Three perfect additions to your self built home

There are many advantages that come from designing and building your own home. It gives you an enormous sense of achievement and satisfaction, and it can save you money too. Even more importantly, it allows you to have a home... 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

Getting the most from extensions

The increasing costs of moving due to stamp duty and mortgages, combined with the unrelenting hassle of dealing with broadband and utility companies, mean more of us are realising that extensions are the best solution to our housing conundrums. The... View Article

A quality double act; roof windows and blinds

Daylight is one of the holy grails of modern living. Bright, well-lit spaces have clear health and well-being benefits. In short they make us feel good and unsurprisingly this is something we want from our homes. In this quest for... View Article

Smart answers on smart homes

Ben Johnson, director of Powertrac Electrical Services, a Berkshire-based smart home and electrical contractor, answers some of the frequently asked questions on smart homes. What is a smart home? In short, a smart home intelligently automates and allows you to... View Article
Spiral Staircases: Controlled spirals – netMAGmedia Ltd

Controlled spirals

Antonia Harding of British Spirals & Castings dispels the myth that spiral staircases are dangerous and explains how they can be used effectively and safely in your project. With their architectural beauty and space-saving benefits, spiral staircases can be the perfect... View Article

HOA on how a Brexit might affect homeowners

Paula Higgins, founder and Chief Executive of the HomeOwners Alliance (HOA) has the following thoughts on the impact of a Brexit on Britain’s homeowners: 1. Interest rates: Most economists expect if we do vote for Brexit, it will lead to... View Article

Self-build property planning applications fall to six year low

Figures released by Barbour ABI today reveal that UK-wide self-build planning applications in 2014 have decreased by 28% compared to 2008. Barbour ABI, the chosen provider of the Government’s Construction and Infrastructure Pipeline, shows that 16,792 self-build planning applications were... View Article