How-to
10 DIY jobs to do whilst social distancing
With the UK in lockdown to reduce the spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19, millions of us are staying indoors for the foreseeable future. Whilst it’s good to…
10 smart bathroom storage hacks for your home
We spend 416 days of our lives in our bathrooms on average, according to research commissioned by B&Q ! Despite us using our bathrooms so often, they are often…
12 steps to creating a self-build
Buying a home and re-furnishing it to your taste isn’t always enough. Many of us are turning to self-building, creating our own homes from scratch with the…
How to make your pool energy efficient and save on costs
A back garden swimming pool is many people’s dream home feature, but how can you make sure that you’re running your pool as efficiently as possible while also…
Prepare your home for autumn
Autumn is well and truly here. Don’t make the mistake of forgetting to get ready for the colder months to come until we’re in the depths of winter! Find out…
5 things to consider when getting or replacing a driveway
A driveway offers much more than just an off-street parking space. It also gives you easier access to your home, which is a lifesaver when it comes to getting…
Heating bill: 5 top ways to cut it down and save money
Lots of us have been reigning in our spending during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As a result, there has been a 34% decrease in the amount of people…
Summer home improvement jobs to get done
Getting the garden in shape is top of many summer to-do lists. But, there are also plenty of other jobs that are best done before the warm weather hits. Find…
Wallpapering feature walls
The trend for feature walls has evolved from a simple block of colour to sophisticated, high-impact statements using bold prints, metallic finishes, and…
Victorian & Edwardian bathroom renovations
Victorian and Edwardian properties remain hugely popular in the UK, offering a sense of history, grandeur, and timeless elegance. However, breathing new life…
How to stop your pipes freezing and what to do it they have frozen already
Brrr, cold weather is on its way. When the temperature drops, water in your pipes can freeze and expand, causing a pressure build-up that can lead to burst…
Kitchen design mistakes: How to avoid them
There’s no denying that replacing a kitchen is a big project. It’s often left until last in a whole property revamp, yet its importance in your home can’t be…
Awkward shaped garden design ideas
Making the best use of the space in an awkward shaped garden can be a challenge for even the most green-fingered of us. However, with some clever garden design…
Fix a sticking internal door with a quick hinge adjustment
There’s nothing more frustrating than an internal door catching on frame, scraping the floor, or refusing to latch properly. These issues are often not due to…
How to replace cracked tile and re-grout a small area
A cracked or chipped tile in your bathroom or kitchen is more than just an eyesore—it can be a vulnerability that allows water to penetrate the floor or wall…
Rodent proofing: How to seal mouse entry points
Finding rodents in your home is never a pleasant surprise. While traps can address an immediate problem, truly effective rodent control goes beyond simply…
Metal and green roof systems
When designing a modern home extension, your roof is no longer limited to standard slate or concrete tiles. Today’s homeowners are embracing innovative,…
Garden hacks: Cheap ways to do up your garden
Life is busier than ever nowadays, which means we don’t always have enough time to spend making our gardens look perfect. However, with a bit of creative…
Camper van storage solutions and organisation tips
Whether you live in yours full-time or simply use it for your weekend adventures , one of the most challenging parts of owning a camper van is storage. Making…
Problem plumbing: changing immersion heater elements with GB Plumbing & Heating
Plumbing is a lot about problem solving and often the simplest jobs can encounter problems. Basic plumbing, which knowledgeable homeowners can often do…
Solid core doors for home offices
The rise of hybrid and remote working means the home office is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. But the classic problem remains: how do you stop the sound…
Choosing the best carpet and flooring retailers and fitters
There is nothing quite like the feeling of a brand-new carpet underfoot or the sleek finish of a freshly laid hardwood floor. It is one of the most effective…
How to choose new windows for a warmer home
Better than a mince pie and more warming than a glass of mulled wine, a toasty, inviting house is the perfect way to greet your guests this winter. But too…
Plumbing problems and how to fix them
From washing clothes, showering and using the toilet, to cooking and cleaning, a good water supply is essential to the normal running of our day-to-day lives.…
Coronavirus FAQs for homeowners using Rated People
Last updated: 21st December 2021 Should I invite a tradesperson into my home to do work during the coronavirus pandemic? ENGLAND Most legal restrictions have…
Dealing with mould and mildew stains
Mould and mildew growth, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms, is a frustratingly common problem in the UK. It’s not just an aesthetic issue;…
Second-floor bathroom plumbing
A bathroom on the second floor, or any upper level, presents a unique set of challenges that simply don’t exist in ground-floor renovations. From managing…
Do I need planning permission
Applying for planning permission for building works can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done renovations to your home before, and don’t…
Find your perfect furniture online
Ever wondered how to find the perfect furniture without spending hours looking for it? 2 in 5 Brits have reported being overwhelmed by the amount of choices…
Electric Oven Installation: Do You Need an Electrician?
Yes, in the UK, you almost always need a qualified electrician to install an electric oven or hob. This is a legal and safety requirement, as the installation…
EICR Reports: A Landlord’s Guide to Electrical Safety
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a mandatory electrical safety certificate for landlords in England. It confirms that the electrical…
Pod Point Installation Guide
When you start looking into home charging, one name tends to pop up more than most: Pod Point. As one of the UK’s most popular providers, a pod point charging…
Fitting roof windows and skylights
Roof windows and skylights, such as those made by Velux, are essential components of modern loft conversions, extensions, and flat roof systems. They transform…
Five ways to create a home that’s good for your wellbeing
The design of your home has a big impact on your mental health, a new study has found. It seems that your living space affects your circadian rhythm (your body…
Stop floorboards squeaking without lifting the floor
That irritating squeak when you walk across the floor isn’t a sign of an old house; it’s a sign of movement. Squeaks occur when timber rubs against metal (the…
Flea fumigation prep checklist: Flea treatment for house
Fleas are more than just an annoyance; they can cause irritating bites for pets and humans, and a significant infestation can feel overwhelming. While…
Gas Safety Week 2020: How to protect your home
Gas appliances are common features in our homes. And it’s not just about boilers, there are hobs, ovens, BBQs and fireplaces to think about too. But getting…
Gas Safety Week 2020: How to protect your home
Gas appliances are common features in our homes. And it’s not just about boilers, there are hobs, ovens, BBQs and fireplaces to think about too. But getting…
How to get a glam kitchen on a budget
The New Year is a fitting time to be planning a new kitchen (especially if it didn’t live up to expectations over Christmas) but if your savings are looking…
Make your home safer
As the nation prepares for a lockdown free Christmas, home burglaries are set to be on the rise. In London, home burglaries increase up to 25 percent around…
Hacks to build a beach home
Bottle houses, straw houses, tree houses—no matter what you call them, a holiday home always brings a smile to our faces. And, while quite a few people have…
Safe Heavy Lifting Techniques for Homeowners
Moving day and major clear-outs often involve lifting objects that are heavier or more awkward than we anticipate. Avoiding strains and injuries is paramount,…
How to fix a phantom flush
Imagine this: you’re sitting on the sofa, minding your own business, when you hear a faint, ghost-like shhh… from the bathroom. Your toilet is refilling…
Home improvements that keep your home cool
When cold weather hits, we can crank up the heating or throw on an extra jumper but staying comfortable in the summer, especially when it’s humid, often…
Hot Tub Wiring: A Guide to Electrical Installation
Yes, you must hire a qualified electrician for a hot tub electrical installation in the UK. A hot tub requires a dedicated, high-power electrical circuit and…
How much does it cost to run electric underfloor heating?
If you’re considering installing electric underfloor heating in your home, then you’ve probably already asked yourself this common question: ‘Is electric…
Coronavirus: Safety features for your workplace
Whilst many of your employees may be working from home for most the week, there are the occasional days that they may need to go into the office. Whether it’s…
How to apply a mist coat.
The world of painting and decorating can be daunting for the inexperienced, but perhaps we can help make life a little easier. Learning the ins and outs of…
Working from home: How to be productive
Whether it’s full time or just a few days a week, millions of us around the UK are working from home in some way. But with distractions such as the TV, noisy…
EV Electrician Qualifications
As the UK moves closer to the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, the demand for EV charger installation is sky-high. If you are an electrician looking to…
How to bleed a radiator to boost efficiency
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a warm, cosy home, especially when the great British weather does what it does best. But what if one of your…
Kitchen refurbishment budget
A kitchen renovation doesn’t have to be a daunting prospect as budgeting for a kitchen remodel is dependent on your personal choice and style. The cost of a…
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…
How to choose a gas safe registered engineer
When it comes to the complex systems that heat your water and keep your radiators warm, there is no room for error. Gas safety is one of the most critical…
How to choose the best furniture for your home
After all the stress of putting in an offer, arranging your mortgage and sorting out your utilities, insurance and other paperwork, it’s time for a fresh start…
How to choose the right lighting for your home
Each room in your house serves multiple purposes. For example, the bedroom is not just a sleeping space, but it’s also a place where we curl up with a book,…
Cosy home tips for you to try this winter
Even on the days when we’re blessed with a bit of sunshine, there’s no avoiding the fact that winter days and cold weather are upon us. So, it’s time to make…
5 pointers for building the perfect driveway
When it comes to driveways, many of us may think it’s a straight choice between tarmac or concrete, with the extra choice of gravel if we have a large,…
How to design a family friendly bathroom
A bathroom for the modern family, hectic and happy as they are, needs special attention when undergoing a redesign so that it looks and works properly. Getting…
Find a reliable electrician for house rewiring
Rewiring a property is one of the most significant home improvement tasks you can take on. It is a complex, technical, and often messy job that touches every…
How to find a trusted driveway paver
A new driveway is one of the most significant visual upgrades you can make to your property. It is the literal path to your front door and a major factor in…
How to stop your lock from sticking
There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to close a door that just won’t shut properly. Or, even worse, when your key won’t turn because the door bolt is…
Getting rid of mice and stopping them from coming back inside your house
Unfortunately for us mice don’t hibernate in the winter, they stay active – building nests and scavenging for meals. As the temperature drops and food outside…
How to grout tiles - 2018 guide
Whether you’re grouting new bathroom floor tiles, or refreshing the grout on your kitchen splashback, with the right know-how you can achieve a neat and…
How to grow vegetables in different types of small gardens
A staggering one in eight British households don’t have a garden according to the Office for National Statistics. However, urban micro-gardening is a…
Tips for hiding unsightly home essentials
Homes have so many functions: entertainment, relaxing, dining, working out, and more recently, working. We invest so much time and effort in decorating our…
How to identify and fix a smelly drain
A home should be a place of comfort, not unpleasant surprises. But every now and then, a faint (or not-so-faint) whiff of something sour can waft up from your…
Budget home improvement ideas and advice
Transforming your home this year doesn’t have to be costly. Want to update your bathroom on a budget? Looking to renovate a fixer-upper property? Read our…
How to install guttering
Gutters, like every other feature of a house, are essential to keeping it in good condition. They collect and carry rainwater away from the house and prevent…
How to insulate your home for winter
The current energy crisis is a hot topic; one that has been filling homeowners with a growing sense of concern. So, maybe now is the perfect time to get…
How to keep your home secure whilst you’re away on holiday
Your next holiday will give you the opportunity to rest, recharge and enjoy quality time with your loved ones. And, with research finding that every holiday…
How to lay turf for a perfect lawn: soil prep tips
A new lawn can instantly transform your garden, adding lush colour and fantastic curb appeal. Laying turf correctly, however, is a precise job. It’s all about…
How to lay water based underfloor heating
Mick Laverick of LeeMick Ltd. shows us how to install water based underfloor heating. Some of us could master it, and some of us couldn’t. Let’s just leave it…
How to Make a Winter Hanging Basket
Summer might be reaching its end, but there’s still time to experiment with flowers and decorate your outdoor area for the autumn/winter period. Hanging…
How to make your house a holiday home
UK holiday homes are in high demand, largely due to international travel restrictions, people wanting to support local tourism post-lockdown and the recent…
Restyling a room with one simple trick: Painting the tiles
Photo credit @little_savage_life Are you looking for a simple and inexpensive way to transform your kitchen or bathroom without the hassle of a full refit? If…
How to plan an upstairs kitchen
Walking up a floor to cook dinner might seem like an odd concept but siting your kitchen elsewhere than downstairs can be a smart fix for an awkward property…
How to plan for a bathroom niche
Space is at a premium in most bathrooms. That means that the details really matter when it comes to both functionality and design. The bathroom niche, a type…
How to rescue your rotting home: dry rot, wet rot and woodworm
Wood plays a big role in home design. You can find it in a home’s foundations as well as with garden sheds and fences. Preserving wood is the secret to…
'Elf and safety' at home this Christmas
During the festive season we spend more time in our homes, using extra electricity with Christmas lights, games consoles plugged in for hours at a time, and…
Write a bathroom job description
The secret to a stress-free bathroom renovation and fair pricing lies in one simple document: your job description. A clear, comprehensive brief not only helps…
Hazardous household waste disposal: A safety guide
Clearing out your home or garage often uncovers items that can’t just be tossed into the regular bin. Knowing how to handle these hazardous household waste…
Identifying asbestos in the home
Asbestos is a natural mineral that’s been used for centuries for all sorts of things, most recently as an additive in building materials and other manufactured…
Is this the end of open plan living? The latest in home design...
Knocking down walls so kitchen, dining and living spaces merge into one has been a favourite of home improvers and those building their own houses for a while…
Loft storage space for 2022
Bring in the new year by upgrading the space in your attic or loft. Considering the best ways to best use your attic storage space not only reinvents the area…
Landlord window repair guide
For landlords and property managers, decisions about window maintenance are governed by safety, legality, and economics. Unlike general wear and tear on décor,…
Seasonal maintenance window checklist
I think we can all agree, windows are pretty important. They are constantly exposed to the UK’s questionable climate—from driving rain and frost to strong UV…
Plumbing in a period property
There’s nothing quite like the charm and character of an old house. The high ceilings, the original features, the story in every brick—it’s a truly special…
Pet-friendly home features
We’re a nation of pet lovers – according to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association’s Pet Population report – over 12 million of us have pets! National Pet…
Planning a basement conversion
For those of us who don’t want to move but need more space, extending is often the answer. However, if you don’t have room around your house or any potential…
What to do after rat extermination: Cleaning checklist
You’ve successfully had a pest controller treat your home – great! But the job isn’t over yet. The period immediately after treatment is crucial for preventing…
Decking maintenance and repair: Replacing rotten boards
Decking is a fantastic addition to any garden, but exposure to the changeable UK weather means it needs consistent care. Ignoring small issues can lead to…
Overgrown garden clearance tips: Reclaim a neglected garden
Looking at an overgrown garden can feel like looking at a jungle. The task of transforming neglected ground into a beautiful, usable space is daunting, often…
Restoring period sash windows
Period sash windows are key architectural features in UK homes, particularly in Victorian and Edwardian properties. Their unique character, ventilation system,…
The complete guide to house rewiring
Rewire your home to ensure that your electrics are safe, future-proof, and compliant with current regulations. Maintaining the condition of a property’s…
Signs You Need to Rewire Your House: A Guide to Old Wiring
A house typically needs to be rewired every 25-30 years. You should consider a rewire if you notice signs of old wiring, such as flickering lights, frequently…
How to achieve the Scandinavian style in your home
Scandinavian design, especially Danish style, has been trendy for years and it’s not difficult to see why. With minimalist interiors, warm wooden accents and…
How to create seamless kitchen/garden spaces
We’d all love to have more space in the kitchen – for it to be a room we can cook, relax and dine in. However, when knocking through or building a large…
How to unblock gutter downpipe: A safe clearance guide
The tell-tale sign of a blocked gutter is usually water cascading over the side during heavy rain. Delaying gutter blockage removal is a recipe for expensive…
Common uPVC window problems
uPVC windows dominate the UK market due to their durability, low maintenance, and excellent thermal performance. However, after years of continuous use, even…
Soundproofing walls – what’s the best way to do it?
There are many reasons why you may want to soundproof your property . It might be because you have noisy neighbours , or because you live in a flat or terraced…
Installing acoustic glass for soundproofing
For homeowners near busy roads, railway lines, or flight paths, noise pollution is a major source of stress. Windows, particularly standard double-glazed…
Storm damage: What to do if your home is affected
With winter fast approaching, homeowners across the UK are gearing up for storms, cold weather and any extreme bouts of weather. Check out our tips below to…
Time to tackle that dripping tap
Drip. Drip. Drip. The sound of a leaky tap is a special kind of household annoyance. Not only is it irritating and a waste of water, but it can also feel like…
Self-source vs fitters source for bathrooms
When embarking on a bathroom renovation, the question of who buys the fittings—you or your professional fitter—is more than a matter of convenience; it’s a…
Choosing the right wood stain
The finish you apply to any piece of timber—be it structural cladding, a piece of custom furniture, or a floor—is a critical layer of engineered protection.…
How to strip out a bathroom or kitchen before renovation
Getting ready for a big renovation is exciting! If you’re tackling the initial strip-out yourself to save time and money before the professional builder or…
When to prune fruit trees: Pruning techniques for beginners
Pruning is often misunderstood—it’s not just about cutting things back! It’s the essential art of encouraging health, shape, and abundant blooms or fruit.…
Mobility-friendly bathroom conversions
A mobility bathroom conversion is more than just installing new fittings; it’s about radically improving a person’s quality of life and independence. The…
Preventing a clogged drain
That slow-draining shower or gurgling kitchen sink might seem like a minor annoyance, but what you’re hearing is the sound of a looming problem. A blockage in…
The hidden storage challenge
In many UK homes, the space under the stairs is one of the biggest untapped storage resources. It’s often an awkward void, partially boxed in and used as a…
Flat roof drainage
A flat roof, whether on a garage, a kitchen extension, or a commercial building, is a fantastic, versatile structure—but it’s not truly flat. It should have a…
Building the perfect log store
If you use a log burner or open fire, you’ll know that the quality of your wood is everything. Wet wood is slow to light, smokes heavily, and delivers a…
How to fix a waterlogged garden: Garden drainage solutions
There’s nothing more frustrating than a garden that turns into a bog after every rain shower. If you frequently ask, “why is my lawn waterlogged?”, the problem…
Bespoke fitted wardrobes
If you live in a period home, a top-floor flat, or a property with sloping eaves, you know the frustration of standard furniture. Ready-made wardrobes leave…
Ultimate guide to building a house extension
Thinking of joining the homeowners who have decided to invest in ways to maximise their space? We found out in our Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report…
The right wall fixings guide for every wall type
Every wall in your home is unique, and treating them all the same is a fast route to disaster (and a costly repair job!). Whether you are looking to hang a…
Tips for protecting your home from UK weather
We all know that carrying a raincoat and sunglasses is a necessity in Britain, with its unique and unpredictable weather. Your house can bear the brunt of…
2021 home improvements: ideas, inspiration and trends
There’s something about the start of a new year that gets us in the mood for home improvements and renovations. Looking to solve niggling issues such as loose…
Home Security Tips From Locksmiths
Home security tips written by Keytek® Locksmiths Many of us feel our safest when we’re in the comfort of our own home. But devastatingly, hundreds of homes are…
How to transform your conservatory this winter
A conservatory is a unique room in your home in how it connects you to the outdoors. It should be an idyllic haven and a sun-soaked passageway to your garden.…
Wasp nest removal safety: Professional wasp treatment
There’s nothing quite like the buzz of a wasp nest to send shivers down your spine. While a few wasps might just be enjoying your picnic, a growing nest can…
Watertight wet rooms
A wet room is the peak in modern, sleek bathroom design, offering a walk-in shower experience with no tray and often an open-plan feel. However, the success of…
Your landlord plumbing responsibilities
Being a landlord is a rewarding venture, but it comes with a lot of responsibility. A safe, well-maintained property is key to a positive relationship with…
What paving should you use for paths?
A garden path is much more than just a way to get from A to B without getting your shoes muddy. It is a design feature that can define the shape of your lawn,…
What to check in your home after a storm
No matter what the latest storm is called, one thing is certain – how much destruction it can leave behind, especially to your home. Even worse, you might not…
What to do if you spot a leak in your roof
Most of us will experience a leaky roof at some point in our lives. We all become familiar with the ominous drip, drip, drip coming from somewhere above, going…
AC Unit Not Working? Troubleshooting & Repair Guide
When an AC unit stops working, a homeowner should first check for simple issues before calling a professional. Common problems include a tripped circuit…
How to tell if a wall is a load-bearing or a stud partition wall
Knocking down a wall to create an open plan layout is a popular choice for homeowners looking to make their homes brighter and airier. But before you pick up…
Best time to get your driveway redone
The driveway is often the first thing people notice about your home. It is more than just a place to park the car; it is a major part of your property’s…
Best bathroom wall finish choice
When planning a bathroom makeover, the choice of wall finish is critical for both aesthetics and long-term durability. Tiling has always been the gold…
Why get tree surgery done before summer?
Trees are a beautiful feature in gardens with enough space for them. But, they can cause havoc when they’re not maintained regularly. The consequences of…
Window upgrades for burglary protection
Windows are often the weakest point of entry for burglars. While modern multi-point locking mechanisms on uPVC windows offer good primary security, older…
Winter garden prep checklist: How to protect outdoor taps
Autumn is the perfect time to get ahead of the game. A few hours spent on winter preparation can prevent thousands of pounds worth of damage to your home and…