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New research has revealed that Brits are spending more money on home improvements and are taking out personal loans to pay for them.

If you're thinking about doing a self build you need to start thinking about certificates as well.

For a self-build project you should consider what will be the most desirable with respect to selling in the future.
An Architects' Certificate is fine and acceptable to most lenders. They are very useful if they involve the architect who has been responsible for the drawing of the plans, the submission and obtaining of planning permission, the building warrant and then going on to send out and be involved in the tenders. However this certificate is not a warranty.

Doors may seem like a small part of the house designed to keep out the cold and provide privacy and security. While they are these things they also provide a first impression of your house to guests and potential buyers (if you're selling of course). Your choice of doors will have a huge impact on your home, so be sure to select the right style, material, and price.

If you're looking to move or simply ship a piece of furniture around the country the costs can pile up.

Most of the time the minimum price for hiring a moving company is £50 and the price tag sky rockets depending on distance.

Long hailed as the ultimate construction system, structural insulated panels (SIPs) indeed have their advantages in time and efficiency.

While researching the legal requirements for a self build you might have come across something called the Party Wall Act.

This is different from planning permission because it is a legal requirement for those working on boundaries or any part of a property that is shared. This work includes: work on an existing walls shared with another property; building on the boundary with a neighbouring property; or work involving excavating near a boundary.

Here's a few quick and cheap ways to update your home. Consider these ideas to help you freshen up and impress guests.

Masonry construction can help deliver the challenging zero-carbon housing.

By using existing, traditional and readily available masonry products and techniques attaining the highest levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes is possible, and it is the aim of the Tamarac Homes initiative to demonstrate it.
Here are some of the benefits offered by traditional products and techniques.

1) Whole-life thermal performance

2) Readily available, locally sourced

3) Delivering energy efficiency

4) Recyclable

5) Sound Insulation

If you're a landowner looking to sell you may have some questions as to what would add the most value to your plot.

Of course size and location of the plot will determine most of the value however having a possible design will add a little too. First you will need to get Outline Planning Permission (OPP) for a house that is as big as possible.

Motion-sensor security lights are an additional safety precaution for your home. A few steps and an hour's time will prevent unwanted visitors from getting that much closer to your sanctuary.