The Compare My Builder Blog
Expert advice, how-to guides, and tips to help you get the most from your home improvement projects.
Storm Damage? Your Post-Storm Home Checklist After Storm Austen
Storm Austen brought gusts of 70mph+ to parts of the UK. Here's a safe, step-by-step checklist for spotting storm damage to your roof, chimney, gutters, fences and trees, plus what to photograph for insurance and when to call in a tradesperson.
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Dark Evenings Are Here: Is Your Outdoor Lighting Up to the Job?
With the clocks gone back, it's dark by teatime. Here's a simple checklist to make sure your outdoor and security lighting is working safely, from porch lights and PIR sensors to garden lighting, plus the warning signs that mean it's time to call an electrician.
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Boiler Breakdown: A Homeowner’s Survival Guide to Heating Issues
Is your heating off? Follow this step-by-step guide to troubleshooting UK boiler breakdowns, frozen pipes, and when to call a Gas Safe engineer.
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Loft Insulation: Keep the Cold Out and Your Heating Bills Down This Winter
Up to a quarter of a home's heat can be lost through an uninsulated roof. Find out how to check your loft insulation, how much you need, the main types, and when to call in a professional before winter sets in.
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Winter Roof Repairs: A Homeowner’s Guide to Avoiding Storm Damage
It’s 11 PM, the wind is howling, and you hear a thud above. Don’t wait for a leak. Learn how to spot and manage urgent roof repairs this winter.
Read moreLeaking Roof? Signs to Look For and What to Do Straight Away
Water stains on the ceiling or drips after heavy rain? Learn the warning signs of a leaking roof, what to do immediately to limit the damage, the common causes, and when to call a roofer.
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Damp Patches After Heavy Rain? Signs of Damp Coming Through and What to Do
New damp patches after a spell of wet weather? Learn the signs of penetrating damp, rising damp and condensation, what's causing it, and when to call in a damp specialist.
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Frozen Pipes in Winter: A Homeowner’s Emergency Guide
Discover how to prevent, spot, and fix frozen or burst pipes in your home this winter. Stay prepared with our practical UK homeowner's emergency guide.
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Winter Drainage Checklist: Preventing Flooding and Damage
Is your home ready for winter? Follow this practical checklist to clear gutters, prevent drain blockages, and protect your property from water damage.
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Boiler Breakdown Checklist: A UK Homeowner’s Emergency Guide
Is your heating down? Follow this practical checklist to troubleshoot common UK boiler faults before calling a Gas Safe registered engineer.
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Winter Roof Care: A Practical Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners
Don't let winter storms cause costly damage. Follow our practical roof maintenance checklist to keep your home warm, dry, and secure this winter.
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Emergency Plumbing & Frozen Pipes: A Practical Checklist
Don't get caught out by the UK winter. Follow this practical checklist to protect your home from frozen and burst pipes before the temperature drops.
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Storm Season Is Here: What Homeowners Need to Check Before the Weather Turns
Autumn and winter bring the UK's worst weather. Here's what to check now — fencing, trees, roofing and more — to prevent storm damage before the next named storm hits.
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Building Control Explained: When You Need Approval and How It Works
Confused about building regulations and building control? Here's a plain-English guide to when you need approval, how the process works, and what it costs.
Read moreDamp Proofing: Types of Damp, Causes, and What It Costs to Fix
Damp is one of the most common — and most misdiagnosed — problems in UK homes. Here's how to identify the type of damp and what treatment really costs.
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Flat Pack Assembly: When to Hire Help and What It Costs
Bought flat-pack furniture and dreading the assembly? Here's when it's worth hiring a professional and what to expect to pay.
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Carpet Cleaning: How Often, What It Costs, and What to Expect
Professional carpet cleaning can extend the life of your carpets and improve indoor air quality. Here's what to know before booking a cleaner.
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Aerials & Satellite: Installation, Repairs, and What to Check
TV reception problems? Need a new aerial or satellite dish? Here's what affects the cost and what to ask before booking an installer.
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Brickwork Cost Guide: What to Budget for Bricklaying in 2026
From garden walls to full extensions, brickwork costs vary widely. Here's what affects the price and what to budget for common bricklaying jobs in 2026.
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Structural Steel: When You Need an RSJ and What It Costs
Removing a load-bearing wall? You'll likely need a steel beam (RSJ). Here's what to expect, how the process works, and what to budget for.
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Demolition & Clearing: What Homeowners Need to Know Before You Start
Knocking down a garage, removing an old extension, or clearing an overgrown plot? Here's what affects demolition costs and what to plan for.
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Appliance Repairs: When to Fix vs Replace and What It Costs
Washing machine won't spin? Fridge not cooling? Here's how to decide whether to repair or replace an appliance, and what to expect to pay.
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Chimney & Fireplace Guide: Repairs, Sweeping, and Installation Costs
From chimney sweeping to fireplace installation and flue repairs, here's what homeowners need to know about chimney and fireplace work in 2026.
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Groundworks: What's Involved and What It Costs Before You Build
Extensions, new builds, and major landscaping all start with groundworks. Here's what's involved, what to budget for, and why it matters.
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Solar Panel Installation: Costs, Savings, and What to Check in 2026
Thinking about solar panels? Here's what affects the cost, how much you could save, and the key questions to ask before you book an installer.
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House Surveys Explained: Which Type Do You Need and What They Cost
Buying a property? A survey can save you thousands by uncovering hidden problems. Here's which survey to choose and what to expect.
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Conservatory Costs: What to Budget for a New Conservatory in 2026
From basic uPVC to orangery-style designs, conservatory costs vary hugely. Here's what affects the price and what to expect.
Read moreInsulation: Loft, Wall, and Floor — What Saves the Most Money?
Insulation is one of the best-value home improvements you can make. Here's what each type costs, what it saves, and what to prioritise.
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How Much Does a New Boiler Cost to Install? (2026 UK Guide)
A new boiler typically costs £1,500–£4,500 fully installed in the UK. Here's a full breakdown of costs by boiler type, what affects the price, and how to get an accurate quote.
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Do I Need Planning Permission for a Loft Conversion? (2026 UK Guide)
Most loft conversions don't need planning permission but all require Building Regulations approval. Here's when you do need permission, and what to check before starting.
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Bathroom Renovation Cost Guide: What to Budget For (2026)
A full bathroom renovation in the UK typically costs £4,000–£10,000. Here's a breakdown of what affects the price, how long it takes, and how to get an accurate quote.
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Fixed Price vs Custom Quote: Which Is Right for Your Job?
Fixed price or custom quote? Knowing which suits your job avoids both overpaying and unpleasant surprises. Here's how to choose the right pricing approach.
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Tiler vs General Builder: Who Should You Hire for a Bathroom Retile?
For a straightforward bathroom retile, a specialist tiler is usually the better choice. Here's how to decide between a tiler and a general builder for your job.
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Is a Skip Licence Required to Put a Skip on the Road? (2026 UK Guide)
Yes — if you want to place a skip on a public road or pavement, you need a skip permit from your council. Here's how to get one, what it costs, and the safety rules.
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How Much Does It Cost to Build a Single-Storey Extension? (2026 Guide)
A single-storey extension in the UK typically costs £1,500–£2,500 per square metre. Here's a full breakdown of costs by size, what affects the price, and planning permission rules.
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Do I Need Building Regulations Approval for a Driveway? (2026 UK Guide)
Most driveways don't need planning permission — but drainage rules catch many homeowners out. Here's when you do need permission and what to check before starting.
Read moreHow to Compare Builder Quotes: What to Look For Beyond Price
The cheapest quote isn't always the best value. Here's what actually matters when comparing quotes — what's included, credentials, timeline, and payment structure.
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Do I Need a Gas Safe Registered Engineer? What Homeowners Should Check
By law, anyone working on gas appliances in the UK must be Gas Safe registered. Here's how to check, why it matters, and red flags to watch for.
Read moreFencing Costs: Featheredge vs Panel vs Closeboard Compared (2026)
Garden fencing typically costs £30–£90 per linear metre installed. Here's a comparison of featheredge, panel, and closeboard fencing — costs, durability, and what to look for in a quote.
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Preparing Your Garden for Winter: Landscaping Jobs to Book Now
Late summer and early autumn is the best window to get garden and landscaping jobs booked before winter. Here are the jobs worth booking now and why timing matters.
Read more7 Questions to Ask a Tradesperson Before You Hire Them
A few good questions before booking can save you from a delayed, overpriced, or poorly finished job. Here are 7 questions worth asking every time.
Read moreWhen Is the Best Time of Year to Get a Boiler Serviced?
Late summer to early autumn is the best time to book a boiler service — before the seasonal rush. Here's why timing matters and what a service actually checks.
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How to Choose the Right Plumber for Your Home
From checking qualifications to comparing quotes — here's everything you need to know to hire a reliable plumber you can trust.
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