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

Home Styling: Post-lockdown on the farm

Richard Bradley of V33 offers styling tips on achieving the ‘modern farmhouse kitchen’ look, and plants some seeds on possible finishes to go for in your build Most people would understand completely what a traditional farmhouse kitchen look would entail.... View Article

Ask the Expert: Cut your losses and save CO2

Improving insulation is at the heart of the country’s mission to reduce CO2 emissions in new homes. Matthew Evans of Kingspan Insulation answers key questions around the materials and details to consider to avoid heat loss in your build, and... View Article

Light up your life

Lucy Mather from Arighi Bianchi offers some hints and tips to take lighting up a level, with a decorative approach using the latest looks and trends in fixed and accessory lighting solutions There are so many choices and considerations when... View Article

A guide to energy-efficient heating

Alex Burgess of The Radiator Company provides some advice to self-builders on achieving energy efficient heating solutions for their property, for planet and pocket WHAT ARE THE MOST EFFICIENT RADIATORS? With the population increasingly looking to find ways to make... View Article

Reduce your water footprint

Bart Sobieszczanski of Ideal Standard answers the key questions around how to specify bathroom products to maximise water-saving benefits, and increase your build’s sustainability as well as cost-efficiency When it comes to water-saving in the home, one of the main... View Article

From the Editor…

Now that the prospect of England winning a major football final has receded back into the distance, life as normal can resume, which – er – means unlocking a country still full of Covid! However it has to happen at... View Article