Direct Line magazine

Plans for a home extension
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Your guide to building a home extension

As moving house can be expensive, many of us opt to improve our existing homes rather than buying somewhere else. But extending your house to create extra space has its challenges. We've put together a few tips to help smooth the process.
A couple look over some bills
Home

The true cost of running your home

Do you want to reduce the cost of running your home? Mortgage payments, energy costs, council tax, home insurance, water charges - the costs can seem never-ending. So, it's good to cut back where you can. Check out our handy tips to discover what you can do to lower your bills.
Friends relax with a cup of tea after moving into a shared home.
Home

What to consider before buying or renting with someone

Whether it's your partner, a friend or even an acquaintance, buying or renting a property with someone else is increasingly common. It's worth understanding the financial and legal implications of sharing a home, as well some of the ground rules you'll need to set.

A child holding a soft toy looks out at a snow-covered garden.
Home

Prepare your property for winter

During the autumn and winter months, property disasters like burst pipes, malfunctioning boilers, flooding and storm damage are more likely. Start the preparation and planning before the temperatures drop, and you'll protect your property.
A home with solar panels.
Home

A guide to green homes

It's more important than ever to think about the environment. We can't just flick a switch and improve things overnight, but we can do our part at home to make things a little better.
Tags: Tips
Japanese knotweed
Home

What's Japanese knotweed and how do you defeat it?

Japanese Knotweed can strike fear into the hearts of even the most experienced gardeners, as it's extremely difficult to control, can choke other plants and regenerates from the smallest fragment. If you spot it in your garden, don't panic - find out the best ways to tackle it.
Neighbours discuss the issues.
Home

Resolving disputes and arguments with neighbours

Falling out with neighbours can be awkward, especially as there's nothing you can do to escape them other than moving house. Most arguments are caused by similar things and can be easily resolved. Find out how to amicably settle disputes and when it's best to seek further advice.
Tags: Tips
How to knock down a wall
Home

How to knock down a wall

If you've never knocked down a wall before, it's important to know it can be quite a complex job and can require some heavy duty equipment. It's a skilled task, so before you get your sledge hammer out, find out what to take into consideration.
scaffolding is seen around a home extension
Home

Add value to your home with an extension

An extension or loft conversion could add to a property's value. If you're on the property ladder, it could be your way up to the next rung.
Keeping your shed and garden safe
Home

Keeping your garden and shed safe

Whether it's equipment stored in your shed, expensive garden ornaments or even outdoor furniture, many of us fail to protect the valuables we have in our gardens and sheds. Read our suggestions on how to protect your garden valuables from theft.
a listed property
Home

Top 5 things to know about buying a listed property

The house of your dreams is listed. Should that put you off? With around 500,000 listed buildings in the UK, it's worth getting informed. From permissions to insurance, we go through the things you need to know about buying a listed property.
A smart security camera is controlled by a smartphone app.
Home

Securing your home while you’re away

When you're away, your home is especially vulnerable to thieves. To help give you peace of mind, we explore some measures you can take before you leave the house.
A couple look over some bills
Home

The true cost of running your home

Do you want to reduce the cost of running your home? Mortgage payments, energy costs, council tax, home insurance, water charges - the costs can seem never-ending. So, it's good to cut back where you can. Check out our handy tips to discover what you can do to lower your bills.
Sand bags are piled up in front of a door to help prevent flooding
Home

The true cost of water insurance claims

Nearly 1 in 5 claims made on buildings and contents insurance are for damage caused by leaks. When water cascades into a home, the damage can run into hundreds, if not thousands of pounds. Discover the true costs of water claims and what to do if there's a leak in your home.
A tap drips
Home

How to fix a leaky tap

Dripping taps leak a surprising amount of water, costing you money. Quite literally, it's money going down the drain. Luckily, fixing the problem can be straightforward.
A wind farm and solar panels.
Home

Reduce your power bills with renewable energy

Could you cut your energy bills by saying goodbye to the electrical grid? Read on to see how you can embrace renewable energy.
A person presses a button on a carbon monoxide alarm.
Home

How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is dangerous, as it's odourless, tasteless, invisible, and can kill quickly. If you have gas appliances in the home, carbon monoxide poisoning is a risk. That's why you need to have a carbon monoxide detector and know the signs to watch out for.
Tags: Tips
A woman reviews her home insurance.
Home

Six reasons to review your home insurance

Don't just stick your home insurance policy in a drawer and forget about it. It's important to regularly check your home insurance policy, especially if things change in your home, such as building work.