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

Just 23 sleeps until the big day – make sure you’re not wasting cash in the run-up to Xmas. Financial strategist Laura Linden, of Feisty FD (feistyfd. com), shares some savvy reminders...

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

NO-NONSENSE SOLUTIONS TO EVERYDAY HASSLES

December 2025

Q I’d like to help others this Christmas but my budget is limited. Do you have any tips? A There are lots of ways to help others that don’t involve money. Are there any local charities near you lookin