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Here you will find articles and features of interest for your project, free for you to read online or download.

Solar subsidies safe until March as government appeal fails

The government has lost its appeal to overturn a decision which prevents them from reducing solar subsidies.

Had the government been successful, feed-in tariffs, made to homeowners for the electricity produced by solar photovoltaic panels, would be more than halved.
Solar campaigners and key industry figures had feared the move would irrevocably damage the burgeoning sector and cause thousands of job losses as a result.

The decision by the High Court means that the higher feed-in tariff of 43p per kWh will remain until March 3rd. The reduced payment of 21p per kWh was expected to come into force on April 1st, which would have given industry time to respond, but the shock news that the payment would be reduced on installations registered after 12th December, was announced before the end of the consultation period, which was December 23rd.

The High Court ruled that changing the tariffs before the end of an official consultation period was "legally flawed".

Right Up Their Street

When Melvin Tucker and Edith Fotheringham decided to build a home in their garden, everyone in the street was doing the same thing.

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Open House

Peter and Julia Ackermann’s new home successfully combines a traditional exterior with an unashamedly modern open-plan interior.

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Bathed in Glory

Baths add luxury and opulence to a room. We explore the different styles and how to choose one.

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Wash Basins

Cutting edge designs are a great way to give your bathroom or cloakroom a touch of class.

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Lazy Days

Spruce up your garden with buildings, furniture, and firepits.

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Heating options

We showcase some of the latest stoves, fires and radiators.

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Interior doors

Well thought out interior doors can mean light, sound and ventilation are regulated to make for comfortable interiors.

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Home Truths

Adding Value to Your Property

So who decides the true value of a house? Will the number of bedrooms you have directly influence that value? Are swimming pools a good or bad investment? Will a granny annexe or home office pay for itself in years to come? Here are some VATs (Value Adding Tips).

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Home Truths

Understanding Floorplans

Jason Wilkinson offers advice on how to understand these sometimes confusing diagrams, and pitfalls to avoid.

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Home Truths

Does your home design work?

Jason Wilkinson explains how to get the best out of your architect, and your home.

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Better Energy

Monitoring Energy Use

Michael Glanfield recently installed a home energy monitor, with some interesting results.

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Going Solar at Home

Mike offers some tips for homeowners considering solar panels.

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Understanding Climate Change

Mike Glanfield looks at how we can better understand this complex subject.

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Dark and Light

A series of dark and light shades have been selected for a series of new and renovated houses and apartments, designed by Suna Interior Design.

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Classic Contemporary

Matthew Robinson of Jam Interiors has styled a Devon extension to combine family heirlooms with sumptuous fabrics and elegant window dressings.

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More Than a View

Steve Love of Camillin Denny has revamped a cramped living room, creating a light, spacious open-plan living space.

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A Team Effort

Four designers, each with their own expertise in interior styling, came together to transform a tired family home in St Albans into a more stylish, usable space.

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