Back to bars in the bathroom

A hot topic in the news, is the ever-growing plastics debate which is now starting to focus on bathroom cosmetics and the unnecessary packaging; this week, shower gel is in the spotlight We constantly hear how we can avoid single-use plastic;... View Article

ISH 2019 showcases 12 colour trends for the bathroom

With its evolution into a lifestyle space, the bathroom is experiencing the return of colour as well.The colour transgressions of the 60s and 70s are forgotten – the main thing is to avoid boredom at all costs. Bathroom planners and the... View Article

Get advice and inspiration at the NEC

Discover the wide range of expert knowledge and advice on offer for self-builders at the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show, which is being held in March at the NEC, Birmingham Recent reports from Plotfinder reveal a 31 per cent year... View Article

Make room outside

David Coleman of Oak Timber Structures explains why the inclusion of an oak gazebo in the garden can add huge value to a property for the long term, and discusses the considerations to bear in mind With fewer people moving... View Article

Taking an alternative route to drainage

When building or renovating a home with no connection to mains drainage for the disposal of sewage, alternative options have to be considered. Burnham Environmental Services’ Mark Newbery explains further The UK currently has four different environmental regulators for surface... View Article

BBA opens new office in Dublin

The British Board of Agrément, the UK’s leading construction products certification body, has opened an office in Dublin (BBA EU), creating employment opportunities in the city and allowing it to explore new avenues for growth outside the UK. The move... View Article

Debunking underfloor heating myths

According to Nigel Sanger of JG Speedfit, many self-builders and property developers are still cautious about installing underfloor heating (UFH) due to rumour and hearsay. Here he dispels the four most common myths Demand for underfloor heating (UFH) is rising,... View Article

A different outlook

Although Matthew and Emma Greenland’s west Wales self-build would not turn out to be their ‘forever home’ due to a change in their future plans, they created a building that makes the most of its spectacular site. Roseanne Field reports... 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

Four interior trends to watch out for in 2019

Lorna McAleer, interiors expert from made to measure window blinds brand, Style Studio outlines four of the biggest home décor trends for 2019.  Lorna has also selected products from the brand’s NEW collections to showcase how to ‘get the look’. Trend #1... View Article

Getting water-proofing right

If you are installing a concrete basement or other below-ground structures, getting your waterproofing specification right to combat leaks is crucial, as they can undermine your entire project. Yassar Altaf from Sika answers readers’ questions on long-term approaches for controlling... View Article

Editor’s letter

One of the key things to remember in creating a happy and successful self- build is to remember your neighbours. You’re likely to be getting hundreds of deliveries over the course of a build, so anything you can do to... View Article

The decline of the conventional floorplan and room names

Jason Orme, property expert for The Homebuilding & Renovating Show (28-31 March 2019), says: “Our homes and the way we use them reflect the way society is changing. If we look at the history of the homes since mediaeval times, there’s a definite... View Article