Three in a row

Despite settling down in their previous self-build home in a Herefordshire village, the opportunity to build a new one next door was too good to resist for Mark and Sharon Young. Roseanne Field reports Alane in the small Herefordshire village... View Article

Safety first

Doug Skins, former police officer and now with the national police crime prevention initiative Secured by Design (SBD), answers self-builders’ queries on how to make your home more secure SBD has been a staunch campaigner for improved security in buildings... View Article

Scottish Government announces new Self Build Loan Fund

The Scottish Government has announced a new Self Build Loan Fund which will allow anyone struggling with finance for a self-build to apply for lending. The scheme is open to applications from those who have been unable to obtain self-build... 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

Five ways to ensure a successful home insurance claim

GoCompare offers tips on how to avoid joining the 1 in 6 who have had household insurance claims rejected The darker nights of autumn and winter typically mean an increase in burglary rates and weather-related insurance claims. GoCompare Home Insurance shares five... View Article

Quick and easy guest room updates

In an ideal world, a Guest Bedroom delivers a luxury hotel-like experience for friends and family. In most UK homes, the reality is it’s a dumping ground crammed with rarely used household items  and bedding that’s decades old.  It’s a... View Article

Kitchen trends 2019

Words by Adrian Stoneham | Managing Director, Stoneham Kitchens  As the sun slowly sets on the year 2018, why not celebrate the dawn of the new year with a brand new kitchen? 2019 is destined to be an exciting year... View Article

UK Passivhaus reaches 1000

The Passivhaus Trust is delighted to announce that the number of certified Passivhaus units in the UK has topped 1000 – with at least as many again in the pipeline. The Trust is UK affiliate of the Passivhaus Institute, and was established just... View Article

Knock on wood

Whether it’s to hide behind or make a statement with, your front door is the defining element of the public facing exterior of your home.  It’s the strangers’ first impression as they call on you, and it’s the portal to... View Article

The joys of going bespoke

Jon Sillitoe of Burlanes Interiors discusses why self-builders should consider investing in a bespoke kitchen, explaining how it worked out for a family in Chelmsford. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, where the family congregates to eat, cook... View Article

Upcycled & Unique

Natalie Lockwood, interior designer and owner of studio and blog Little Mill House, discusses the current upcycling trend, and how you can embrace it to bring a distinctive look and a greener interior. Upcycling has become as mainstream in recent... View Article

How to buy the perfect conservatory

So, you have the perfect home, you’ve put a great deal of effort into achieving an impeccable interior and a stunningly green garden, your home is a combination between comfortable and stylish, on trend and completely you. Are you ready... View Article

The simplicity of SIPs

Paul Newman of Kingspan Timber Solutions explains the simple and compelling concept behind SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels), and why you should consider them in the construction of your new home. Masonry, SIPs, timber frame, ICF, straw bale, oak frame –... View Article