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 (UK Guide)

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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.  Unfortunately, these qualities came at a steep price.  Later on, scientists found that asbestos is highly hazardous to human health, and since then, builders have used cellulose insulation …

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upvc door handles types a or b difference

uPVC Door Handles — Important Differences Between Type A and Type B (DIY Guide)

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uPVC door handles are common in British front doors, and their replacement is a simple task for most DIYers. Annoyingly, uPVC door handles are not a universal type.  This guide will show you how to identify your existing uPVC door handle type and the differences between Type A and Type B.  What are the Differences …

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do i need planning permission

Do I Need Planning Permission? 23 Projects You Can Start Now in 2023 (UK Guide)

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Apart from the obvious lick of quality emulsion paint or new carpet, have you ever wondered what home improvements you can carry out without going through the expensive and timely process of planning permission?  We reckon there’s probably more than you might think! We’ve researched and uncovered 23 home renovation projects you can tackle without …

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best washable paint

Best Washable Paint in the UK (2023 Reviews & Buying Guide)

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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 should clean effortlessly with water and soap. However, with so many options available, how do you find the best washable paint? In this guide, we’ve spent hours …

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how to smooth walls without plastering

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

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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 that takes 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, depending on …

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floor sanding cost per m2 in the uk

Floor Sanding Cost per m2 in the UK (2023 Price Guide & Money-Saving Tips)

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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 wallpaper a room

How Much to Wallpaper a Room in 2023? (UK Cost Guide & Money-Saving Tips)

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There’s more to wallpapering a room than simply applying your favourite print to the walls. You first need to assess the current condition of your walls and whether any prep work needs to be done. These factors will help answer the question, ‘how much to wallpaper a room?‘. The cost will heavily depend on whether …

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how much to paint a house exterior in the uk

How Much to Paint a House Exterior in the UK? (2023 Cost Guide and Money-Saving Tips)

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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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laminate flooring fitting cost

Laminate Flooring Fitting Cost in 2023 (UK Price Guide and Money-Saving Tips)

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Laminate is a popular option among UK homeowners due to its appearance, relatively low cost and durability. Unlike vinyl flooring, laminate can withstand items dropped from a great height and take a hammering from children and pets. But how much does laminate cost? Can you do it yourself? We answer all these questions and more …

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cost of removing pebbledash

Cost of Removing Pebbledash in 2023 (UK Price Guide and Top Money-Saving Tips)

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If your home’s original features have been covered with post-war pebbledash, you might want to restore it to its former glory. I know I was! Before determining the cost of removing pebbledash, it’s important to know what it is, why it’s there, and the best ways of removing/covering it. In a Hurry? Find top-rated plasterers …

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vinyl flooring installation cost in the uk

Vinyl Flooring Installation Cost in the UK (2023 Price Guide & Money-Saving Tips)

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If your carpet has seen better days, or your kitchen floor desperately needs updating, you might be pining for a new surface underfoot. Vinyl flooring is easy to maintain and hard-wearing — great for high-traffic areas. But how much does vinyl flooring installation cost in the UK, and is it something you could easily do …

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how to box in pipes

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

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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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how to fit acrylic splashback

How To Fit Acrylic Splashback in 13 Easy Steps (DIY Guide)

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Practical and visually pleasing, acrylic splashbacks are hugely popular in kitchens. They provide an inexpensive backdrop against the wall, are durable, easy to maintain, and protect walls from grease and grime. This guide will show you how to fit acrylic splashback step-by-step. In a Hurry? Find top-rated kitchen tilers in your area by clicking the …

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how to replace bathroom sealant

How To Replace Bathroom Sealant (2 Easy Methods): DIY Guide

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If you need to remove and replace silicone sealant within your home, we’ve created this step-by-step guide. We’ll show you how to replace bathroom sealant like a professional but without the cost. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert DIYer either; this is a straightforward tutorial that anyone can accomplish. What is Silicone Sealant? Silicone …

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how to strip paint off wood

How To Strip Paint Off Wood and Other Materials (Complete DIY Guide)

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Over time, many homes build layers of paint on their walls, ceilings, floors and furniture. These built-up layers become messy and difficult to remove. This guide shows you how to strip paint off wood and other common surfaces, such as masonry, metal and glass. Let’s get stripping! In a Hurry? Find top-rated painters & decorators …

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how to wallpaper around a window

How To Wallpaper Around a Window in 7 Easy Steps (DIY Guide)

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Let’s face it; some areas are difficult to hang wallpaper, especially windows and door frames. That’s why I’ve put together this guide on how to wallpaper around a window.  Tools & Materials Tools: Materials: How To Wallpaper Around a Window — Step-by-Step Instructions You can use two different kinds of wallpaper: unpasted and prepasted. Each …

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patching plaster

Patching Plaster — How to Repair Walls and Ceilings in 7 Easy Steps (DIY Guide)

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Patching plaster may sound intimidating, but it’s not as complicated as you think. If you have the time and patience to follow the seven steps below, you shouldn’t need to hire a professional plasterer to fix small to medium-sized cracks or holes. Tools & Materials Below is a list of recommended tools and materials to …

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