Free to useEvery trade in one placeNo obligation

Part of the Shmor.ai network
TradesStation Find a trade
House under construction with plywood walls and new windows stacked inside

Building · Interiors · Roofs · Electrics · Gardens

Home improvement guides

Extensions, lofts, kitchens, bathrooms, roofing, electrics, gardens, plastering, carpentry and decorating: the rules, design choices and practical steps, explained clearly and checked against official sources.

Photo: Ernie Journeys on Unsplash

Latest guides

Accessible toilet with a metal grab rail · 2 min read

Accessible bathrooms and Disabled Facilities Grants

Level-access showers, grab rails and how a council grant can help.

Read more →Close-up of a textured grey surface · 2 min read

Artex ceilings and asbestos: what to do

When to leave it, getting it tested and how to cover or remove it safely.

Read more →White ceramic basin below a bathroom mirror · 2 min read

Bathroom refit rules: electrics, ventilation and drains

Special locations, extractor fans, drains and certificates for a bathroom refit.

Read more →Person writing on a paper document at a desk · 2 min read

Builder contracts: what to include before work starts

Scope, price, payments, timings, changes and guarantees, in writing.

Read more →Person drafting a building plan on a blueprint · 2 min read

Building Regulations for extensions and loft conversions

Structure, fire safety, stairs and insulation, plus how approval and sign-off work.

Read more →Two-storey brick house with a garage and driveway · 2 min read

Do you need planning permission for a driveway?

The 5 square metre rule, permeable surfaces and dropped kerbs.

Read more →Modern glass extension built onto a traditional stone house · 3 min read

Do you need planning permission for a house extension?

Permitted development limits for rear, side and two-storey extensions, and when you must apply.

Read more →Moss growing on old roof tiles · 2 min read

Doorstep roofers: how to spot a rogue trader

Warning signs, your cancellation rights and who to report rogue traders to.

Read more →Electrician using a screwdriver on an electrical panel · 2 min read

EICR explained: electrical safety checks for homes

What an EICR checks, what C1, C2, C3 and FI mean, and the landlord rules.

Read more →Wooden garden fence with white flowers in front · 2 min read

Fence, wall and gate height rules

The 1 metre and 2 metre rules, exceptions and hedges.

Read more →Hallway with an internal door and windows · 2 min read

Fire doors in homes: when do you need them?

Loft conversions, integral garages and flats: ratings, closers and fitting.

Read more →Roofer using a power drill on a roof · 1 min read

Flat roof types compared: felt, EPDM and GRP

Felt, EPDM rubber and GRP fibreglass compared for extensions, garages and dormers.

Read more →Wires connected inside an electrical switch box · 2 min read

Fuse box upgrades and signs you need a rewire

When to upgrade your consumer unit, rewire warning signs and the certificates to get.

Read more →Modern garage doors on a white house · 1 min read

Garage conversions: planning, regulations and tips

When you need planning permission, the Building Regulations and what to plan for.

Read more →Small wooden garden shed with a door and window · 2 min read

Garden rooms, sheds and decking: the rules

Height limits, the 30cm decking rule and when Building Regulations apply.

Read more →Hand plugging a charging cable into an electric car · 2 min read

Home EV charger installation: grants and rules

What installation involves, smart charger rules and the grant for renters and flat owners.

Read more →Person using a paint roller on a wall · 1 min read

How to paint new plaster

Drying time, mist coats and avoiding peeling paint.

Read more →Pencil resting on a printed architectural drawing · 2 min read

How to plan a house extension, step by step

From first ideas to final sign-off: the order successful extension projects follow.

Read more →Person working on the floor of an attic space · 2 min read

Is my loft suitable for a conversion? 7 checks

Head height, roof structure, stairs, walls, services, neighbours and permissions.

Read more →Tradesman on a ladder working inside a room under renovation · 2 min read

Kitchen and bathroom refits: the order of works

Strip-out, first fix, plastering, second fix and sign-off, in order.

Read more →Modern kitchen with a central island and a large window · 2 min read

Kitchen layouts explained

Galley, L-shape, U-shape, island and peninsula layouts compared.

Read more →Tradesman fixing a wall bracket with a screwdriver · 2 min read

Kitchen renovation rules: what needs approval?

Electrics, gas, ventilation, drains and walls: what needs sign-off in a new kitchen.

Read more →Room under renovation with metal support props and building debris · 2 min read

Knocking through: removing a load-bearing wall

Structural engineer, steel beams, Building Control and party walls.

Read more →Old four-panel window with a weathered grey wooden frame · 2 min read

Lead paint in older homes: how to decorate safely

When old paint is a risk, what not to do, and how to decorate safely.

Read more →Red brick house with white windows and a black front door · 2 min read

Loft conversions and planning permission: the rules

Volume limits, dormers, windows and the homes that always need permission.

Read more →Converted attic bedroom with a bed and a roof window · 1 min read

Loft conversion step by step

From survey and design to steelwork, stairs, fire safety and sign-off.

Read more →Row of chimneys and pitched roofs on brick terraced houses · 1 min read

Loft conversion types explained

Rooflight, dormer, hip-to-gable and mansard conversions compared.

Read more →Tins of paint in assorted colours · 1 min read

Paint finishes explained: matt, eggshell, satin and gloss

Matt, eggshell, satin and gloss: where each works best.

Read more →Two decorators on ladders working on an exterior wall · 2 min read

Painting the outside of your house

Weather, preparation, masonry paint, access and what to ask.

Read more →Brick terraced building with scaffolding during building work · 2 min read

Party wall notices for extensions and loft conversions

The three notice types, notice periods, replies, surveyors and awards.

Read more →Two people shaking hands over a paper document · 2 min read

Problems with your builder? Your rights and options

Your rights, how to complain, trade body schemes and small claims.

Read more →Roofer working on a pitched house roof · 2 min read

Roof repair or re-roof: when do you need approval?

The 25% and 50% limits, heavier coverings, structure and what to ask your roofer.

Read more →Light grey wall with an uneven plaster surface · 1 min read

Skimming, replastering or dry lining: which do you need?

Skim coat, full replaster and dry lining compared.

Read more →Close-up of a patterned wooden floor · 1 min read

Solid wood, engineered wood or laminate flooring?

How the three types differ and where each works best.

Read more →Wooden staircase with a pendant light above · 2 min read

Staircase rules: replacing or adding stairs

Rise, going, pitch, headroom, handrails and balustrades explained.

Read more →Calculator and pen on a sheet of paper · 2 min read

VAT on building work: when the rate is 20%, 5% or 0%

Extensions, empty homes, conversions and energy-saving materials.

Read more →Shower head spraying water onto a tiled wall · 2 min read

Wet room or walk-in shower?

How they differ, waterproofing, drainage and what to ask your fitter.

Read more →

What job do you need doing?