Ask the Expert – Get your light right

With so many options available from so many suppliers, choosing the right rooflight can be a bit of a minefield. Here Paul Trace from Stella Rooflights answers the key questions you will need to consider when seeking out the ideal... View Article

Ask the Expert: Funding success

LISTEN HERE Paul Welch of largemortgageloans.com walks you through the key tips for success in playing the self-build mortgage game You have secured your plot, lined up your construction team, and your planning permission has been granted. But what about... View Article

Home Styling: Panel visions

Achieving a cohesive, attractive interior means combining ‘interest, contrast and texture,’ says Robyn Park of Robyn Park Interiors. She explains how panelling can be a great way to do this, and how it’s having a big moment in the interior... View Article

Unlocking your door’s true colours

LISTEN HERE Ben Brocklesby of doors and windows supplier Origin offers his advice for self-builders on the ins and outs of picking door colours Aluminium doors are a great option if you’re looking for an unusual colour. If you want... View Article

Comment: The window view

Get in the lead and avoid the delays  Unexpected delays can cause huge disruption to a self-build project, costing you valuable time and money. Here, Ben Brocklesby of Origin explores why it is vital to research likely product lead times... View Article

Ask the expert: Wetrooms 101

In recent years the wetroom concept has taken a leap into mainstream popularity, and installations in homes are more desirable than ever to meet a range of needs. Shaun Hunt from Impey answers some self-builder Frequently Asked Questions For many... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

Leanne and partner Mark recently took on a renovation in Barnsley, while also tackling the running of their own business and raising three girls When we first moved into our current home, we never planned to stay there long-term. 12... View Article

Ask the Expert: Tips on going to ground

When investing in a ground source heat pump system you’ll want to make sure it runs as efficiently as possible. James Coe at Kensa Heat Pumps shares how to get the most out of your low-carbon heating installation WHAT FACTORS... View Article

Ask the Expert: Fully kitted up

Your choice of construction method will affect almost every aspect of your project. Derek Dawson of Scandia Hus answers some common questions on kit homes, explaining how they can be the ‘ultimate solution’ for a self-build WHAT IS A KIT... View Article

Ask the Expert: Insuring peace of mind

Jake Fitness from Self-Build Zone answers some FAQs on how to choose the self-build insurance you need WHEN DO YOU NEED TO INSURE YOUR PROJECT?  As soon as you have completed the conveyancing and bought your plot. The moment you... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

We are Laura and Jamie Currie from the Isle of Wight, and we recently embarked upon our first renovation in Gurnard near Cowes, which we are project managing around our day jobs!  We’ve always lived on the island, but in... View Article

Home Styling: Magical bedtimes

In designing a children’s bedroom, it’s possible to create a sense of magic, and if you allow yourself to move away from the standard approaches there are no limits. Interior designer Cat Dal offers some practical tips As with any... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

In the first of a series of first-hand articles by self-builders, we track the initial inspiration for Amanda Ritchie’s remote Scottish build, and the challenges of upping sticks to Skye My name is Amanda Ritchie and currently I live with... View Article

Ask the Expert: Security first

Kenny McHugh of Secured by Design answers self-builders’ questions on creating a physically secure home, from the layout and boundaries, to physical security and alarms Every self-builder will be looking to create a safe and secure home, but security doesn’t... View Article

Home Styling: Mastering 
bedroom bliss

Bedrooms should be a place to relax and rejuvenate. Rob Lessmann from interior design studio Design’d Living explains how to create the perfect master bedroom ambience We spend a lot of our time in a bedroom, so it is imperative... View Article

Ask the Expert: Connecting with the outside

Considering bifold or sliding doors for your self-build or renovation project? Matt Higgs from Kloeber answers some of the key questions to help ensure you choose the right glazed doors for your home It’s not surprising that bifold and sliding... View Article

Home Styling: Versatile underfoot

Choosing tiled flooring can have major design benefits, but there are decisions to get right. Here Jo Oliver of Stone & Ceramic Warehouse provides the robust case for porcelain Flooring serves as the foundation for your interior design and can... View Article

Ask the Expert: Growing green aspirations

For growing numbers of self-builders, green roofs are the right choice for topping off a home. But what are the key practicalies that you need to consider – and are they suitable for all projects? Julian Thurbin of Wallbarn has... View Article

From the editor…

Hello and welcome to 2022! Well, you might be used to this new year by now, with all of its wintry trials and tribulations, but this is the first issue of Selfbuilder and Homemaker of the year, and we are... View Article

Ask the Expert: Home and dry

Andrew Scanlon of Everbuild answers some of the basement waterproofing queries asked by self-builders to help them avoid getting out of their depth in their projects Basement conversions have long been a popular way to increase the usable space in... View Article