Conversions | Real Homes

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How to project manage an extension or renovation: Exterior of renovated school house and garden

Project managing an extension or renovation yourself – what's involved

If you're project managing an extension or renovation yourself – we can help. There's more responsibility involved, but with our expert advice, you'll come out on top and save money in the process

Cowboy builders: 13 telltale signs so you can avoid them

A cowboy builder is easy to spot – and that's even before they've begun. Here's how to avoid one so you don't end up out of pocket with a poor or even unfinished job
By Lucy Searle • 2020-07-23T10:28:29Z

Conversions
Garage conversion ideas: 20 great ways to enhance your space

Be inspired by these practical garage conversion ideas and real-life projects that will enhance your space to no end. This is how to achieve something special in your home
By Sarah Warwick • 2020-06-30T16:35:09Z

Conversions
Loft conversion costs 2020: how to cost, plan and design your extra attic space

We look at loft conversion costs for 2020 so that you can stay on budget while you transform your attic into glorious extra living room. Use our guide to help with costing, planning, designing and more

By Lucy Searle • 2020-06-23T17:30:49Z

Conversions
Real home: a loft conversion transforms two-bed terrace

By adding a loft conversion and swapping the kitchen and diner around, Amanda and Jess Cotton have maximised the potential of a dilapidated two-bedroom terraced house

By Karen Wilson • 2020-01-25T10:00:27Z

Conversions
Christmas house: a 17th-century mill house conversion is the perfect festive setting

With a huge inglenook fireplace and exposed stonework, Laura and Mark Stubbs’ converted mill house comes into its own at Christmas

By Karen Wilson • 2019-12-12T12:51:18Z

Conversions
Renovations insurance explained

Renovations insurance is a must-have if you're planning a major project. Here, it's explained by experienced renovator Michael Holmes

By Michael Holmes • 2019-10-08T16:07:22Z

Conversions
Find a builder: how to find builders who will do the job well

Find a builder using experienced renovator Michael Holmes' advice. Use these tips to hire a building contractor who will deliver your home project on time and on budget

By Michael Holmes • 2019-10-08T14:51:36Z

Conversions
How to self build: your dream home, your way

Do you dream of a custom home, built exactly to your needs Experienced self builder Michael Holmes explains what's involved

By Michael Holmes • 2019-10-01T17:04:19Z

Conversions
How to board a loft

Knowing how to board a loft can mean you turn wasted space into useful storage space. And if you add insulation, your whole house will feel warmer, too. Use our simple guide to boarding a loft safely

By Ginevra Benedetti • 2019-10-01T15:29:10Z

Conversions
Indoor outdoor living spaces: 11 clever ways to link your indoor and outdoor rooms

From choosing the best materials to thinking about the style of doors and windows, here's how to link your indoor and outdoor spaces and make your home feel bigger

By Greg Toon • 2019-08-19T09:27:21Z

Conversions
Real home: a former Co-op corner shop becomes a sunny, open home

It took a lot of creativity for this architect to transform a commercial property into his bright family home

By Caroline Ednie • 2019-06-27T10:04:42Z

Conversions
Real home: converting two farm cottages into a country home

With an eye for a bargain, a practical mindset and lots of help from friends and family, Jenny and Mel Dunmow turned a pair of farm cottages into a stunning home

By Karen Darlow • 2019-06-25T16:19:52Z

Conversions
Real home: an eco-friendly barn conversion

It took Carol and David Spenser half a decade to get planning permission for their home, but the eco-friendly, contemporary design makes it worthwhile

By Lucy Searle • 2019-06-19T09:17:47Z

Barn Conversion
Barn conversions: how to convert a barn

Barn conversions take careful planning, flexible budgeting and good design. Get them right, however, and the result will be a home that’s entirely unique. We take a look at how to convert a barn – plus a church and school, too

By Lucy Searle • 2019-06-19T09:09:08Z

Barn Conversion
Real home: a Cotswold barn conversion with beautiful vintage-style interiors

Filled with French antiques and fleamarket finds, this converted barn in the heart of the Cotswolds is a vintage-lovers dream

By Ann Broad • 2019-06-19T08:51:33Z

Conversions
Basement conversions: the ultimate guide to converting a basement

A basement conversion might be the best way to add space and value to your home if you don’t have the room to extend above ground. This three page feature tells you all you need to know about how to convert a basement

By Lucy Searle • 2019-05-14T14:28:38Z

Conversions
Real Home: renovating a 15th century home

Henry John has devoted several years of his life to carefully rebuilding the secluded 15th century Herefordshire retreat that previously belonged to his father

By Debbie Jeffery • 2019-03-26T13:39:28Z

Period Living
Real home: a Grade II listed farmhouse, built in the 17th century

Having upped sticks and moved from London, Sally and Rob Appleyard are embracing the good life in their lovingly restored period farmhouse

By Janet McMeekin • 2019-03-21T11:24:37Z

Conversions
Real home: an updated barn conversion with a modern design

Delia and Scott Phillips gave a traditional barn conversion a stunning modern makeover

By Emily Shaw • 2019-02-28T16:46:25Z

Barn Conversion
Real home: a factory converted into a family home

Elisabeth and Aldo Ciarrocchi reconfigured an apartment inside a former pet food factory to create a welcoming and versatile family home

By Anna Tobin • 2019-01-23T09:57:43Z

Renovations
How to add a mezzanine

Adding a mezzanine to create a split-level room is a great way to make any open-plan space more dynamic. Expert property renovator Michael Holmes offers his advice on how to go about it

By Anna Cottrell • 2019-01-23T08:22:56Z

Conversions
Real home: a bold kitchen-diner in a converted chapel

When Tina Macfarlane embarked on an adventurous chapel conversion she had a clear vision of the edgy, modern style she wanted for her new kitchen-diner

By Louise O'Bryan • 2019-01-23T06:57:55Z

Conversions
Real home: a carefully renovated Victorian watermill

A piece of English history brimming with original features, this Victorian watermill has been lovingly renovated for modern living

By Owen Collins • 2019-01-04T15:38:40Z

Conversions
Real home: a family apartment renovation in Brighton

Digging out the damp cellar beneath a ground-floor flat and taking time over the renovation process has added an extra level and family charm to Debbie Statham’s Victorian home

By Andrea Childs • 2019-01-04T09:28:41Z

Conversions
Christmas house: a beautiful church conversion home

Maaike and Onno Goldbach have put their own stamp on this beautifully renovated church building in the Netherlands

By Karen Darlow • 2018-12-24T12:19:47Z

Conversions
Real home: a converted barn is a rural dream

Vintage finds, salvaged treasures and a spot of DIY helped Sophie and Bob create their perfect home

By Maxine Brady • 2018-12-23T07:11:08Z

Conversions
Christmas house: a converted 19th century school gets a festive transformation

Reinventing old furniture has been an education as this old village school has been transformed into an extraordinary family home

By Heather Dixon • 2018-12-05T08:18:23Z

Conversions
Real home: a contemporary basement transforms an Edwardian terraced house

Hywel Jones transformed his home from top to bottom, including the basement, with his love for playing music at the heart of his redesign

By Amelia Smith • 2018-11-20T11:44:59Z

Conversions
Hiring a building project team

Experienced renovator Michael Holmes explains the importance of working with a professional team for your home improvement project

By Michael Holmes • 2018-11-05T10:01:04Z

Conversions