BLOGS
Talking Tools: A No-Nonsense Review of Power Tool Brands That Have Survived Real Site Work
From Bosch to Hikoki, here’s how the most popular tool brands stack up under real site use. Accurate, honest, and stripped of marketing fluff.
Building Regs Demystified: What You Really Need to Know
Building regs are often presented as fixed rules—but many are just guidance. Here’s how homeowners and contractors can flex the rules without cutting corners.
Build or Move? The UK Homeowner’s Dilemma (And How Transparent Costs Can Help You Decide)
Should you extend or move? Explore the real costs, pros and cons, and discover why clarity on build costs could settle the debate.
The Hidden Stress of Home Surveys (And How Transparent Costs Could Change Everything)
Home surveys are vital but often stressful. Here’s why they cause so much uncertainty—and how transparent repair cost forecasts can help UK buyers and sellers take control.
The Carbon Mirage: Are We Really Building Green?
We think we’re building green, but are we just moving carbon upstream? Here’s why repairing old buildings and embracing traditional materials might be the real route to low-carbon construction.
Why Air Source Heat Pumps Don’t Add Up in the Real World
Air source heat pumps are hailed as a green, efficient alternative for heating UK homes.
But do they really deliver on their promises? In this blog, 1000 Trade Studios takes a critical look at the real-world performance of ASHPs, analysing their true costs, carbon footprint, and suitability for typical UK properties.
From installation expenses and maintenance challenges to the impact of poor insulation and seasonal performance dips, we break down why this decades-old technology may not be the silver bullet it’s often claimed to be—and what smarter planning alternatives could save homeowners more in the long run.
Why So Many UK Builds Go Wrong (and Why It’s Not “Just the Builders” Fault)
Every home build starts with a vision: the kitchen where your family will gather, the light-filled spaces you’ve dreamed about for years.
But too often, that vision collides with a harsh reality - soaring costs, endless delays, and conversations with builders that feel like battles. This isn’t because homeowners dream too big, or because builders don’t care.
It’s because the UK construction industry is under immense pressure.
Rising material costs, wafer-thin margins, late payments, and planning delays leave even the best builders struggling to deliver. This blog tells the story behind the headlines, exploring why so many builds go wrong - and how homeowners and builders can work together to break the cycle.
Rethinking “Eco” Insulation: Why We Need to Look Beyond the Marketing
Are we being misled by “eco” insulation? The numbers don’t lie. Some widely used insulation materials take decades longer to pay back their carbon cost than their actual lifespan – and many lack independent testing.
With Part L pushing blanket solutions, are we setting ourselves up for another industry scandal?
Here’s my take on why we need more science, less marketing hype, and a better approach to retrofit and sustainability