Bricks are everywhere but few people know their qualities, how they are made or where they originate from. They have been around for millennia, and so have the bricklayers who lay them.

If you've got a period home it makes sense to reinstate period features. So where can you find the real McCoy and what's available?

The Mayor of London has a number of responsibilities which are critical to builders and developers. What does the election of Boris Johnson mean for builders and construction workers in the Capital?

The 20th Annual Sunday Times Rich List is out. Despite mutterings of property downturns and house prices falling, property tycoons and landowners make up the biggest group. And that's good news for builders.

Like most daunting tasks, clearing out drains is more straightforward than you think. Don a pair of thick rubber gloves and you won't even have direct contact with anything unpalatable.

Home entertainment is getting more sophisticated and exciting but the bits you don't need to see are increasingly easy to hide - surely that's the best of both worlds. Just get the right hardware and a good electrician to help you and you can enjoy all the benefits of modern entertainment technology.

Each region has it's own, distinctive traditional building methods developed by local builders over the years. So what are the main influences on these types of indigenous building work?

Exterior paintwork will give your house a new lease of life. And until the neighbours join the bandwagon you'll be the proud owner of the smartest house on the street.

Garden shows in the UK come in all styles and sizes, so you'll be able to pick one that appeals to you. Whether you want to go to a big show and pick up some tips and bargains, or go to a small private viewing there'll be something for you.

"Don't move; improve" is the new mantra of the property sector. Mortgages are more difficult to come by, house prices may be teetering on the edge of collapse and with high stamp duty thrown in to the bargain, it really does make sense to make the most of what you've already got.

Lighting up your garden will make it a really exciting feature of your home - with the help of an electrician and a little design inspiration, you can really add some sparkle to your outdoors.

Windows are a vital part of defining the character and feel of a building. If you're considering changes to your windows then take time to assess what you'd like your window fitter to achieve.