If your windows have been rattling this summer, check them out and make sure they are fixed so don’t fall out. Peeling paintwork could be an indication of rotting wood underneath, crumbling brickwork may need urgent attention and dislodged roof tiles can cause untold damage if not replaced before winter arrives. It pays to inspect your home for clues to trouble spots on a regular basis and whether the house is new or old. If problems such as damp are caught early significant savings...

One of the most appealing aspects of home ownership in the UK is the abundance of properties of historic interest on the market. But before you go ahead and invest in your own piece of our national heritage, it’s worth considering all the issues. Many old buildings cost more to upkeep and renovate than new properties and keeping a period home true to its origins requires research. Organisations such as The Georgian Group and The Victorian Society offer a range of publications giving...

The concept of wet rooms was brought to the UK from Scandinavia where they don’t have shower trays, but instead install a waterproof membrane underneath the floor and wall tiles. Even if the product sealing the tiles perishes water should not pass through the impervious membrane. Being watertight is the key to a successful wetroom, according to FMB builder Kevin Walker: “The successful wetrooms are the ones that are installed correctly, tanked perfectly and made completely watertight...

With the cost of moving home running into many thousands of pounds, it’s not surprising that many families are opting to move up instead of moving on, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Converting your loft is certainly a job for the professionals, but if you get it right you not only gain a fabulous light-filled space, you could also get a handsome return on your investment when you sell. According to the FMB a loft extension can add up to 15% to the value of your property. Can...

It’s easy to point the finger at your builder when a project looks like it’s going wrong, but according to the latest research from the Federation of Master Builders, most building projects succeed or fail on the strength of the relationship between builder and customer, and key to that relationship is good communication. It’s no surprise that customers want the job to finish on budget and builders want to be paid on time. Money aside, it seems that the most important attribute...

A new bathroom can add about 10% to the value of your house. Map out your desired layout on paper so that you can see how it will work in practice. There are lots of changes you can make to a bathroom without it costing the earth: Add a water pump to improve water pressure on both taps and showers. Consider combining a separate toilet with the main bathroom to provide more room and more light. Bear in mind that it’s cheaper to put the bathroom at the back of the house where it is...

The best way to avoid the hassle of planning is to undertake projects that don’t need it at all. There is a huge range of new buildings, alterations and extensions that can be built without needing anything but building regulations consent. This is known as ‘Permitted Development’ and is probably the most useful piece of planning jargon to understand. You should make sure that you know what you can and cannot do. There are loopholes that will allow you to maximise the opportunities...

Having builders in ranks as one of the most stressful times of your life – almost half the population say it’s as stressful as arranging a wedding, buying a house or even having a baby – and, would you believe, worse than spending a week with the in-laws! Top on the irritation list are builders who don’t finish on time, ones who don’t turn up when they say they will and those who run over budget “It’s a massive invasion of your personal space. It means you have...

The pros and cons of where to add extra living space Loft conversions are a great way to gain extra living space without altering the external appearance of your home, says James Squirrell managing director of James Allen Construction. “Costing £15K – £35K, they can add about 15% to the value of your home. Most homes built before 1975 are suitable for a loft conversion, which adds another room or two in the attic space. The work takes about 12 weeks and the builders access...

If you are happy in your house, but just lack the space you need or don’t like the layout, then think carefully about the areas of the house you want to extend and improve. “Some improvements may increase the value of your home while others may well improve its eventual saleability, but will not add to the money you recoup from the sale,” warns Richard Diment of the FMB. It’s essential the work is done by a reputable FMB builder with the correct planning permission...