A guide to site safety for self-build projects

With house prices ever increasing self-builds are becoming more and more popular as a way to get onto the housing ladder or move into a bigger property or better area. Undertaking this type of project also allows for the home... View Article

How to value a building plot

A plot is only worth what someone’s prepared to pay – but you should only be prepared to pay what it’s worth. Mark Stevenson, managing director of Potton & Kingspan Timber Solutions Ltd and self-build & renovation expert for the London Homebuilding &... View Article

A happy home is a well-designed home

Jason Orme, property expert and presenter of The Real Homes Show, explains how house design can make the home a happier place to be in. It’s a common belief that when we improve our homes, we improve our wellbeing.  Our homes... View Article

How to choose a bathroom to suit your needs

According to statistics the average bathroom costs between £2,700 and £6,500 pounds, with luxurious bathrooms topping £7,000 and rocketing into the hundreds of thousands for the most bespoke, high-end types. So, even at the cheaper end of the market, you’re... View Article

Re-think, re-purpose, relax

If you’re embarking on a house renovation project, this is an exciting opportunity to make your home truly suited to your lifestyle and tastes says Jo Dyson, partner of Mae House Design and renovation and interiors expert for the London Homebuilding & Renovating... View Article

Timber types

How do you decide what style of house is for you? The materials you choose can heavily influence the space you create. Carpenter Oak talk through some of the timber choices open to self-builders who want to put wood at... View Article

New permitted development rules are good for planning

Under new permitted development rules, homeowners in terraced and semi-detached homes will be able to put single story extensions of up to 6 metres at the rear of their properties without needing to obtain planning permission. Those in detached homes... View Article

Why the demand of summer houses are rising?

Summer houses are becoming ever more popular with the homeowner for multiple reasons. These outdoor buildings acquire multiple uses that can often benefit both everyday life and financial gain, and with so many available purposes comes the increased desire for... View Article

The six most common washing machine problems explained

Just like any other electronic appliance, washing machines are prone to a number of problems. Leaks, harsh shaking movements, strange noises, and issues powering on or dispensing detergent are all common symptoms of a faulty washing machine. Fortunately, most of... View Article

Interior design trends for the year ahead

Sian Astley, property expert for the Homebuilding & Renovating Show and project manager for BBC2 series Your Home Made Perfect, predicts the biggest interior trends for the year ahead: ‘70s retro revival Grey isn’t exactly banished but if you’re a hippy... View Article

Five reasons to choose roller blinds for your home

When you are decorating your home, it is important that you think carefully about all of the little details. While many people would automatically invest in curtains to match their decor in their home, roller blinds can often be the... View Article

How to bring a little Marie Kondo into your renovation project

Following the popularity of Netflix series Tidying up, Sian Astley, property expert for the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show (28-31 March, NEC, Birmingham), shares her tips on how to bring a little Marie Kondo into your life if you’re embarking on a big renovation. She’s currently... View Article

What does 2019 hold for the UK construction industry?

Things look promising for the UK construction industry in 2019, with large projects around the country, higher than ever construction output in 2018, and a rise in demand for residential properties. It won’t be plain sailing, and Brexit concerns will... View Article

Editor’s letter

Have you heard about custom build? The Government is very excited about it, having put money into several developments recently. It captures some of the same benefits as self-build, but as custom build has a flexible range of options, schemes... View Article

When to knock down and start again

Mark Stevenson, managing director of Potton and Kingspan Timber Solutions and self-build and renovation expert for The London Homebuilding & Renovating Show, on why self-builders should demolish rather than wait for empty land. Over 53 per cent of UK adults... View Article