Jack Woodfield

Jack Woodfield

Jack has worked in journalism for over a decade and was the former News Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating between 2019 until 2023. In his time as News Editor he broke the most relevant and beneficial stories for self builders, extenders and renovators, including the latest news on the construction materials shortage, planning permission and green initiatives. In 2021 he appeared on BBC's The World at One to discuss the government's planning reforms. 

He enjoys testing new tools and gadgets, and having bought his first home in 2013, he has renovated every room and recently finished a garden renovation.

Latest articles by

Woman using yellow DeWalt drill to drill into bare wooden door

The 9 best cordless drills to use on your next DIY project

By Sarah Handley, Garry Martin, Jack Woodfield last updated

The best cordless drills will help you tackle your next DIY project with ease. Choose from our selection of budget, mid- and top of the range cordless drills

steamy bathroom

The best bathroom extractor fans for a condensation-free bathing space

By Jack Woodfield last updated

Primarily, the best bathroom extractor fans should effortlessly remove moisture-laden, stale air from your bathroom. However, you also want them to be whisper quiet and attractive to look at. We've gathered the top buys to make choosing easy

black stove fan on top of stove

The best stove fans to maximise the benefits of your log burner

By Natasha Brinsmead, Jack Woodfield last updated

Our round up of the best stove fans will ensure you are getting the most from your stove, whatever its style or size

Yellow gloved hands applying bathroom sealant to white tiles and sink

6 best bathroom sealants to stop water getting where it shouldn’t

By Jack Woodfield last updated

The best bathroom sealants will stop water seeping behind tiles, getting under flooring and stay stain free. Here we round up a selection of highly rated products that will get the job done

thermal imaging picture of house showing heat loss on walls

Find out where heat loss in a house happens and what you can do to fix it

By Jack Woodfield, Sarah Harley last updated

Heat loss in a house is something we'd all rather avoid. We asked the experts where it happens most and what we can do to resolve the problem

Close up of green cordless strimmer head cutting grass

6 best cordless strimmers to help your lawn look its best

By Jack Woodfield last updated

We've scoured the market for the best cordless strimmers to help you choose the perfect tool to keep your lawn and garden looking neat and tidy with minimal effort

Person putting cutlery into integrated dishwasher with grey kitchen cabinet doors in background

6 best integrated dishwashers for high-quality cleaning

By Amy Reeves, Jack Woodfield, Natasha Brinsmead, Steve Jenkins published

Looking for one of the best integrated dishwashers to take over dishwashing duties? We’ve put together a list that covers all bases and will help you make the right decision for you and your kitchen

Front of red petrol lawn mower on long grass

Best petrol lawn mowers to give your grass a neat clean cut

By Jack Woodfield, David Hilton, Steve Jenkins last updated

Give your garden the love and attention it needs with one of the best petrol lawn mowers on the market. Here you’ll find a range to suit all gardens and budgets

National Planning Policy Framework

National Planning Policy Framework: What is it?

By Jack Woodfield last updated

The National Planning Policy Framework helps councils to make planning decisions, and it’s just undergone a major shake-up

Levelling up an area by using an excavator to move earth on housing building site

Levelling up: How will the government's new bill affect your homebuilding project?

By Jack Woodfield last updated

The levelling up bill has introduced a number of changes that will influence homebuilders and we guide you through the main takeaways from the government's plans to 'revitalise' Britain

blanket loft insulation between joists

Government delays ECO Plus launch and rebrands it as the Great British Insulation Scheme

By Jack Woodfield last updated

The government's ECO Plus scheme has been rebranded and delayed until summer 2023. It will now focus on helping households with funding for new insulation, which could lower energy bills by £300-400 a year

A man with his hand held to his head looks at his energy bills spread out on a table

The £400 energy grant ends but there's a different payment from April for those in need

By Jack Woodfield last updated

The £400 energy grant scheme ended in April 2023, but there's a different payment worth £900 available from April 25th for those that need it most

A gas boiler inside a small room with white walls

Gas boiler alternatives: Which system should you choose for your home?

By Jack Woodfield published

With gas boilers being phased out, it is worthwhile taking a closer look at the alternatives out there to replace them. Here we explain the options

Kitchen extension

Why your extension will cost more in 2023 — and expert tips for managing your budget

By Jack Woodfield published

Planning to extend your home in 2023? We look at why costs could be higher, and ask industry experts for their tips on keeping costs low and what to expect along the way

Air to air heat pump for cooling or heating the home

Disruption during heat pump installation is main barrier to uptake, says report

By Jack Woodfield published

Disruption during a heat pump installation requires “innovation” to overcome, but a new report suggests heat pumps are suitable for most types of UK homes

Luxury new house being built in rural countryside

All new homes in Scotland to be built to Passivhaus standard, ministers confirm

By Jack Woodfield published

The Scottish government has confirmed it is introducing its own 'Passivhaus equivalent' rather than using existing Passivhaus certification

Kensa's Shoebox Heat Pump

The ground source heat pump grants available for homeowners in 2023

By Jack Woodfield published

You can get thousands of pounds from ground source heat pump grants towards installing a new heating system – find out which grants are available and how to apply

Worcester Bosch's hydrogen-ready boiler

Hydrogen-ready boilers could become mandatory from 2026

By Jack Woodfield published

Ahead of a prospective ban on new natural gas-only boilers, we examine how hydrogen-ready boilers work and why it could be beneficial to install one

Amazon Sale best deals

Amazon sale: The best early Christmas deals on tools, smart home tech and more

By Jack Woodfield last updated

The Amazon Sale has some eye-catching Christmas deals for home improvers — save now on power tools and energy-efficient appliances

MeacoDry Arete® One 20L Dehumidifier/Air Purifier

Does a dehumidifier heat a room? What to know if you're looking to lower your heating costs

By Jack Woodfield last updated

If you’re asking ‘does a dehumidifier heat a room?’ then you may be exploring new ways to heat your house — and this is a heating source worth exploring

Air heat pump near pool house outdoors

A new grant in Scotland is offering £7,500 towards a heat pump

By Jack Woodfield published

The new Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme will provide funding for heat pumps and other energy-efficient home improvements — here’s how it works

Illustration of house on self build plot

Our top picks: Self build plots and conversions for sale for under £100,000

By Jack Woodfield last updated

Looking for a new project in 2023? Here are some of the best self build and conversion opportunities available in December for a guide price of under £100,000

Couple looking at plans on building site

Popular Scotland Self Build Loan Fund reopens to help make self build finance more accessible

By Jack Woodfield published

The Scotland Self Build Loan Scheme provides those aspiring to build their own home who have been denied finance elsewhere with a loan of up to £175,000

Smart home gadgets deals

Looking for deals on smart home gadgets? These bargains are live now

By Jack Woodfield last updated

We've rounded up the best smart home gadgets deals to help improve your home's IQ and lower your energy usage

St Ives, Cornwall

The happiest place to live in the UK in 2022 has been revealed

By Jack Woodfield published

Rightmove’s annual Happy at Home Index has been released, which crowns the happiest place to live in the UK

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