Guides
Practical, no-nonsense advice to help you hire the right tradesperson and get the job done well.
How to choose a reliable local tradesperson
What to check, questions to ask and warning signs to avoid before you hire.
How to compare quotes from tradespeople
Quote vs estimate, what a written quote should include, and what to avoid.
Questions to ask before hiring a plumber
Insurance, Gas Safe, price and guarantees — a simple hiring checklist.
Questions to ask before hiring an electrician
Registration, Part P certificates, EICRs and insurance to check.
Questions to ask before hiring a builder
Contracts, payment schedules, trade bodies and building control.
Questions to ask before hiring a roofer
Insurance, scaffolding, guarantees and how to avoid doorstep scams.
Emergency plumber or boiler engineer?
Who to call for leaks, no heating, no hot water and gas problems.
Signs you need a new boiler
Age, rising bills, leaks and noises — and when to repair or replace.
How to prepare your home for winter
Boiler service, lagging pipes, roof and gutter checks and more.
How landlords find reliable maintenance contractors
Safety certificates, building a trusted list and staying compliant.
How much does a plumber cost?
Hourly rates, day rates, call-out and emergency plumber costs for 2026.
How much does an electrician cost?
Rates, EICRs, fuse-box changes, sockets and rewiring costs explained.
How much does a new boiler cost?
Combi replacement and installation costs, labour and conversions for 2026.
How much does a new bathroom cost?
Budget, mid-range and high-end bathroom refit costs and timescales.
How much does roof repair cost?
Tile repairs, flat-roof repairs, full re-roofs and roofer day rates.
How much does a house extension cost?
Single and double-storey extension costs per square metre, plus fees.
How much does a loft conversion cost?
Velux, dormer, hip-to-gable and mansard loft conversion costs.
How much does a new kitchen cost?
Budget, mid-range and luxury kitchen supply-and-fit costs and labour.
How much does a painter and decorator cost?
Day rates, hourly rates and per-room painting costs for 2026.
How much does tiling cost?
Wall and floor tiling costs per square metre and tiler day rates.
How much does plastering cost?
Skimming and re-plastering costs by room and per square metre.
How much does a carpenter cost?
Carpenter and joiner hourly and day rates, plus bespoke work.
How much does damp treatment cost?
Rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation treatment costs.
How much does garden landscaping cost?
Patio, decking, turfing and full makeover costs per square metre.
How much does a driveway cost?
Block paving, resin, tarmac and concrete driveway costs per m².
How much does a locksmith cost?
Call-out fees, lockouts, lock changes and emergency locksmith costs.
How much does a handyman cost?
Hourly, half-day and day rates for odd jobs and home repairs.
How much does rubbish removal cost?
Van-load, hourly and house-clearance rubbish removal costs.
How much does pest control cost?
Mice, rats, wasps and bed bug treatment costs for 2026.
How much does a plumber cost in London?
London plumber rates — hourly, day, call-out and emergency.
How much does an electrician cost in London?
London electrician rates, EICRs, fuse boxes and rewires.
How much does a new boiler cost in London?
London combi boiler replacement and installation costs.
How much does roof repair cost in London?
London roof repair and re-roofing costs, access and scaffolding.
How much does a house extension cost in London?
London extension costs per m², inner vs outer boroughs.
How much does a new bathroom cost in London?
London bathroom refit costs, labour and timescales.
How much does a new kitchen cost in London?
London kitchen supply-and-fit costs by range.
How much does damp treatment cost in London?
London damp treatment costs for period and solid-wall homes.