Alison Jones
Alison is Assistant Editor on Real Homes magazine. She previously worked on national newspapers, in later years as a film critic and has also written on property, fashion and lifestyle. Having recently purchased a Victorian property in severe need of some updating, much of her time is spent solving the usual issues renovators encounter.
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Satanic rituals and sex parties: the weirdest things cleaners have to deal with
Cleaners and maintenance people are faced with all manner of bizarre requests and situations
By Alison Jones Published
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This advice will keep your garden alive while you're on holiday
Never, ever return to dead flowers and brown grass after a break again...
By Alison Jones Published
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Bad décor is a relationship deal breaker
Couples would refuse to move in together if they hated their partner's taste in furnishings
By Alison Jones Published
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10 ways to get on the property ladder
Wondering how to get on the property ladder? Struggling to save for a deposit to buy your own home? Follow these expert tips to make renting a thing of the past
By Alison Jones Published
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Planning applications are more likely to be rejected down South than up North
Home renovators in the South are finding that their planning applications are less likely to be passed than those in the North
By Alison Jones Published
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Working from home is the biggest motivator behind building an extension
Working from home? Like many other homeowners, you might find that home office space is the driving force behind your extension
By Alison Jones Published
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DIY skills dying out as young homeowners rely on parents to do the labour
Ronseal is trying to help Millennials rediscover handy practical skills instead of DDI (Dad'll do it)
By Alison Jones Published
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The UK's weirdest home maintenance questions – and the answers
Researchers find the oddest questions people ask about what's wrong with their homes – and offer answers
By Alison Jones Published
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Nearly 70 per cent of Brits don't like their homes
Campaign launched to encourage unhappy homeowners to tackle improvements one problem at a time
By Alison Jones Published
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One in three new homeowners look for another property within a year
Buyers' regret leaves unhappy Britons willing to go through the stress and expense of moving again
By Alison Jones Published
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Real home: an award-winning bathroom, transformed for £4,000
A bold paint scheme and fresh, upscale look earned Peter Grech the prize for best bathroom in the Real Homes awards
By Alison Jones Published
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The top tantrum triggers for Christmas hosts – and what you might be sitting on when you tuck into your turkey
Tipsy visitors and latecomers are the things most likely to turn us into the Grinch at festive gatherings
By Alison Jones Published
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Cut renovation costs: 15 clever ideas
Stay on budget with your renovation, save money where you can and be organised with this expert advice
By Alison Jones Published
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Brits are storing 139 million litres of unused paint
A third of the UK is living with unfinished home improvement projects, wasting enough paint to cover a quarter of a million football pitches
By Alison Jones Published
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Move over meditation – Brits are ironing away the blues
Embrace creased clothes; hotel chain launches Ironing Club as people reveal they do it to relax
By Alison Jones Published
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Top 10 house guest horrors revealed
Having guests to stay over the festive period? Breaking things and bad bathroom etiquette are among the unwelcome ways your visitors might most annoy their hosts
By Alison Jones Published
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Millennials' homes cleaner than parents' thanks to the Instagram queen of clean
Mrs Hinch is making twentysomethings more house proud than previous generations
By Alison Jones Published
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Real home: a glass box extension makes the perfect family kitchen
A daringly designed glazed kitchen extension means Sarah Brooks and her family can dine under the stars
By Alison Jones Published
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Struggling DIYers rarely finish projects that need doing round the home
More than two thirds of homeowners have to hire professionals to finish their DIY jobs
By Alison Jones Published
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Brits don't know how to properly use the home appliances they buy
Helpful gadgets are being under-utilised as many homeowners don't bother with instructions
By Alison Jones Published
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Selling your home? Exposed wood, smart tech and shutters might bag you that sale
Exposed wood that adds character is what causes most house-hunting Brits to fall for a property
By Alison Jones Published
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Many Brits would rather throw out an appliance than clean it (yes, really)
More than two fifths of us admit we've scrapped microwaves when they're too unsavoury to use anymore
By Alison Jones Published
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Brexit bust ups lead to separate beds
Couples cite arguments over leaving the EU as reason they are sleeping alone
By Alison Jones Published
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Shoppers spend their garden budgets on furniture over flowers
Spending on furniture and barbecues a priority over plants as people are 'living' outdoors
By Alison Jones Published