Expert tradespeople’s “tips and tricks” of the trade

Adding value to your property and refurbishment considerations

First we spoke to Mike Ryan, director of construction at Capstone Developers, who has over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. When it came to which home refurbishments can add the most value to a property, Mike shared that expanding your property’s square meterage is one of the most effective ways to increase its value, with “loft conversions being the most impactful addition I’ve undertaken”. However, Mike stresses that it’s crucial to focus on perceived value rather than just added value – “to maximize returns, you must ensure that your spending on additional square meterage aligns with local square meterage sales prices. I follow a 50-50 rule, spending no more than 50% of the added value per square meter, to avoid overspending while still achieving a strong return on investment”.

Mike Ryan of Capstone Developers

Speaking with Alex Almond Bennett from Almond Bennett Developments, a Leeds and West Yorkshire based joinery and construction company, he shared that extensions will always add value to property, an extra bedroom or bathroom will add the most

Alex also added that filling your home with really expensive items not knowing the top end market price for your house can be a mistake – for example, “if your house has a top end value of £200k don’t put a freestanding bath in and a 30k kitchen, as you will never see the return on your investment. Unless you plan on living there long term and are happy to lose that money”.

Adding to this, Mike shared that before starting any loft conversion projects, his team invites three local estate agents to evaluate the property to “help establish the square meter selling rate, which in turn determines that the homeowner should be looking to spend up to 50% of the uplift on additional square meterage”.

One of the biggest mistakes Mike sees homeowners make when planning a refurbishment is not having the correct drawings – “too often, I see people requesting construction quotes based on planning application drawings, which are simply not sufficient. Relying on these will inevitably lead to numerous variation orders, adding unexpected costs and delays”. To avoid this, it is absolutely essential to have a detailed construction drawing that “outlines every single aspect of the proposed refurbishment. This ensures clarity, accuracy, and a smoother building process”.

Home trends

Alex shared some new trends related to joinery and carpentry that he has noticed in recent months. In particular, he has seen a spike in clients looking to install media walls, feature wall paneling, and garden rooms – adding some further context, he shared “I spoke to an estate agent recently that said the most searched thing on Rightmove currently is garden room and can add up to 5%”.

Natalie Marsden, a Plymouth-based painter and decorator, otherwise known as The Lady Painter, has also noticed that installing panelling and media walls is a big trend at the moment – “if I’m honest I love it and it does bring a different texture and feature to a room. But the newest trend is something called drenching, where the woodwork is brought in the same colour as the walls”. 

When it comes to specific paint colours, Natalie shared that warm pastel beige and sage green are hues that a lot of people are using.

Logo of NGM Painter & Decorator

Mike revealed that prioritising sustainability and eco-friendly construction is also a key trend for 2025, and that Capstone implements green practices across every stage of a project – “from construction techniques to painting and decorating, we actively move away from oil-based paints and maximise the use of reclaimed materials, either integrating them directly or setting them aside for future reuse”.

When it comes to electrics, Vishal Narbheram is an electrician with 15 years’ experience, and founder of Onward Shift – a mental health platform to help construction businesses and individuals thrive – shared that LED lighting strips are becoming increasingly popular. However, there’s an important warning to keep in mind – “while they look great and are energy-efficient, the drivers (which power the LED lights) can be costly to replace especially if you can’t find an exact match for your current setup. To avoid unnecessary hassle and expense, always ensure the drivers are installed in an accessible location. Placing them inside ceilings for example, can lead to major issues if they need replacing, as ceilings may have to be damaged just to reach them. A little planning during installation can save you a lot of trouble down the line”.

Gardening trends

Sean Lade, founder of Easy Garden Irrigation, who has 15+ years in gardening and irrigation, revealed four main trends that he has noticed over the last 6 months. These include boundaryless garden spaces – where he expects to see “outdoor kitchens, modular furniture, and even outdoor showers gaining popularity”. This trend particularly appeals to renters and those with small gardens, allowing them to optimise their outdoor space while maintaining flexibility.

Sean Lade of Easy Garden Irrigation

Climate-resilient gardens was another trend Sean noted, in particular implementing “sustainable gardening will continue to dominate, with a greater focus on water efficiency and resilient plant choice”. Sean revealed that gardeners are turning to “drought-tolerant plants like lavender and hardy geraniums, as well as water-saving solutions like drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and app-controlled irrigation systems”. He predicts that flood-resistant designs, rainwater retention systems, and dense planting methods will also rise in popularity “to help manage the increasingly unpredictable British weather”.

Vertical gardens and green walls are other trends expected to grow even further in 2025, so Alex expects creative containers that allow greater flexibility, particularly for renters or those with limited space, to become even more popular this year. 

Gardeners are embracing ecotherapy, using plants for mindfulness and wellbeing. Biophilic design will continue to be popular this year. The line between indoor and outdoor living is disappearing as homeowners seek to maximise their space, so including houseplant collections that thrive indoors is also expected.

DIY tips and money saving hacks

When it comes to tasks you can DIY, Mike suggested that (if you are fit and able) you could “do some of the demolition work yourself or any other trade you are comfortable doing”. Alex shared that “most people can do anything if they are shown. Most skills are learnt over time and through practice – watch YouTube videos. be patient, and take your time. If it’s not right, take it down and try again. The more you do it, the better you’ll get”.

Logo of Almond Bennett Developments

On painting, Natalie shared that “people often think painting is easy, but it’s not if you want the best finish possible. Put the time and effort in at the beginning with the preparation and it will be beneficial come the end”. When it comes to getting the perfect finish when painting, Natalie stresses that it’s all about the preparation – “use the correct paints for the correct surfaces, make sure imperfections are filled, make sure that gaps in woodwork are filled, and sand back all surfaces in between coats”. She also shared that we should be using the right rollers for the different surfaces too.. “I tend to use a woven mohair or a fused fibre roller for woodwork rather than a medium pile/ microfibre roller that I use on walls and ceilings. Trusting the process is key”. 

On wallpapering, she added that “I think people underestimate how detailed wallpapering can be and wallpaper nowadays isn’t cheap so they want the job done to the best it can be”.

When buying paint, Natalie urges DIYers to be mindful of the ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ saying… “People tend to buy the cheaper paints and it takes so many more coats because it isn’t good quality that they end up buying another lot. Stick to a good brand or a brand that is highly recommended and you can’t go wrong”.

Vish gave some ways to cut down on your electricity bills without much effort. These included switching to LED energy efficient bulbs “as they use less power and last longer, saving you money in the long run”, turning off lights and appliances when not in use (“even standby mode consumes energy, so switch them off completely”), and lowering your heating slightly – “a small reduction can make a noticeable difference without sacrificing comfort”.

Electrician Vishal Narbheram

Sean also shared some potential money-saving gardening hacks that you can use this spring… “Applying mulch around your plants reduces water evaporation, meaning you won’t need to water as often. It also helps to suppress weeds, cutting down on maintenance. Installing a drip irrigation system (that delivers water directly to plants’ roots) reduces waste by up to 50% compared to traditional watering methods like the garden hose.

“Using a water butt to collect rainwater helps reduce reliance on mains water and helps to keep costs down. Repurposing household waste (such as eggshells, coffee grounds and banana peels) makes excellent natural fertilisers, providing nutrients without the need for chemical alternatives”.

Propagating plants was another tip – “instead of buying new plants, take cuttings from existing ones to grow your own for free”.

Gardening considerations

Common gardening mistakes include watering too early in the season, not preparing the soil, mowing the lawn too short, and forgetting about pests. Sean shared that “many gardeners start watering heavily as soon as spring arrives, but plants need a balance. Overwatering in cool temperatures can lead to root rot.

“Skipping soil improvement (e.g., adding compost or organic matter) results in poor plant health and lacklustre growth. Cutting the grass too low in early spring weakens the roots, leading to patchy lawns and encouraging weed growth.

“Warmer weather brings pests like aphids and slugs. Preventative measures, such as companion planting or natural deterrents, can help protect plants before problems arise”.

Sean also noted that lawn care and weed prevention is key to a thriving garden… “your lawn starts actively growing in March and April, so give it a good start by raking out moss and thatch, aerating compacted areas, and applying a spring lawn feed. Keep mowing heights around 4cm to encourage strong, lush growth. 

“Weeds also begin to take off in early spring… removing them now prevents a bigger problem later. Hoe annual weeds on dry days and hand-pull deep-rooted weeds like dandelions to stop them from spreading. Mulching beds and borders will also help suppress new weed growth”.

When to consult a professional

We also asked the experts about which tasks homeowners should always consult a professional, rather than attempting to DIY.

Mike shared that homeowners should always consult a qualified builder and a professional when a project involves structural work – “it is absolutely essential that DIY enthusiasts avoid undertaking structural modifications themselves. Proper advice, planning consents, and compliance with building regulations are crucial to ensuring safety, durability, and legal approval for any transformation”. 

Alex added that you should not attempt to do anything to do with gas or electricity unless you are qualified for safety reasons. Corroborating this, Vish noted that electricity is invisible and often silent, making it unpredictable and dangerous if not handled correctly, saying that “unless you’re a skilled and competent professional, it’s always best to call a qualified electrician for any electrical work. A trained expert will ensure the job is done to current safety regulations, maintain a high standard of workmanship and most importantly, protect you from the risk of a potential fatal electric shock”.

Vish added that ovens and hobs are a major contributor to electrical fires due to loose connections, inadequate cable sizing, and poor installation – “these appliances require a significant amount of electricity to operate, making it crucial to use the correct cable size, which should be determined through proper calculations. For example, a 2.5mm cable is not sufficient to power a 6kW oven or hob, as it would draw excessive power, causing the cable to overheat and potentially ignite, creating a serious fire hazard. Ensuring the correct installation and cable capacity is essential for safety and efficiency”.

Natalie said that, anecdotally in her line of work, woodwork is the main task that she sees people consulting a professional for, due to the level of preparation and desired finish.

While many gardening tasks can be “DIY-ed”, Sean shared some jobs require expert advice, such as installing an irrigation system – “professionals can design a tailored system that maximises efficiency and prevents issues like water waste or uneven coverage. Hardscaping projects, such as laying patios, installing drainage solutions, or creating complex planting schemes, also benefit from professional expertise to ensure long-term durability. Tree pruning is another key task which is best left to arborists, as improper pruning can damage trees or pose safety hazards”.

Tradesman Insurance

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*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date.