Fiona Chapman

Fiona Chapman is a copywriter and lifestyle blogger. With a keen interest in property and home decor, she’s passionate about keeping costs down. When not writing you’ll find her working on her latest craft, or chasing her unruly children

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how to tell the difference between cellulose and asbestos insulation

How To Tell The Difference Between Cellulose And Asbestos Insulation

Asbestos was a popular building material for decades in the UK. Its excellent insulating and fire-proof qualities meant that builders used it throughout houses and commercial buildings, but these qualities came at a cost. Later on, scientists found that asbestos is highly hazardous to human health, and since then, builders have used cellulose insulation instead. […]

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do i need planning permission

Do I Need Planning Permission? 23 Projects To Start in 2025 (UK Guide)

Apart from the obvious lick of emulsion paint or new carpet, have you ever wondered what home improvements you do without going through the expensive and time-consuming planning permission process?  To help answer this question, we’ve uncovered 23 home renovation projects you can tackle without planning permission. For listed buildings, the rules may differ from

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best washable paint

Best Washable Paint in the UK (2025 Reviews & Buying Guide)

Washable paints are essential for households with muddy paws, small sticky hands, or high-traffic areas that require frequent wipe-downs (e.g. kitchens and bathrooms). As their name suggests, washable paints clean effortlessly with water and soap. However, with so many options available, how do you find the best washable paint for your home? In this guide, we’ve

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how to smooth walls without plastering

How To Smooth Walls Without Plastering (6 Easy DIY Options)

For many of us, plastering walls is a daunting task. It’s messy, difficult to apply and time-consuming. In fact, ‘wet’ plastering is a skilled job requiring plenty of practice. Thankfully, we will show you how to smooth walls without plastering or hiring a professional. Several options are available for smooth, ready-to-decorate walls, but each one

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floor sanding cost per m2 in the uk

Floor Sanding Cost Per Square Metre in 2025 (UK Price Guide)

Wooden flooring is popular with minimalists, allergy sufferers and period property renovators. But whether you’re looking to restore an old wooden floor or apply a new finish to an existing one, knowing the potential price is the best place to start. Considering some typical scenarios, this guide summarizes the UK’s average floor sanding cost per

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how much to paint a house exterior in the uk

How Much To Paint A House Exterior In 2025? (UK Cost Guide)

Kerb appeal is everything, especially for homeowners looking to attract potential buyers. However, the cost of painting your external walls depends on several factors, including; wall type, whether it’s been painted before, and, most importantly, your decision to do it yourself or hire a professional. In this UK cost guide, we look at all these factors

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how to box in pipes

How To Box in Pipes — Step-by-Step DIY Guide (and pro tips)

Unsightly pipes can ruin your home’s decor. Well, unless you’re opting for a trendy industrial vibe! Pipes covered in layers of thick paint or messy pipework sprawling across a wall can become eye-sore. Fortunately, if you want to hide your pipework, you don’t need a plumber to relocate them. There’s a much simpler, DIY-friendly solution.

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