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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Home contents insurance doesn't cover items away from home if they're lost, damaged or stolen. This includes phones left in taxis or rings and jewellery that slip off in the sea. But with Direct Line's Personal Possessions cover, you can insure against these things.

Could you cut your energy bills by saying goodbye to the electrical grid? Read on to see how you can embrace renewable energy.

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.