Explainers
Start with the question you actually have
Plain-English guides to the subjects homeowners get the worst advice on. Written to be read on their own, and linked to the episodes where guests go into detail. No sign-up, no sales pitch.
What causes damp and mould in a house, and how do I tell the difference?
A guide to the three real types of damp, why so many homes are misdiagnosed, what a damp meter can and can't tell you, and how to spot a contractor who's guessing.
Why does my house get condensation, and how do I stop it?
Where household moisture actually comes from, why airtight modern homes need more ventilation not less, and how trickle vents, extract fans, PIV and MVHR each fit into the fix.
Why does an old house need lime mortar instead of cement?
How solid-wall traditional buildings manage moisture, why cement pointing damages old brick and stone, and what owners of listed and older properties need to know before repairing them.
How do I compare builders' quotes and stop a building project costing more than planned?
Why the cheapest quote isn't always the best value, what provisional sums really mean, and how getting the scope, contract and payment terms right before work begins protects your budget.
What should I check for damp and building health before buying a house?
What a mortgage valuation actually covers, the different levels of RICS survey, how to read a vague damp note, and why a free specialist report isn't always as independent as it sounds.
How does the lighting in my home affect my sleep, mood and concentration?
How natural light and colour temperature interact with the body clock, which lighting suits which room, common kitchen mistakes, and why glare and flicker matter, especially for people with sensory sensitivities.
What are landlords legally required to do about damp and mould in the UK?
An overview of Awaab's Law, the Fitness for Human Habitation Act, the HHSRS damp and mould hazard, and what tenants and landlords in the UK should know and document.
What should I know before commissioning bespoke steel staircases, balustrades or gates?
How one-off steel staircases, balustrades, gates and structural steelwork are designed and built, when to involve a fabricator, how powder coating and galvanising protect against corrosion, and the mistakes to avoid.