Homeowner Advice

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Home Improvement Near Me: How to Find the Right Tradesperson for Your Project

8th July 2026

Home improvement can cover a wide range of projects — from loft conversions to extensions to bathroom renovations. What counts as home improvement will mean something different to every homeowner, depending on which area of your home you want to work on. This can apply to homeowners looking to upgrade their existing home or recent buyers who want to turn their house into a home.Choosing the right professionals for any home improvement project, however big or small, is so important. This guide will help break down the different areas you may be considering and how to find the right trader for the job.

Home Improvement Projects Homeowners Are Searching For

Home Extensions

A home extension is when you choose to extend your home to add extra space. This is great for when you feel as though you need more room but don't want to move just yet. An extension could be used to make kitchens bigger, add an extra room or two, or expand a lounge. It depends on how you choose to go about the project.

Renovations

Sometimes, the best thing to do to improve your home is to renovate it. This can be however big or small your budget allows for — whether you wish to do a whole home renovation or simply freshen up a tired room. Often, a home can feel brand new with something as simple as a fresh coat of paint. Renovations are a fantastic way to give your home some new life. Change up a colour scheme, get a few new pieces of furniture, or invest in some unique decor. There are many traders you could be searching for in relation to home renovations. The best thing to do is decide exactly what you want to do and go from there. For example, if you know you want to repaint, search for painters and decorators.

Garden Landscaping

Another popular way to improve your home is to tidy up your garden. A well-kept garden can make a huge difference to your home — it's another space you may want to spend time in. Get that lawn mowed and cut back the overgrown hedges and your garden will feel good as new. It is easy to neglect a garden as a homeowner, especially if gardening isn't your thing — but that's the perfect reason to hire a professional garden landscaper. A garden is a space you can really make the most of, especially in the summer for those family barbecues. You could go all out and invest in some new seating, plant a few flowers and hang some lights, or simply give the greenery a trim. Every little helps.

Can't I DIY It?

There are certain jobs that homeowners can certainly handle themselves instead of hiring a professional. Small paint jobs are a great example, particularly when there is little prep work involved. You could also tackle tasks such as laying new flooring tiles or wallpapering yourself, however, the results aren't always as professional as you might hope. DIY is great for keeping costs down and still improving your home. Upcycle some old items or change up your decor, but we don't advise tackling larger projects on your own.

When to Opt for a Professional

If paintwork requires removing old wallpaper, plastering, or external painting
Structural changes to your home, such as extensions, removing walls, or replacing banisters
Anything linked to electrical work or plumbing should always be completed by a professional, as these can be dangerous to attempt yourself
Large landscaping jobs are best completed by a professional landscaper who has the proper tools to complete the job efficiently

These are just a few examples. Consider what the job is that you want done, and if you're not 100% confident in doing it yourself, contact a trusted trader.

How to Find Home Improvement Near Me

If you have decided on your project and are now searching for the right professional for the job, here are the things to keep in mind. This applies to any trader you may need, whether that's painters, garden landscapers, plumbers, electricians, or builders.

Always check reviews. This is so important when hiring any trader to work on your home. TrustATrader has reliable customer reviews for every trader, so you can trust who you are hiring.
Pick the right professional. In some cases, a jack of all trades can be great — but in others, you'd want a qualified specialist. For example, if you plan to extend an older building, you'd want to hire someone with experience working on period properties.
Trust is the most important factor when hiring a tradesperson — and it's what we value most at TrustATrader. You can read about each trader, see examples of their work, and read real reviews from customers. Avoid anyone who approaches you unsolicited, and for most jobs we'd steer clear of unvetted local handymen, as the results can be unprofessional — or worse, costly to put right.

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Looking for more homeowner advice advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common homeowner advice questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

What home repairs should I never attempt myself?

Gas work - full stop. Any work on gas appliances must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer by law. Structural changes like removing walls, altering roof timbers, or touching anything load-bearing need professional assessment and often Building Regulations sign-off. Electrical work involving the consumer unit or new circuits must meet Part P. And if your property was built before 2000, be aware asbestos may be present - it can only be handled by a licensed specialist.
Which home improvements add the most value to a property?

Improvements that add usable space or modernise the rooms buyers scrutinise most tend to deliver the strongest returns. Loft conversions consistently top the list - adding a bedroom and bathroom can add more value than the work costs in many areas. Kitchen and bathroom updates are next. Open-plan ground-floor extensions connecting to a kitchen-diner have become one of the most sought-after layouts in UK family homes. And energy improvements - insulation, a new boiler, solar panels - are increasingly influencing buyer decisions as running costs become a bigger part of the conversation.
Should I renovate my home or move house?

There's no universal right answer - it depends on your situation. Moving gets you what you want without living through a building site, but stamp duty, estate agent fees, and moving costs can easily add up to tens of thousands of pounds. Renovating lets you stay put and invest in your own property, but comes with disruption and unexpected costs. The most useful comparison: get a clear view of what your home could realistically be worth after the work, and what a move would actually cost end to end. A local estate agent and a builder's quote can give you those two numbers.
What does a home survey actually cover and do I need one when buying?

A survey is an independent assessment of a property's condition carried out by a qualified surveyor - separate from the mortgage valuation, which only tells the lender what the property is worth, not what's wrong with it. A HomeBuyer Report flags visible defects and anything that needs further investigation. A Full Building Survey goes deeper and is worth the extra cost on older, larger, or unusual properties. Given that a house is likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make, skipping the survey to save a few hundred pounds is a false economy - a single missed issue can cost far more to put right.
What should I do before starting any major home improvement project?

Get your paperwork in order before anyone picks up a tool. Check whether you need planning permission or Building Regulations approval. Find out whether a Party Wall Agreement applies. Confirm your home insurance covers you during the works. Get at least three written quotes and make sure the scope of work is clearly agreed in writing with whoever you hire. And have a contingency budget - on almost any renovation, something unexpected comes up. The projects that go smoothly are usually the ones that were properly planned before they started.
What is the difference between freehold and leasehold and why does it matter for home improvements?

If you own the freehold, you own the property and the land it sits on outright - you can generally do what you like subject to planning rules. If you own a leasehold property (common with flats), you own the right to live there for the remaining lease term, but the freeholder owns the building. This matters for home improvements because many leases require you to get the freeholder's written permission before making alterations - sometimes even internal ones. Always check your lease before starting any work, as doing alterations without the required consent can cause problems when you come to sell.

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