Preserving character with plaster

Neil Turner at Ecological Building Systems explores how natural thermal plaster products can achieve modern thermal performance requirements without compromising on the original architecture of traditional buildings. When it comes to renovating older properties, the challenge often lies in selecting... View Article

Underfloor heating delivers

Chris Stammer at BEAMA’s Underfloor Heating (UFH) Group explains how hydronic (water-based) underfloor heating delivers thermal comfort, improved air quality and design freedom – and why selfbuilders are ideally placed to make the most of it. One of the most... View Article

FMB finds Essex homeowners lose £448m to rogue builders 

Homeowners across Essex have lost an estimated £448 million over the past five years to unqualified or unlicensed builders, according to new constituency-level research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) — as the trade body renews its call for mandatory licensing... View Article

Horizontal vs vertical cladding

Lisa Grosse at Cedral discusses the benefits and design possibilities of horizontal and vertical cladding styles.  Did you know that you can fit weatherboards vertically as well as horizontally on your home’s exterior? The creative use of cladding can change... View Article

Protect your project

James Parker speaks to Jake Fitness, operations manager at Self-Build Zone, about why specialist insurance is essential for protecting your self-build project, satisfying mortgage lenders and safeguarding your investment. DO I REALLY NEED TO INSURE MY PROJECT AGAINST SOMETHING THAT... View Article

The future of retrofit

James Parker speaks to Nick Whant, sustainability manager at the NSBRC, about the viability, performance and sustainability of retrofitting properties.  IS RETROFIT A VIABLE OPTION FOR ANY TYPE OF PROPERTY? In short, yes! Depending on your budget, you may be... View Article

New guide launched for steel reuse in housebuilding

·       New structural steel reuse guide aimed at housebuilders and self-builders ·       Busts myths around structural steel reuse in domestic construction ·       Demonstrates cost and carbon savings of steel reuse ·       Free guide available now from https://cleveland-steel.com/ ·       Official launch at... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Kitchens & Diners

Whether you’re designing a space to cook and eat with the family or for entertaining large groups, find inspiration in our selection of products and fittings for your kitchen and dining spaces.  1. The Barney extending kitchen table (pictured in... View Article

Maximise your space

Jessica Smith of Curated Spaces and Studio Smith Interior Design shares her top tips for maximising space, improving flow and avoiding costly mistakes during your project. Most people assume an interior designer comes in at the end, once the walls... View Article

NSBRC Masterclass: planning permission

For many self-builders, securing planning permission can feel like the finish line. In reality, it is something quite different: a milestone – significant, yes – but only one step in a longer and often more complex journey. What follows a... View Article

Life on the edge

Jane Ramsay and Neil Manfield’s self-built home is a love letter to a happy childhood in west Wales. TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Martin Gardner Perched on a cliff above the west Wales coast, Jane and Neil’s self-built home is all... View Article

Patio and driveway drainage issues homeowners should know about

Drainage issues are rising as outdoor projects surge, with pooling water and failing paving becoming common. Many homeowners discover too late that surface water management is a structural decision, not an afterthought. Award-winning landscaper and Bradstone Assured installer Darren Plumridge... View Article

Bjelin marks 10 years as Woodura production grows

Bjelin is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, marking a decade of growth, innovation and international expansion. In the last year, the company has experienced a 40% increase in Woodura flooring growth, confirming the company’s strategic direction and market demand for durable,... View Article