading your floor can feel like a minefield – but fear not, if you’re in the market for a new one, consider these factors first. Budget Figure out your…
Creating an amazing Cool Kitchen by Abigail Ahern
I am obsessed with food, I read recipe books at night like novels and I go to farmers’ markets weekly. In fact, most Saturday mornings you’ll find me at…
January is the time to get started - guest post by Jonnie Irwin
With a new year comes New Year’s resolutions, be them goals on health, renewed focus at work or targets for personal achievement. For many of us, at best,…
Utilising your properties space to the maximum by Abigail Ahern
The nature of your space will push your design in certain directions but irrespective of whether you live in a shoebox or a sprawling farmhouse, the trick is…
Why it's important to hire a Rated builder - guest post by Jonnie Irwin
Having a good builder makes all the difference. Often projects evolve and change – AKA ‘growers’ – and a good builder will be able to work with you to deliver…