Vital steps to safety

Kevin Underwood of the British Woodworking Federation discusses why staircase aesthetics must go hand in hand with safety, and why too often design flair can compromise it For many, the staircase is a central feature of any new home, and... View Article

A signature entrance

Choosing the right front door is key to creating a good first impression and enhancing kerb appeal. With so many different products on the market, Stuart Shaw of Hörmann UK provides some insights to help self-builders make an informed decision... View Article

Locally sourced

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Carolyn and Chris Brown’s dream house was right on their doorstep, but they still changed it beyond all recognition to create a very modern family home TEXT & IMAGES HEATHER DIXON When it came to the crunch,... View Article

Chancellor pressed to extend green refurb grants

Refurb grants for people to make their homes more energy efficient should be available for an extra year rather than finish at the end of March next year, urges the Federation of Master Builders. The trade body is calling on... View Article

A work in progress

Jack Wooler speaks to Andrew Baddeley-Chappell, CEO of the National Custom and Self Build Association, on why England lags behind the developed world on levels of self-build, and what can be done Self- and custom-build homes make up around 40... View Article

The path to green finance

The Government’s Green Homes Grant offers homeowners up to £10,000 for energy-saving home improvements. Jack Wooler explains how you can take up the opportunity, and enhance your project’s sustainability Able to fund up to two-thirds of the cost of energy-saving... View Article

The perfect front door

Bethaney Larkman, marketing manager at Distinction Doors gives practical advice for selecting the right entrance door for your self-build or renovation project An entrance door is a subtle yet effective way of enhancing your home. It is the exterior definitive... View Article

Small wonder

In just six months, Max Tillings and Katie Roach built their bijou coach house on an awkward infill plot, using reclaimed materials to complement the neighbouring Victorian property TEXT DEBBIE JEFFERY IMAGES MAX TILLINGS & KATIE ROACH Few people would... View Article

Get on top of sustainability

With the Future Homes Standard about to change how we heat and power homes for ever, self-builders wanting to future-proof their homes should consider integrated green roofing solutions, says Marley’s Stuart Nicholson Time is now ticking for everyone in housebuilding,... View Article

Unintended consequences

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Lizzy and Rupert Atkins hadn’t intended to do a self-build, but when faced with moving out of the area they loved, they decided to embark on a major renovation project to transform an ‘ugly duckling’ Atkins had been... View Article

Pocket and planet

Here Paul Bailey of Grohe UK answers FAQs on how water-saving products can be incorporated into self-builders’ bathroom projects, to save them money and help the planet With a staggering 32 per cent of household daily water usage used for... View Article

Strategic approach to climate change is critical, says RTPI

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has published a report on best practice for strategic planning for climate resilience across city regions. Research was undertaken by RTPI staff working with the Liverpool City Region and constituent councils during 2019 and... View Article

Oak Hill Joinery & Flooring expands its workshop

Oak Hill Joinery & Flooring was formed in February 2017 and specialise in manufacturing solid Prime grade American white oak skirting boards, sold in fixed 3600mm long lengths, also matching architrave sets and door linings. We decided in November 2019... View Article

A Staircase Inspired by The Sea

For a new home in the beautiful Constantine Bay in Cornwall, British Spirals & Castings collaborated with Jonathan Lees Architects to craft a bespoke helical staircase which draws inspiration from the curving patterns of a nautilus shell. The property replaced... View Article

ROCKWOOL Launches Green Homes Grant App for Homeowners

The Green Homes Grant has opened the door for over 600,000 eligible homeowners in England to make valuable energy efficiency upgrades to their homes. Stone wool manufacturer, ROCKWOOL, has developed an app to guide homeowners through the most important elements... View Article

Neaco launches new range of easy-order balcony packages

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Neaco have launched a new range of Juliet balcony packages providing easy specification and fast turnaround from order. Four standard options are available for masonry openings of between 800mm and 2500mm in width. Comprising a range of... View Article

Cerys’ Palace in Crystal Palace

This project sits in the Church Road Conservation Area in Crystal Palace, South London and consists of a complete refurbishment of a beautiful, historic five-bedroom house and a rear extension Unlike with many other projects, the brief here was not... View Article