The full effect

Andy Hitchman from Solution Fires advises on the key considerations to be made in choosing the perfect electric fire for a real fire effect There has been a significant rise in demand for electric fires in recent years. A fantastic... View Article

Barn to be wild

A couple in Yorkshire with construction know-how were not intimidated by the prospect of redeveloping an old barn as their home, but its still proved a major challenge TEXT HEATHER DIXON IMAGES BEVAN COCKERILL Friends of Gareth and Rebecca Connell... 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

Energising inspiration

The organisers of the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show (being held 30 Sept-2 Oct at ExCeL) say that UK’s first National Home Energy Week “opens up new opportunities” for the self-build sector  The London Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be... View Article

Lessons in landscaping

Ronan O’Dowd from AG Outside Rooms shares his top landscaping lessons for maximising your outdoor space and adding value to your property There was once a time when British gardens sat largely unused except for the sporadic BBQ upon sighting... View Article

Trevor Huggins, licence to build

A James-Bond inspired home in Cornwall makes use of a steep sloped small unused space to create an architectural gem on the edge of the River Tamar TEXT & IMAGES EWEN MACDONALD When Trevor Huggins and his family envisaged a... View Article

Maximising small living spaces

Rising rent prices, shrinking property sizes and increased demand for shared accommodation means we’re now living in smaller spaces more than ever. Analysis of the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) data by Office of National Statistics (ONS) reveals the median floor... View Article

Garage door policies

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Enhancing your property and adding to its kerb appeal is all about making the right choice for your home’s exterior – the windows, entrance doors, landscaping and, of course, your garage door. Here, David O’Mara of Hörmann... View Article

Ask the Expert: Security first

LISTEN HERE 🔊 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,... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Bedrooms

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Bedrooms should be somewhere that you can really relax and feel comfortable, beyond just places to sleep. From wardrobes to dressing tables to underbed storage, you can co-ordinate your pieces to ensure that the whole space feels... View Article

A different angle

LISTEN HERE Architect Lanre Falase adapted an existing design to create a striking home for his family in south London, full of unique quirks and clever elements that maximise its tight, triangular site TEXT TOM BODDY IMAGES LUKASZ WIELKOSZYNSKI &... View Article

How to get started with a self-build

A self-build home is a house that has been built by an individual to tailor their every need – from walk-in wardrobes and sauna rooms, to open plan living spaces and ensuites. The number of people looking to take part in... View Article

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

The Queen has died at the age of 96 after a reign of 70 years. A statement from the King said: “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me... View Article

The future of self-build homes

Getting your own home can sometimes be your biggest investment to date. Buying and maintaining a new-build home can be costly, with ongoing maintenance and renovations happening throughout the home’s lifecycle so that it still serves its purpose. People are... View Article

Coat of many colours

Home colour choices can say a lot about your personality. Lisa Grosse from Cedral discusses how to use the ‘colour wheel’ approach to get the look you want for a new build home or a makeover Colour is one of... View Article

A labour of love in Lanarkshire

When James and Lorna Hamilton made their decision to self-build, their new home had to meet not only the demands of their growing family but also recognise Lorna’s heritage, sitting on the family farmstead TEXT NIK HUNTER IMAGES DAPPLE PHOTOGRAPHY... View Article