1 in 10 fireplace users at risk of a chimney fire

New UK research reveals that nearly one in ten fireplace users leave it years before sweeping their chimneys putting their homes at risk of catching fire. One owner said, “I’m not sure how often I should have it done.” The... View Article

Offsite timber systems are on the menu

The Structural Timber Association talks through timber-based offsite technology and how it can provide self-builders with the ultimate solution in terms of accuracy, control and cost-effectiveness Any structural method created in a factory away from the building site comes under... View Article

Navigating the world of wastewater

Sequencing Batch Reactor technology should be the way forward for wastewater management, says David Stagg of Graf UK The world of wastewater treatment has become a dynamic, complex, and challenging one. Nutrient neutrality that requires reductions in nitrates and phosphates,... View Article

Having the vision

Alissa and David Talbot transformed their cramped London maisonette into a beautiful and practical home to house their growing family TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Joe Whitmore/Carta Nova It was the summer of 2021 and Alissa and David were living in... View Article

More brands, more stands, more fun

27-29th September Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre Screwfix LIVE, the “omnichannel” retailer’s flagship event dedicated to trade and DIY enthusiasts, is coming back to Farnborough in September. The free-to-enter show is returning to Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre... View Article

Passivhaus comforts, ‘automatically’

Tyron Cosway of Loxone looks at the role building automation can play in maximising the comfort and liveability of low energy Passivhaus designs As the demand for sustainable living solutions rises, the concept of Passivhaus design has garnered significant attention... View Article

Scandi style

Paul Berry and his Swedish partner Pernilla have built a Scandinavian-inspired contemporary family home in Surrey with copious natural light TEXT Debbie Jeffery IMAGES Jonathan Reid “We were actually living in New York when we first started our self-build project,”... View Article

Why energy storage is key to decarbonising the smart homes of tomorrow

In this article, Jordan Brompton, co-founder and CMO of myenergi, celebrates accelerating microgeneration installation rates and explains why energy storage is becoming an increasingly popular solution to maximise self-consumption.  Renewable energy generation technologies, such as solar PV and heat pumps,... View Article

Futureproofing homes forever

For many customers, the ability to continuing to live in the same house as they age is a huge driver. Vaila Morrison of Stannah discusses the home lift types available to fully futureproof your home In the 1980s, people moved... View Article

To the Manar born

France’s loss was Scotland’s gain when a couple decided to abandon ideas to renovate a French chateau and took on Manar House in Inverurie instead TEXT Nik Hunter IMAGES Elliot Roberts Christina and Dean Horspool have always had big ideas,... View Article

Integrating aesthetics and sustainability

Dan Redfern of Marley predicts that integrating renewable technology on the roof will a key solution for self-builders seeking the balance between sustainable yet still aesthetically pleasing homes Of the 200,000 new homes being built in the UK, around 10%... View Article

A calculated risk

Despite the risks associated with buying a dated bungalow in the South Downs National Park over 200 miles away from his home, Philip Westcott was prepared to take the chance thanks to the advice of his building-savvy son TEXT Jayne... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

Completing a full home renovation a few years ago gave Wayne and Kandi the urge to take on a bigger project, but spending three years and counting living in two caravans with their four children and dog hasn’t been plain... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Living Rooms

Being the space where most of us head to at the end of a busy day, the living room is one of the key spaces where you’re going to relax and enjoy the home you’ve created. Find inspiration for how... View Article

A fusion of function & art

Far more than a functional necessity, Best Heating’s John Lawless explores how ‘designer’ radiators can allow you to combine creativity with common-sense heating functionality Home is where the heart is, and every element within it should resonate with a homeowner’s... View Article

What is happening with the Future Homes Standard 2025?

Victoria Brocklesby, COO at aluminium windows and doors specialist, Origin, discusses how the Future Homes Standard legislation could impact housebuilding and offers her advice to self-builders and renovators The UK is placing more onus on ‘green building’ than ever before.... View Article

Limitless possibilities

Here, Paul Higgins of TuffX explores the key reasons for self-builders to specify bi-fold doors, from slimline sightlines to revolutionary heated solutions. Bi-fold external doors offer the ideal balance of practicality, aesthetics, and functionality, whether used to create unobstructed garden... View Article

Let’s go outside

Ronan O’Dowd from AG Outside Rooms shares his top tips for maximising your outside space and unlocking the potential of your garden, from tranquil sanctuaries to vibrant entertainment areas There was once a time when gardens across the nation sat... View Article