Paul Overton

If you need a bigger home, but don't want all the hassle and expense of moving, a double storey extension built on to your house could be the perfect solution. Creating more space on two floors could give you the dream kitchen you've always wanted plus a large master bedroom with en suite bathroom

Did your home take a battering from last winter's harsh weather? Is the spring sun now shining through your windows highlighting a tired, outdated interior? If your home is in need of any repairs, improvements or alterations the summer months are the perfect time in which to do them.

The one thing that's clear about bathroom design this year is that there's no such thing as a standard bathroom: it's all about individualism. The top bathroom companies have unveiled stunning new 2011 ranges, but it's up to the creative homeowner to mix and match and put together a bathroom that's both unique and very personal.

What does summer entertaining mean to you? Children's birthday parties, al fresco dining with friends, and inviting the neighbours round for a barbecue? Are you already planning a big family gathering to celebrate a special occasion? Or perhaps you'll need no other reason than sunny days and warm evenings to throw impromptu parties!

Most retailers would love to have more space, but in these difficult trading times the need to minimise costs has to take priority over other considerations. If you are setting up a new shop and can only afford cramped premises, or you want to grow your existing business without all the expense and hassle of moving into a larger property, take some tips from the experts on how to maximise your retail space.

A successful kitchen refurbishment will result in a kitchen that is attractive, practical and individually tailored to the needs of its owner. Careful planning is essential. A survey is important, but the only way a professional kitchen designer can get all the details exactly right for the client is through an in-depth consultation.

If 2011 is going to be the year in which you finally do something about your tired, outdated kitchen, you couldn't have chosen a better time. Whether you want to refurbish an existing kitchen, or plan to create a completely new one, there are more choices available to you now than ever before.

Choosing the right builder for any building project is essential for a successful outcome, and one thing that can help you to sort the professionals from the cowboys is a comprehensive portfolio.

Thorough preparation is essential if you want a domestic building project to proceed smoothly and be kept within budget. Whether you want your home renovated from top to bottom, have an extension added, or just need a few repairs and alterations, always look for a building company that offers an advisory, design and planning service. Even on a small building project all three stages are important if you want to avoid frustrating – and often expensive – mistakes and delays.

Renovating an existing bathroom, or creating a new one, can make a big improvement to your home and your enjoyment of it. It's important to plan all the details of a new bathroom before any work begins, but that can be difficult when there are so many different things to take into account. As with all building projects, careful planning – one step at a time – is the key to success.