Home renovation

Practical advice, work sequences and prices for your project.

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Rewiring a flat: costs, process, and when an upgrade is essential

Rewiring a Flat: Costs, Process, and Signs You Need an Urgent Upgrade

Replacing old electrical wiring is often the most delayed part of a renovation, yet outdated electrics are the leading technical cause of domestic fires. In 2026, a full rewire starts from €952 for a studio flat up to €3,824 for a 5-bedroom property, with chasing channels costing between €5.70 and €8.50 per linear metre and plastering repairs at €7.30 to €10.90 per linear metre. In this article, you will learn when a rewire is essential, the step-by-step process, real-world costs, and common mistakes to avoid.

· 5 min
LED lighting in a flat: installation costs for strips, spotlights, and chandeliers

LED Lighting in Flats: Installation Costs for Strips, Spotlights, and Chandeliers

LED lighting is now the standard for every renovation and new build, compared to traditional bulbs, it saves 80 to 90% in energy and lasts for 25,000 to 50,000 hours. In 2026, LED strip installation costs between €7.70 and €11.50 per linear metre, recessed spotlights with hole cutting cost €18.30 to €27.50 per unit, pendant chandeliers €41.90 to €62.90, and wall lights €13.40 to €20.20. In this article, you will find real-world installation prices for all types of light fittings, how to plan your lighting during a renovation, and which mistakes to avoid.

· 5 min
Cost of rewiring: complete price guide by property size

Cost of Rewiring: Complete Price Guide by Flat Size

Electrical installation is one of the most critical and technically demanding tasks in both renovations and new builds. A full electrical installation and fit-out for a 1-bedroom flat in 2026 costs on average €952 to €1,428, for a 3-bedroom flat €1,435 to €2,153, and for a 5-bedroom property €2,603 to €3,824. In this overview, you will find real market prices based on property size, what the fit-out includes, the differences between flats and houses, and how to hire a qualified electrician with the correct certifications.

· 7 min
Underfloor heating: costs, installation, and comparison of wet and electric systems

Underfloor heating: costs, installation, and comparison of wet and electric systems

Underfloor heating (UFH) has become the gold standard for new builds and high-end renovations across the UK. In 2026, the full installation of a UFH manifold costs between €331 and €497 per unit, screeding over pipes ranges from €8.60 to €12.80 per linear metre, and installing a smart thermostat costs between €184 and €276. This guide provides real-world labour rates, a comparison between wet and electric systems, advice on ROI, and professional tips for finding a reliable heating engineer.

· 9 min
Drywall prices 2026: complete overview of labour, materials and finished partitions

Drywall prices 2026: complete guide to labour, materials and partition walls

Plasterboard remains one of the most versatile building materials for both renovations and new builds across the UK. In 2026, a complete single-skin stud partition costs between 18.8 and 28.2 €/m² including labour, while a double-skin partition with superior soundproofing ranges from 34.9 to 52.3 €/m². Dropped ceilings or plasterboard soffits cost between 27.4 and 41 €/m². This guide covers real-world pricing for various construction types, compares drywall to masonry, provides a sample budget for a typical flat renovation, and offers pro tips to avoid common installation blunders.

· 9 min
Construction rates 2026: UK industry cost overview

Construction Rates 2026: UK Industry Overview

In 2026, construction labour rates in the UK range from €3/m² for basic painting and decorating to over €80/m² for complete bathroom refurbishments. Compared to 2024, average prices have risen by 8 to 15%, driven primarily by material costs and energy inflation. This guide provides current market rates for the ten most common trades, pricing trends since 2020, regional variations, professional tips to save 10 to 20%, and a real-world flat renovation case study.

· 13 min
Drylining finishing: Taping, jointing, and detailing for professional plasterboard surfaces.

Drylining Finishing: Taping, Jointing, and Details for Long-Term Durability

When it comes to drywall and plasterboard installations, quality isn't just about the metal studwork and boarding. The final result is defined by the finishing stages, professional jointing, internal corner caulking, crack prevention, and precision sanding. These details determine whether a partition wall or ceiling remains flawless years down the line. In this article, we explain the professional jointing process, why decorators' caulk is critical in high-stress areas, and what factors influence the longevity of drylining systems.

· 6 min
Modern drylining and interior design: bespoke window finishes, LED lighting and architectural suspended ceilings

Drylining and Interior Design: Atypical Finishing, LED Strips and Modern Suspended Ceilings

Drylining today is more than just a building material; it is a full-scale design tool. It allows for clean lines, hidden lighting, elegant pelmets at windows, and modern suspended ceilings with an architectural impact. In this article, we explain how the professional installation of atypical window endings for curtains or LED strips is carried out, what is involved in fitting design-focused plasterboard ceilings and soffits, and what factors influence the price list of construction works for more demanding solutions. If you want an interior to look sleek and timeless, these are the details that matter.

· 5 min
Professional installation of drylining partitions and suspended ceilings with metal stud frameworks.

Drylining and Suspended Ceilings: The Complete Guide from Insulation to Finishing

Drylining is now one of the most efficient solutions for interior fit-outs, ranging from new partition walls to suspended ceilings with integrated insulation. However, the quality of installation fundamentally impacts the acoustics, stability, and lifespan of the structure. In this professional guide, we explain the difference between single and double-skinned partitions, the installation process for plasterboard ceilings and bulkheads, the correct fitting of thermal and acoustic insulation, and the factors affecting construction labour rates. Whether you are planning a renovation or a new build, this article will help you make a technically sound decision.

· 6 min
Dry Construction in Flat or House Renovation: An Efficient and Modern Solution

Dry Construction in Flat or House Renovation: An Efficient and Modern Solution

Dry construction has become one of the most popular solutions for flat and house renovations across the United Kingdom in recent years. It is a building method that saves time, reduces mess on site, and offers a high level of flexibility when redesigning interior spaces. With dry construction, you can quickly install partition walls, suspended ceilings, or wall linings without relying on traditional wet processes such as bricklaying or concrete work. In this article, you will learn what dry construction involves, its main advantages, and what to consider during installation.

· 4 min
How to Dispose of Waste Environmentally After Removing a Kitchen and Other Furniture?

How to Dispose of Waste Environmentally After Removing a Kitchen and Other Furniture?

Removing an old kitchen unit and other furniture is a common part of many home renovations. However, once the work is completed, a significant amount of waste remains and must be disposed of properly. Poor waste management can harm the environment and create complications during the next stages of the project. If you are planning to remove your kitchen units, it is essential to know how to sort and dispose of waste responsibly. In this guide, we explain the available cleaning options and provide an overview of approximate costs in United Kingdom so you can complete your renovation efficiently and sustainably.

· 4 min
What You Need to Know Before Renovating Your Shower Enclosure

What You Need to Know Before Renovating Your Shower Enclosure

The shower is the place where we start, and for many, also end, our day. Since the days when the shower enclosure was framed by the bath walls and covered with a damp curtain, much has changed. Let’s explore how to combine functionality and style in this essential space in your home.

· 4 min

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