Electrical Safety: The visual checks to do today

With 53.4% of all dwelling fires in the UK resulting from electrical hazards, it’s clear electrical hazards often go unnoticed and that householders may not be aware of the warning signs to look out for. The consequences of not spotting them can... View Article

TrustMark appoints new Chief Operating Officer

TrustMark, the UK’s only Government-Endorsed Quality Scheme for work carried out in and around the home, announces the appointment of Charlotte Carter as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), a newly established role in the organisation.    Charlotte joins TrustMark after... View Article

Timber frame construction

In light of Labour’s push for timber frame construction as part of its net zero strategy, Michael Holmes, property expert for the Homebuilding & Renovating Show, says: The potential for timber frame construction to address the UK housing crisis is both... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Home Office

Whether you’ll be working from home full time or only part, creating a cosy dedicated nook or designing a whole room, we’ve compiled products from desks and chairs to storage and lighting solutions to provide all the inspiration you need... View Article

Clay brick: A timeless material

With clay bricks capable of retaining structural integrity for more than 150 years, Rob Flello of the Brick Development Association (BDA) explains why self-builders are increasingly viewing them as a long-term investment.   Whether you consider buying or building, a... View Article

How much do ‘U-value’ insulation?

Matthew Evans of Kingspan Insulation GB discusses what to think about when it comes to insulating your self-build. Ensuring your new home is effectively insulated is an important consideration for all self-builders. It can help to significantly reduce your long-term... View Article

Home Upgrades Without Planning Permission

Simon Rix, planning consultant for the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show, founder of Planix, says: As a planning consultant, I often advise homeowners on the best way to improve their properties while staying within permitted development rights. Many people want to extend... View Article

The power of underfloor heating with smart technology

Richard Bateman, product marketing manager at RWC, explores the transformative role of underfloor heating and the integration of smart controls in delivering efficient and futureproof heating systems for customers. As the heating industry shifts towards more sustainable and efficient solutions,... View Article
Mediterranean tranquillity

Mediterranean tranquillity

Behind the traditional stained-glass front door of an Edwardian terraced house in Southfields lies a remarkable renovation inspired by bright and airy Mediterranean living. TEXT JAYNE DOWLE IMAGES HATCH + MASON / CHRIS SNOOK Belonging to 32-year-old yoga teacher Molly... View Article

The evolution of bathroom furniture

With smaller bathrooms becoming more common, the importance of furniture for potential homeowners has increased, as they look to keep these spaces clutter free. This increased demand for furniture has coincided with a desire for greater personalisation, with colour and... View Article
A modern approach

A modern approach

With the controversy over wood burning stoves, BFCMA’s Dennis Milligan explains why it is worth looking at the benefits of modern stoves.  Combined with quality wood, modern stoves offer significant benefits that align with reducing carbon emissions and improving air... View Article
A long time coming

A long time coming

Plans had been approved and Mark and Theresa Edwards were ready to get to work on their building project, but then they met architect Stuart Bagshaw… TEXT NIK HUNTER IMAGES ELLIOT ROBERTS The Edwards had been holidaying in Cove in... View Article
Embracing nature’s light

Embracing nature’s light

Paul Trace from Stella Rooflight discusses the importance of effectively introducing the biophilic benefits of natural light into the home. In an era marked by technological advancements and urbanisation, the longing for a connection with nature has never been stronger.... View Article

Smarter heating, lower bills

As the UK moves towards a greener future, the way we heat our homes is changing. Heat pumps are at the heart of this transformation – an efficient, low-carbon alternative to traditional gas boilers.  By 2028, 600,000 are expected to... View Article

A sustainable retrofit

In the retrofit and extension of his old bungalow, Michael Collins has teased something special out of the ordinary. TEXT ALEXANDRA PRATT IMAGES JACOB MILLIGAN  Sometimes, the perfect home project doesn’t need to be the dream building plot. Sometimes, it... View Article
tiles

On trend with tiles

Following a year of exciting innovations and technological advances, María D Arráez of Tile of Spain UK and Clara Vicedo of ASCER outline the key tile trends set to dominate homes this year. From sensory, calm textures to dynamic dimensions,... View Article
Selfbuilder Diaries

Selfbuilder Diaries

For selfbuilder Carys and her family, their project has been an ongoing journey from a bungalow fit for retirement to a complete demolition and rebuild, all the while knowing that the value is in the plot rather than the bricks…... View Article

Must-have flooring trends for 2025

From subtle, biophilic-inspired flooring to brighter, more confident statement designs, Amtico’s Lorna Williams explores the top five trends set to make a splash in flooring in self-builds next year. The big design trend currently, and likely to sustain into 2025,... View Article