Direct Line magazine

Insulation strips being applied to a window
Home

Home insulation tips: catch the heat... not a cold!

Are you losing heat through your walls and other places in your home? In a poorly insulated house, up to a third of your heat can escape - costing you money. But don't panic. Discover our home insulation tips to keep your home warm and your heating costs down.
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 child holding a soft toy looks out at a snow-covered garden.
Home

How to prepare your property for winter

During the autumn and winter months, property disasters like burst pipes, broken boilers, flooding and storm damage are more likely. Start the preparation and planning before the temperatures drop, and you'll protect your property.

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.
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.
The roof of a home is fitted 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
A person wearing gloves breaking down a wall using a demolition drill.
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.
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.
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.
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
A child holding a soft toy looks out at a snow-covered garden.
Home

How to prepare your property for winter

During the autumn and winter months, property disasters like burst pipes, broken boilers, flooding and storm damage are more likely. Start the preparation and planning before the temperatures drop, and you'll protect your property.
A thief in a grey hoodie using a crowbar to open a front door.
Home

Keep your home secure while you're away

Thieves look for signs that a house is unoccupied, such as overgrown front lawns or deliveries clogging the letterbox. Discover our common sense tips to help protect your empty home while you're away, so you can relax and unwind without worry.
A tradesperson pours tarmac on a drive.
Home

Don’t get caught out by home scams

Every year, thousands of people are caught out by scams designed to part them from their hard-earned cash. From window cleaners to fraudulent landlords, their tricks are increasingly sophisticated. Read on to see the most common dirty tricks of the trade.
Tags: Tips
A pile of clothes are on the back of a sofa.
Home

How to declutter your home

Are your possessions taking over your house? Do you trip over shoes in your hallway? It's time to declutter your home and reclaim valuable space by organising your stuff.
A window covered in condensation.
Home

How to get rid of condensation

Day-to-day activities, such as cooking, drying washing, burning fuel, all produce water vapour. This vapour can condense back into water and excess condensation can cause damp, and even lead to structural problems. Find out how you can deal with it.
a couple surrounded by packing boxes hug in their new home
Home

How to survive a house move

Moving house can be a stressful process. But planning ahead and getting organised can improve the experience, and help you settle into your new home quicker.
A woman works from a table in her kitchen.
Home

Tips for working from home

Whether working from home is new to you or you’ve been doing it for years, here are our top working from home tips.
Tags: Tips