Knowledge Base
Property advice that actually helps
Researched, UK-specific guides for every stage of homeownership — from buying and surveys to retrofit, planning and major works.
Surveys & InspectionsEmergency Roof Protection and Temporary Weather Damage Assessment
After roof damage, your priority is safe temporary protection — typically a tarpaulin secured by a roofer — followed by a professional inspection to assess structural impact. Do not attempt roof access yourself. Document all damage with photographs before any repairs, and notify your insurer promptly; most policies require notification within 24 to 48 hours of discovery.
Surveys & InspectionsAsbestos in homes: identification, risks and management
Asbestos was widely used in UK construction until it was banned in November 1999, so any home built before 2000 may contain asbestos-containing materials. Undisturbed ACMs in good condition are typically managed in place rather than removed. Before any renovation work on a pre-2000 property, a professional asbestos survey is essential — disturbing ACMs without proper precautions poses serious health risks.
Planning & Pre-BuildInterior Design Consultation and Project Fees
Interior designers in the UK typically charge hourly rates of £75–£200, day rates of £300–£800, or a percentage fee of 10–20% of total project spend. A one-off design consultation usually costs £150–£400. Fees vary by experience, location, and scope — from concept design only to full project management including trade procurement.
Buying & MovingRight to Buy Conveyancing: Do You Need a Conveyancer?
You are not legally required to instruct a conveyancer for a Right to Buy purchase, but it is strongly advisable. The council will have its own solicitor, and any mortgage lender will require you to use an approved conveyancer. A qualified professional will check title, covenants, and lease terms, and ensure you understand the discount repayment rules before completion.
Planning & Pre-BuildPurchasing Listed Buildings: Special Considerations and Requirements
Buying a listed building means any works affecting its character require Listed Building Consent — separate from planning permission. The designation covers the whole structure and curtilage, transfers to new owners, and unauthorised alterations by previous owners can create legal liability. A specialist heritage survey and solicitor experienced in listed property are essential before exchanging contracts.
Improvement & BuildFirst Fix Electrical Installation: What Homeowners Need to Know
First fix electrical installation covers all the cabling, back boxes, and consumer unit preparation installed before walls are plastered or boarded. In the UK, most first fix work is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations and must be carried out or certified by a registered competent-person electrician — such as those on the NICEIC or NAPIT registers — or inspected by your local building control body.
General property adviceRemoval and Disposal Costs for Burglar Alarm Systems
Removing a burglar alarm in the UK typically costs £80–£200 for a wireless system and £150–£400 for a wired installation, depending on system complexity and region. Wired systems require more labour due to cabling and making good. Use an NSI or SSAIB approved company, check your monitoring contract before decommissioning, and ensure components are disposed of correctly under the WEEE Regulations 2013.
Improvement & BuildHow to Repair Window Tracks
Most window track problems — stiffness, grinding, or failure to slide — stem from debris build-up, worn rollers, or dried seals. Cleaning the channel and applying a silicone-based lubricant resolves the majority of cases. If rollers or keeps are damaged, they can usually be replaced without changing the full window frame.
Improvement & BuildBuilt-In Wardrobe and Storage Installation Costs
Built-in wardrobe installation in the UK typically costs £800–£3,000 for a standard bedroom using fitted flatpack or semi-bespoke systems, and £2,500–£8,000 or more for fully bespoke carpentry. Cost depends on the width, interior specification, finish, and whether an independent carpenter or specialist fitted-wardrobe company carries out the work. Indicative costs, last reviewed 2026-05-11.
Improvement & BuildSustainable Roofing Solutions and Green Roof Systems
Sustainable roofing in the UK covers several options: sedum or living roofs, recycled-content tiles, reclaimed slate, and solar-integrated roofing. The right choice depends on your roof pitch, structural capacity, budget, and planning constraints. A green or sedum roof suits flat or low-pitch roofs but needs a structural check first; recycled materials suit most standard pitched roofs.
Improvement & BuildUnderstanding Concrete Garage Floor Discolouration: Causes and Solutions
Concrete garage floor discolouration in UK homes is most commonly caused by oil or fluid leaks, efflorescence (white mineral deposits from moisture), tyre rubber plasticiser transfer, algae or mould growth, or uneven curing during the original pour. Most surface stains respond to appropriate cleaning products or a concrete sealer; persistent damp-related discolouration may indicate a drainage or damp-proof membrane issue worth investigating.
Improvement & BuildPlanning and Building Outdoor Entertaining Structures for Your Property
Most garden rooms, sheds and outdoor entertaining structures fall under permitted development rights in England and need no planning permission, provided they stay within size and height limits, cover under 50% of the garden, and sit behind the main elevation. Structures with gas or electrical connections need Gas Safe or NICEIC-registered installers.