<![CDATA[ Latest from Ideal Home in Renovation ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000 en <![CDATA[ Got a conservatory that's already starting to overheat? I asked the experts whether conservatory air conditioning is a worthwhile investment or a waste of money ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/is-conservatory-air-conditioning-worth-it 8a4MR43X8WLs3TMSPsVCVn Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Does there really have to be a door between your house and conservatory or is there a way of opening them up to each other? I asked the experts for the best solution (that doesn’t break the law) ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/extensions/does-there-have-to-be-a-door-between-house-and-conservatory fBQfL74wp9cq6GuKsYF4q5 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:50:49 +0000 <![CDATA[ Is your exterior house colour going out of style? Experts reveal the shades fading in popularity this year and the ones replacing them ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/exterior/house-colours-going-out-of-style-in-2026 bnKwjAyaYRsdCEmKoJ8Vr5 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I wish I had a bigger hallway — is a porch the answer? I asked the pros for the 3 best ways to achieve more space in this part of my home ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/extensions/ways-to-a-bigger-hallway Q2YkkVuinL2jfmU5fyiaZB Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ What’s the ideal porch size? I asked the experts how you ensure an addition to the front of your home is in proportion for maximum kerb appeal ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/exterior/what-is-the-ideal-porch-size nF5QcoLiMt5gcDjMF3FFJ3 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Is it ever a good idea to use a conservatory as an extra bedroom? Experts told me it’s definitely a feasible option, but only if you follow these 7 crucial pointers ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/extensions/is-a-conservatory-bedroom-a-good-idea qHTf7EySCMFXN2Ai9H598E Sun, 05 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ This one reason is why I had to pay three times as much as I wanted to replace the windows in my home, but it turns out it was the right decision ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/doors-and-windows/upvc-replacement-windows-rejected-by-planners 695csbB7CUJ84SPV3evqRT Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ What's the best way to a bigger kitchen – an extension or a remodel? It might seem obvious but I asked the experts, and their opinions might surprise you ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/extensions/kitchen-extension-vs-remodel 4HcDoAXHV7qx398DathSJ6 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ How do I know if a heat pump is right for my home? 7 questions to ask yourself or a professional ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/is-a-heat-pump-right-for-your-home 7MmHY59DKpvYfsbtwc7VFg Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Have the rules around log burners changed? I’m a heating expert, and this is what you should know about potential legislative updates ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/are-log-burner-rules-changing 9nKf2nkhKDDJ6TqEk4a2rD Sun, 15 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ 8 ways to design a kitchen extension that is fresh and modern but that won't look dated a few years down the line ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/extensions/how-to-create-a-modern-yet-timeless-kitchen-extension 7QJdooUqrr9vDhmkF2boVR Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:23:08 +0000 <![CDATA[ A pivot door could be a stylish addition to your home and elevate its kerb appeal — this is what you should know if you are considering one ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/doors-and-windows/pivot-doors SZUmfezvgH38Pc8xLWwPd5 Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:26:05 +0000 <![CDATA[ Will double glazing old windows strip them of their character and charm – or are there ways to do it sympathetically? I asked the pros how best to tackle it ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/doors-and-windows/should-you-double-glaze-old-windows nb6SRRe2MjPz5iKUFLBcqJ Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ If you spot any of these warning signs during heavy rain, then water could be getting into your home, and you’ll need to act fast ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/roofs-and-walls/signs-of-water-ingress vhDikNUwmiQwnYsR7B6zDP Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ What is solar control glass and could it be key to preventing your home overheating in summer? This is what the experts say ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/doors-and-windows/what-is-solar-control-glass 6YmiDe9GjrafzZXPgoWP3C Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ As someone who inherited a bad extension, I asked the pros whether it's ever worth improving one or if it's better to just start over ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/extensions/should-you-replace-a-bad-extension 7wKxpRoc3aRf4Lann8j8DT Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I was gutted when I realised a heat pump wouldn’t work at my house, but these are the alternatives I’m considering, including a sustainable option ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/why-a-heat-pump-will-not-suit-my-home jxjSRpz3NNFzm4cfVwpqCL Sun, 11 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:23:17 +0000 <![CDATA[ Are woodburning stoves going to be banned in the UK? This is what the experts told me about the rumours ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/are-woodburning-stoves-going-to-be-banned-uk PM53xy8XgXbN5KtqRHHG2H Fri, 09 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:19:03 +0000 <![CDATA[ What are sustainable drainage systems? They're not just a necessity — they can also protect your home as well as improve its kerb appeal, say the experts ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/exterior/sustainable-drainage-systems FzhCkERv6XzHF7LFcwNRkT Mon, 22 Dec 2025 11:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Can I move a drain as part of an extension project? Experts reveal when you will and won't need permission and how you get it ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/extensions/can-you-move-drains-as-part-of-an-extension S6ex3nT9zTPKJc8zdRge7a Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Don't let drains put a stop to your extension plans – take note of the 6 things experts want you to know in order to ensure a smooth-running project ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/extensions/ways-drains-could-impact-your-extension Jg3UESZt3YPq5h7cjutdZ7 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Want a puddle-free driveway this winter? These expert-approved drainage tips are easy, affordable and surprisingly stylish ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/exterior/driveway-drainage-solutions cCszyc4D4S5BVTB5wwCQi Mon, 01 Dec 2025 11:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I thought replacing my boiler would be time-consuming and complicated - but with BOXT, it only took about 20 minutes of my time ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/boxt-boiler-review NZdvEddj8o36jQt9Tv4kRe Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ What you can and can't burn in a multi-fuel stove – the 5 things you should always avoid and what to use instead ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/what-you-can-and-cant-burn-in-a-multi-fuel-stove-the-5-things-you-should-always-avoid-and-what-to-use-instead gNbwqz6s8kDfAEmmnTi4MG Mon, 17 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I spent five years renovating my home, but now I'm going to extend again — this is how I'm planning to turn our three bed semi into a five-bed home for life ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/extensions/how-i-plan-on-extending-my-three-bed-semi 4ydSErxhUBsHow6NpLyFx Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000 Tue, 04 Nov 2025 11:56:15 +0000 <![CDATA[ This is how to determine what size log burner you need, according to the pros, and what can happen if you get it wrong ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/what-size-log-burner-do-i-need QVGUyJd79vu5GHMvFxz6Fh Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ 3 places you should never install underfloor heating according to experts — plus the areas where you should be cautious before fitting it ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/where-not-to-fit-underfloor-heating 6Mp3u5TqkVfMx6m2yNdviZ Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:45:00 +0000 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 11:27:34 +0000 <![CDATA[ What does underfloor heating run off? These are the heat source options that work, and the one that experts agree is the best ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/what-does-underfloor-heating-run-off qBtsLAgSHsX5oMcL8Rk8GK Sun, 26 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Ignoring log burner ventilation requirements is a huge mistake – experts explain why it’s crucial to get it right, and the consequences if you don't ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/log-burner-ventilation e5w5sELx3uJmzNGXDh6HNa Fri, 24 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ We’ve been house-hunting for 4 years with no luck — so this is what we’re going to do to make our current home work better for our family ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/extensions/extending-instead-of-selling VWST9CJnR8kaLZnus2sSSA Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Wet vs electric underfloor heating – are you making a huge mistake fitting one over the other? This is what the heating pros say ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/wet-vs-electric-underfloor-heating jrPjy2BNmZxe8JhzVnVRyg Mon, 20 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:07:55 +0000 <![CDATA[ I’ve navigated log burner building regulations myself — this is what all homeowners need to make sure they know to obtain the necessary consent ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/log-burner-building-regulations Pd9PzyH9MfqytiyFwBmwrg Sat, 18 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ 3 reasons I regret not putting underfloor heating in my home office – it’s definitely moving up my priority list ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/why-i-wish-i-put-underfloor-heating-in-home-office CadF8kydE5938VUhf8aZYH Fri, 17 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I thought it would be a bad idea to put a log burner in a conservatory, but heating experts say it could be key to a cosy garden room in winter ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/log-burner-in-conservatory dg2ugia3pyVzh6xwa6DWTc Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:00:00 +0000 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:57:55 +0000 <![CDATA[ Kitchen extensions made easy ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/extensions/kitchen-extensions-made-easy oGpQ6Lf4FHvP3yRuiEPqQ6 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 10:21:55 +0000 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:02:28 +0000 <![CDATA[ These 7 design tricks will make a small kitchen extension feel bigger – but experts warn there are some you should definitely avoid ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/extensions/how-to-maximise-impact-of-a-small-kitchen-extension N4C7yuKV2synurLhMpgaPj Mon, 13 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ 4 things I wish had been done differently in my kitchen extension — and how I’ve managed to make them work ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/extensions/things-i-wish-were-done-differently-in-my-kitchen-extension oCzAGeAMw8HxfCuhc6c2Nf Sun, 12 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ These 5 underfloor heating mistakes will make your system cost more to run and less efficient — no wonder experts say they should be avoided ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/underfloor-heating-mistakes jyyCfyaz5UQZLVvbx7dzLT Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ How to tell if underfloor heating is a good idea in your home – experts explain the real pros and cons all homeowners should know ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/how-to-tell-if-underfloor-heating-is-a-good-idea-in-your-home-experts-explain-the-real-pros-and-cons-all-homeowners-should-know tDcMUr3yE2QA7QJQp89CZB Tue, 07 Oct 2025 14:02:00 +0000 Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:36:01 +0000 <![CDATA[ 6 floorcoverings that work really well with underfloor heating – and the ones that should be avoided at all costs ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/underfloor-heating-floorcoverings kpEeeVxcssm53LcBk6cL8T Mon, 06 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ 6 lessons I learned when installing my own log burner — and why you should think twice before doing the same ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/lessons-i-learned-from-installing-my-own-log-burner JByFtVLuKRGfPVDm7qZUG8 Sun, 05 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 13:01:22 +0000 <![CDATA[ I really love our log burning stove – but I so wish I'd known these 5 things before installing it ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/what-i-wish-i-had-known-before-installing-a-log-burner DAdxGdTRNhFaNXmpvkBbCi Fri, 03 Oct 2025 08:00:00 +0000 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:18:18 +0000 <![CDATA[ Using air con to heat your home in winter can side step planning red tape – but make sure you know the rules first ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/air-conditioning-planning-permission JLeDbrYjQEMtLiJjQRabwm Mon, 29 Sep 2025 13:30:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ I’m shocked more people haven’t heard of a contour gauge – it makes laying flooring and tiling so much easier for DIYers (and it costs less than £15) ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/why-you-need-a-contour-gauge aNJ3MHT9FuvX4ciSmkq47H Mon, 29 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ 3 easy and practical ways to maximise natural light in a basement conversion – sidestep that drab dungeon feeling in favour of a light, bright space ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/conversions/how-to-bring-natural-light-into-a-basement shPU79wKW9NMCLz92zLh7f Sun, 28 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:29:26 +0000 <![CDATA[ There's a lot to love about tarmac driveways – but my mum has one, and there are a couple of reasons she’s rethinking her driveway design ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/exterior/tarmac-driveway-pros-and-cons TZBHbtzufQ3LRed8VcKzC7 Fri, 26 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ How to insulate a cold wall from the inside, and why the type of wall you have matters ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/roofs-and-walls/how-to-insulate-a-cold-wall-from-the-inside ZojkNPiBWAJ2RGepEYtgsj Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ Think air con is just for summer? Think again – it could be key to reducing your heating bills over the winter ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/air-conditioning-heating 4QiCYC2vXkgRGuiWtfo6mU Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:51:56 +0000 <![CDATA[ I get it, this might sound ludicrous, but there are 4 compelling reasons now is the ideal time to install air conditioning ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/heating-and-cooling/best-time-to-install-air-conditioning Bee9NWq9EYY45r23WzrETh Sun, 21 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[ This £20 Amazon bestseller gives me peace of mind when hanging pictures and more — here's why I think everyone should have one in their toolkit ]]> https://www.idealhome.co.uk/renovation/reasons-you-need-a-stud-finder UgCsQePMafpEiDsXVG4maG Fri, 19 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:45:49 +0000