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Home Renovation guides

Plain-English advice to help you understand the problem and choose the right help.

• Planning a kitchen renovation
  What drives the cost of a new kitchen, how long a refit takes, layout choices, and how to get accurate quotes from kitchen fitters.
• Bathroom renovation guide
  Choosing between a refit, shower room and wet room, what affects the cost, waterproofing, ventilation and how long a bathroom refit takes.
• Planning permission for extensions
  Permitted development for single-storey and two-storey extensions, when you need planning permission, building regulations and party wall rules.
• Choosing the right flooring
  The pros and cons of the most popular UK flooring types, which rooms suit each, and what fitting involves.
• How to paint a room
  Step-by-step guide to painting a room: preparation, choosing emulsion and finishes, estimating how much paint you need, and when to call a decorator.
• How to hire a builder
  How to choose a builder, what a good quote and contract include, how to structure payments, and the warning signs to avoid.