Bad decisions that could derail your self-build

Building your own home can be a complicated matter, even for the most seasoned of self-builders. While there will undoubtedly be surprises along the way, some bigger (and more expensive!) than others, there are several common pitfalls that have the... View Article

Permitted paving

Although a requirement for most new developments, other – often forgotten – planning measures encouraging sustainable drainage (or SuDS) also apply to new or replacement paving around existing properties. They are explained in brand new editions of Interpave’s ‘Permitted Paving’... View Article

£36 million land deal to create new community

A joint venture between Wainhomes Severn Valley and South Gloucestershire Council will deliver up to 327 new homes in the south of the county. The £36 million collaboration is designed not only to build much needed homes but a new... View Article

Lighten up the kitchen with Königstone’s Concrete Sand

For homeowners looking for a natural-looking engineered stone, then Königstone’s KönigQuartz worktop is the ideal material; the new neutral colour, Concrete Sand, perfectly complements all schemes. The light tones of the worktop will contrast with dark cabinetry to lighten a... View Article

From humble farmers’ cottages to luxury family home

Rowland Cottage in Lincolnshire is a four bedroom period property that started life as a set of three farmers’ cottages, a smithy and a joinery workshop. It has been extensively renovated and reformed to provide a luxury characterful home. Being... View Article

Snickers Workwear FlexiWork insulated jackets and trousers

Superb insulation and full weather protection for optimal comfort on site. Street-smart, stylish looks and market-leading GORE-TEX and 37.5® fabric technology make these jackets and trousers a must for winter on site or for outdoor leisure activities. You’ll stay warm and... View Article

Key considerations for a garage conversion

The base is one of the most important elements of your concrete garage, and if not built correctly you could soon end up with an unstable build rather than the desired strong platform. There are several factors that you should... View Article

Policy Exchange Report on Planning – expert comment

Following The Times’ story on the Policy Exchange report on planning and plans to overhaul the system, Paul Smith, MD of Strategic Land Group commented:  “The planning system is very recognisably the one that existed in 1947 when the socio-economic... View Article

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 secretly... View Article

Sliding doors, made simple

Listen here. Steve Bromberg of Express Bi-Folding Doors outlines the essential factors for self-builders who are considering sliding doors – from size limitations to energy efficiency OTHER THAN SAVING SPACE, WHAT BENEFITS CAN SLIDING DOORS OFFER OVER BI-FOLDS? The main benefit... View Article
Gill MacLeod – Renovation in Scotland

The fruits of determination

Listen here. Nothing was going to stop resourceful self-builder Gill MacLeod achieving the house of her dreams, a major renovation in rural Scotland TEXT JAYNE DOWLE IMAGES EMMA GRAY Clambering around a delivery depot in a hi-vis vest and hard hat,... View Article

An adventure by the sea

Listen here. Embarking on a self-build sans architect is not for the faint-hearted, but Joey and Charlotte Thomson decided to go the DIY route to creating their perfect coastal home TEXT & IMAGES EWEN MACDONALD In 2015 Joey Auger and Charlotte... View Article
Self-Build Case Study: Ian and Julie Perrin

An uphill battle

Self-Build Case Study: Ian and Julie Perrin were unsure about buying the ‘difficult’ plot of land they ended up building on in Montgomery, mid-Wales, but they convinced themselves to take the plunge TEXT ROSEANNE FIELD IMAGES NIKHILESH HAVAL | Listen... View Article

Curves in all the right places

Self-Build Case Study: Not only have Roger and Lucy Southcott achieved their ambition of building a home that’s energy self-sufficient with super-low greenhouse gas emissions, they’ve also created something that’s carefully shaped to fit the contours of its Wiltshire location... View Article