One of the biggest, and costliest, jobs for renovators comes with updating an outmoded heating and plumbing system — surveyor Ian Rock’s guide explains all you need to know

A round-up of the latest self-build and home renovation news, products and events. By Jennifer Grimble and Joseph Mullane

Even if you’re apprehensive about technology, you almost certainly often use it without even realising – such as scrolling through Instagram on your phone, asking Alexa a question or planning a route

NO-NONSENSE SOLUTIONS TO EVERYDAY HASSLES

THINKING OF INVESTING IN A NEW WOOD-BURNING STOVE THIS YEAR? OUR GUIDE WILL HELP YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOUR HOME…

BASEMENT CONVERSIONS ADD A WHOLE HOUSE FOOTPRINT OF SPACE TO A HOME, BUT THE COST AND UPHEAVAL CAN BE DAUNTING. OUR GUIDE EXPLAINS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW