Americans do it, and so do most of our European neighbours. But Britain is only now catching on to describing properties by their size and not simply by bedroom count. This new habit is good news for buyers disillusioned with the property equivalent of creative accounting — sellers sticking beds in cupboards or dining rooms and calling them bedrooms. It also makes for easier price comparisons. www.swingacat.info will help to avoid dizzy spells when grappling with square feet or metres: not only is there an easy-to-use reckoner that shows whether a dwelling is comfortable or cramped, but there are tips on how much storage you need and on which layouts work best.

Homeowners who need more space, but who are loath to move, may decide on a spot of home improvement. However, this entails the task of finding a plumber who will not run off with your money, or a builder who prefers work to tea breaks. Inevitably the tradesman (or woman) your friends recommend is booked until February 2008. If only there was a website that could point you in the right direction . . . Enter www.homepro.co.uk. It has 3,500 (paying) members — electricians, plumbers and the like — across the UK, all of whom are vetted by HomePro and given scores by customers. Enter your postcode and the service you need, and off you go. Well, sort of. Although member tradesmen sign up to a charter, the company disclaimer says you bear all risks from “any uses or results of using any information on the site”.

If you are more inclined to just do it yourself, go to www.videojug.com for instructive “how to” videos. Learn how to hang a door or fix a dripping tap. If you are at a loose end and need entertaining there are also videos guiding you through some more basic skills such as “How to Vacuum Stairs Perfectly”, and “How to Load a Dishwasher for the Best Results”.

Got a great website? E-mail: lucia.adams@timesonline.co.uk

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