Stick the kettle on
Hello
We’re Fi + Neil
We help new renovators create their dream homes, minus the stress!
Student story: How Deb transformed her 1950s semi-detached home
It doesn’t even look like the same house! See how our students Deb & William renovated their home with the guidance of our course & community
The 6 big threats to your renovation
There’s a lot at stake. In this post, we’re sharing how to tackle common threats to your renovation head-on.
The 4 things that can go wrong BEFORE you renovate
What if I told you, you're more likely to make expensive mistakes now than you are when your project gets underway? Here's why
What To Look For When Buying a House to Renovate
Uncover expert tips for selecting the ideal house for renovation, maximizing your investment, and transforming it into your dream home with our guide.
How Much Does It Cost To Renovate a House in 2024?
How much did your house renovation cost?” is one of the most frequently asked questions Neil and I get. Our insights will help you budget effectively for your home renovation, so you can transform your space within budget.
How Much Does an Architect Cost in 2024? Do I even need one?
Unlock cost-saving secrets on architect fees & learn if you need one for your house renovation. Save time & money with our insightful guide!
Rear extension ideas for semi detached houses
If you’ve got a semi-detached home and are wondering how you can make the best use of your space with an extension then we’ve got brilliant ideas to inspire your renovation project.
19 lighting mistakes to AVOID if you're renovating
Warning: this post completely exposes my level of geekiness! 😅 But lighting is so easy to screw up when you’re renovating – yet it doesn’t have to be a stressful or over-complicated experience. Let’s get into it…
The costly curveball that could threaten your dream home design... 😱
Even after years as an interior designer, when I thought I’d seen most cost eventualities, it’s this mistake that shocks Neil and I the most…
How to Renovate a House: A Step-by-Step Guide and Where to Start
Renovating a house and not sure where to start? This step-by-step guide will show you a typical timeline of a renovation so you can prepare and transform your home.
Why you won't find a Howdens price list and what to do next
Discover why Howdens doesn't have a price list and learn alternative solutions for your kitchen renovation. Expert design advice and cost-effective options included.
Interior designer vs Kitchen designer: What's the difference? Which do I need?
You want your dream kitchen, but who do you hire? Will there be an overlap between a kitchen designer and an interior designer? How do they differ? Let’s dive in!
7 actions to take NOW that will skyrocket your renovation in 2024 🚀
Whatever dreams you have for your home this new year, we’re going to make damn sure you catch them! 😍 No time to waste, let’s get started!
My Howdens Kitchen Review
It’s been a few years since we fitted our Howdens kitchen, so I thought I’d write a review in case anyone is interested in investing in a Howdens kitchen and is curious about how long they last…
Our Living Room Design Revealed: What we WISH we knew & How to renovate yours
Our living room renovation from start to finish: Is this even the same room?! 😱 Also, I have some reassuring design advice to level up your look & future proof your living room!
Formaldehyde in a home renovation: what you need to know
Whether you’ve heard of it or not, formaldehyde is found in home renovations more and more these days. In this post, we dig into what it is, why it’s a concern and what to do about it.
The DREAM kitchen renovation & how to renovate yours!
We’ve just completed another surrey renovation – and I’m bursting to share some sneak peeks with you!
No Use Empty VAT reduction: how to make the most of it
If you’ve decided to take on the renovation of a property which has been empty in recent years then you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we talk you through the different options and details of how to claim a No Use Empty VAT reduction to save you money in your renovation budget.
How we're SAVING money in our current renovation project (planning phase)
Quick, easy ways to save a lot of money on your project as you’re planning layouts
10 Beautiful Galley Kitchen Ideas
Galley kitchens sometimes get a bad rap in the shadow of more expansive designs, but when budgets are tight there are so many ideas you can implement to make them work.