Renovation Advice
Latest
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The basic renovation mistakes I made and how not to follow in my footsteps
First reno or not, it's easier than you think to make mistakes along the way. Here's my story
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How to insulate a floor and why it's worth installing
Here’s what you need to know about how to insulate a floor, whether you have a solid, timber, concrete floor or boards – because it could help your home to become more energy efficient, and your bills lower.
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How to restore wood doors – refinish and revive interior doors like a professional
Refinishing wood doors can give them a new lease of life. This is how to clean timber, repair any damage and more to restore internal doors to their original greatness.
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How to restore a front door – refinish old or weather-beaten hardwood
Front door restoration is key to keep your hardwood entry door looking its finest. Clean up and refinish yours properly.
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Lime plaster: Why this eco-friendly building material is a top choice for home building
An architect shares the benefits of using eco-friendly lime plaster as a home building material
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Before and after: A tired old tub is swapped for twin showers – and it's as good as a luxury hotel!
We are getting five-star feels from this double walk-in shower with stunning Crittall-style screens
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How to clean stone floors – spruce natural stone tiles, plus, why vinegar is a no go
DIY expert Helaine Clare's shares her knowledge on how to clean stone floors step-by-step. Plus, why you shouldn't use vinegar
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How to lime wood: everything you need to get that white wash effect
Want to know how to lime wood? Helaine Clare's simple, step-by-step instructions will help transform old wood furniture and exposed timber surfaces
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How to restore garden statues
Garden statues are a beautiful addition to the garden. Find out how to give them a new lease of life with Helaine Clare's step-by-step guide to repairing garden ornaments
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How to repair a Victorian roof
Roofs are more likely to develop faults than any other part of older properties, so understand their traditional construction and follow this advice on how to spot typical defects
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How to clean terracotta floor tiles
Find out how to clean terracotta floor tiles and restore them to their former glory. Follow DIY expert Helaine Clare’s step-by-step guide
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How to open up a fireplace
Want to know how to open up a fireplace? If, like many renovators, you've been lucky enough to uncover an original fireplace in the process of working on your home, you'll need our tops tips to reopen it successfully
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How old is my house?: working out the age of your home
If you are wondering 'how old is my house?' we are here to help you discover its hidden history. Emma Lawrence, head of casework at the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), explains how to work out which era a property belongs to
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How to paint metal railings: cleaning and repairing railings and gates
Old metal railings and other exterior metalwork needs regular care and attention to prevent decay, so spot the signs of wear and tear and know what action to take with this practical, step-by-step guide
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How to lighten oak beams
Learn how to lighten oak beams – including the tools and equipment you will need – with step-by-step instructions from DIY expert Helaine Clare
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Expert guide to plaster in old homes
Understanding and maintaining plaster in old homes is an important aspect of caring for a period property. Discover how to identify which type you have, how to go about repairing, and what it costs
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How to repair wooden floors
Find out how to repair wooden floors with this expert advice and how-to guide
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How to repair stone floors
Find out how to repair stone floors, with expert advice from Douglas Kent, technical and research director of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
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How to buy an old house
When property hunting, it is all too easy to let your heart rule your head. But there are many things to consider before taking the plunge. Make sure you are up to the task ahead with expert advice, and use our essential checklist on buying an old house
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How to deal with damp and rot
Problems with damp and rot are a common curse, particularly in older properties, where inadvisable remedial work can make it worse. Here, we look at the causes of damp – and its solutions
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How to maintain and repair an old timber frame
Often forming the integral framework of period properties, and an aesthetic feature, timber posts and beams must be treated with care and attention to ensure their longevity
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17 renovation mistakes to avoid
Restore your period home properly and avoid renovation mistakes that cause more harm than good, with advice from experts Peter Barker and Douglas Kent
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How to fix a door that sticks, squeaks or that won't shut plus, other repairs
A squeaking door or one that will not shut properly can be fixed. These are the most common door repairs you can DIY quickly.
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How to repaint and revive outdoor woodwork
In this step-by-step guide, DIY expert Helaine Clare shows how to repaint and revive outdoor woodwork
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How to restore and maintain timber windows
As the eyes of a house and a key architectural feature, it’s important to maintain and repair original timber windows. Follow this expert advice to find out how
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How to maintain and repair leaded windows
Original leaded light windows are historically important architectural features, so when they need attention it's essential to repair and care for them correctly
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How to repair and maintain metal window and door frames
Properly maintained, metal windows can last for centuries. When protective coatings are neglected, however, corrosion may occur. Here's how to repair your metal door and window frames
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How to create an open plan layout in an old home
Knocking down walls to create a more open plan layout is an increasingly popular trend, but it must be handled with sensitivity. Architect Neil McKay explains the main considerations
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How to repair a chimney
Your unchecked chimney could be concealing some dangerous defects. Find out what to look out for, and how to deal with these common chimney problems
