Reclaiming control

Rob Lea had always wanted to design and build his own home, and convert an old barn, so when the opportunity came to do both – using reclaimed materials – he jumped at the chance TEXT Roseanne Field IMAGES Rob [...]

Daring to be different

Ex-headteacher Joan Morters opted for a timber-built passive house system and a roof shaped like butterfly wings for her retirement home TEXT JESS UNWIN IMAGES JESS UNWIN & JOAN MORTERS Former teacher Joan Morters’ self-build story is an inspiring lesson [...]

Recycled retreat

Almost everything was recycled or reinvented in Sally and John Medforth’s rural retreat TEXT Heather Dixon   IMAGES Dave Burton When Sally and John Medforth bought a hillside farm in Yorkshire it came with a series of dilapidated 18th century [...]

A family affair

Many parents would feel sceptical about letting their child design their future home. But for one couple in Liverpool, handing over the reins to their daughter turned out to be the best decision they made TEXT ANNA REYNOLDS IMAGES FAMILY’S [...]

A change for the better

Listen here Heidi and John Exley moved into the house of their dreams near Doncaster – and then modernised it beyond all recognition with the help of a local architect TEXT & IMAGES HEATHER DIXON For years Heidi Exley had [...]

Latest Articles

Storage solutions for awkward spaces

Megan Baker, head of design at My Fitted Bedroom, discusses how to make the most of awkward bedroom spaces, for maximum storage Bedrooms come in all different shapes and sizes,... View Article

Making the most of MMC

Oliver Rehm of kit house provider Baufritz discusses the increasing move towards offsite ‘modern methods of construction’ (MMC), why self-builders should consider it, and what offsite manufacturers can do to... View Article

Right as rain

LISTEN HERE Sally Moores of Yeoman Rainguard outlines the choices of metal rainwater system available to self-builders, and how to decide which is best for your project With an abundant... View Article

The climate challenge

LISTEN HERE Paddy Leighton of Icynene UK explains how new high performance insulation systems can contribute towards combatting climate change The Committee for Climate Change Report ‘UK Housing: Fit for... View Article

Make windows a safe bet

LISTEN HERE Amy Blount of Reynaers at Home looks at the key considerations when specifying windows for your build – including security as well as material choices and installation issues... View Article

Get wise on insurance options

LISTEN HERE Self-Build Zone discusses the different types of insurance available for selfbuild and renovation projects, from builders and site insurance to warranties, and explains why knowledge is so crucial... View Article

Bound to be a success

LISTEN HERE James Newton of Sureset explains why a resin-bound driveway could be the perfect choice for your build, whether your priority is achieving kerb appeal, or more practical features... View Article

Contemporary kitchens

LISTEN HERE With new kitchen trends emerging continuously, inspired by a variety of influences, Wren Kitchens’ Darren Watts reveals his top 10 kitchen trends for self-builders to consider in 2020... View Article
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Product & Supplier News

Urban Industrial internal doors

Be wowed by JB Kind Doors new uber-cool Urban Industrial door range. Celebrating the appeal of ‘industrial style’ interiors these contemporary doors are available in two design styles, the ‘City’... View Article

4×2 but not as you know it

The huge growth in composite decking has stimulated the need for premium quality support framing of similar longetivity. Enter SmartFRAME, multi-application pre-treated incised structural Scandinavian pine available in long lengths... View Article
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