Expert renovation advice for London homeowners
How to find a trustworthy tradesperson, plan your budget & avoid costly mistakes.
Renovation experts, helping you make smart decisions
Renovation experts, helping you make smart decisions
Renovating your home is one of the biggest financial commitments most London homeowners will make. Get it right and you’ll add value, gain space, and genuinely improve how you live. Get it wrong, with a wrong builder, wrong brief, or wrong budget – and the consequences can be expensive and stressful.
The advice in this hub comes from The Page’s very own renovation experts, and the lessons learned from hundreds of London renovation projects.
The ‘stupid questions’ every first-time renovator should actually be asking
Renovating can be empowering, not confusing – here’s how
My last builder was great at first, then ghosted me. What warning signs did I miss?
Do you need planning permission for your house extension?
Will I ‘rock the boat’ if I discuss an issue about my Pager with you?
Last time was a disaster: How to renovate with confidence the second time around.
My friend’s builder was brilliant for them. Why do I feel like that means nothing for my project?
What mistakes do homeowners make when renovating?
Your bathroom renovation questions, answered
Your extension questions, answered
How to find good tradespeople in London
Work done on your home can be costly. How do you make sure you’re not being ripped off? By reading our guide to finding a good tradesperson.
How to find a good floor fitter
Having a new floor fitted and wondering what to expect, together with the cost? Then take a look at our quick-read guide to find out.
How to find a good painter & decorator in London
How much does it cost to hire a professional painter and decorator for your home or business these days? Read our guide here to find out.
How to find a skilled cabinet maker in London
Skilled cabinet makers are the route to go down for your bespoke kitchen. See our guide to find out what you should be asking them.
How to find a good plumber (that you can trust)
There are a lot of plumbers out there. But how do you know you have found a good one? Our concise and up-to-date guide shows you how.
How to choose a bathroom fitter that’s perfect for your project
How to choose a good kitchen fitter
15 tips for working with contractors
Starting your extension confidently: Tips from an Architectural Designer
Why a workmanship guarantee is a game changer
What to do if a tradesperson doesn’t finish a job
If your tradesperson has gone AWOL with no attempt to finish the job on your home, what do you do? Follow these steps.
The number of tradespeople in the UK
Are there more or fewer tradespeople in the UK these days? Find out the number of tradespeople working in the UK today.
The number of builders in the UK
Brexit, Covid and the cost of living are having a big impact on the number of builders currently in the UK. Find out how many there are here.
The number of roofers in the UK
A 70 percent rise in new roofing businesses last year means a large rise in roofing contractors. Find out how many are in the UK here.
The number of electricians in the UK
A look at how many electricians there are in the UK, the number of employment opportunities and if there are enough for the demand.
The number of plumbers in the UK
How to choose a good kitchen fitter
F29 Fault Code on a Valliant boiler: meaning & how to fix it
If your boiler is displaying an F29 code you won’t have any central heating or hot water until it’s fixed! Find out what to do here.
How to check a tradesperson is legit
There are a lot of tradespeople out there, but how do you check a tradesman is legit? Check out our helpful guide to find out.
How to build a garden bar: step-by-step
Planning plenty of parties during the warmer months and wondering how to build a garden bar? It makes sense to start planning your project now so that you can have it built in time for party season in the spring.
Work with a Builder You Can Actually Trust
- Every builder on The Page has been personally vetted, we make sure to match you with the right one for your specific project and area within London. Get in touch now to start your project.
FAQs
How do I find a reliable builder in London?
Use vetted platforms like The Page (where every builder passes a rigorous vetting process), personal recommendations from people whose renovations you can see in person, or professional bodies like the Federation of Master Builders. Always verify insurance and speak to previous clients before committing.
How much contingency should I budget for a renovation?
15–20% of total project cost as a minimum. For older London properties — Victorian and Edwardian in particular — up to 25%, given the frequency of hidden surprises once walls are opened.
What should I do if my builder does poor quality work?
Raise the issue in writing, with photos and dates. If unresolved, escalate through the builder’s trade association or seek independent arbitration. Working through The Page gives you an additional layer of support throughout.
Is the cheapest quote always the worst?
Not always — but a quote more than 15–20% below others is worth investigating. Ask the builder to explain the difference. Common causes: omitted items, cheaper materials than specified, or planned extras during the build. Compare on what’s included, not just the bottom-line figure.