Building excitement

4-8 October, Birmingham’s NEC WHAT’S ON AT THIS YEAR’S GRAND DESIGNS BIRMINGHAM? THE EXHIBITION A great opportunity to meet hundreds of suppliers across different project areas, all under one roof. The five areas of the show are: Build, Kitchens and Bathrooms,... View Article

Ask the Expert – Get your light right

With so many options available from so many suppliers, choosing the right rooflight can be a bit of a minefield. Here Paul Trace from Stella Rooflights answers the key questions you will need to consider when seeking out the ideal... View Article

Green solutions

The London Homebuilding & Renovating Show (being held 22 – 24 September at the ExCeL) embraces the escalating demand for eco-conscious homeowners seeking to minimise the carbon footprint of their residences. While the latest headlines report that the UK is... View Article

All change

Sally and Tom Marlow didn’t have to look far from their house in south London in their search for more space. The catch was that their new home needed a full renovation as well as multiple extensions TEXT ALEXANDRA PRATT... View Article

A wasted opportunity?

David Stagg, technical manager for Graf UK, says that ‘commissioning’ of domestic wastewater treatment plants is as vital as getting gas and electricity services signed off by specialists, and wonders why it’s not happening  Wastewater treatment plants became established in... View Article

Maintain your rainwater discipline

Maintaining your rainwater system is just as crucial as specifying the right system for your home. Paul Grills of Brett Martin offers insights on best practice for preserving healthy gutters and downpipes Although rainwater drainage systems are far from the... View Article

Integrated building control benefits

Self-builders are at the forefront of some of the most cutting edge building techniques. They now need to lead the way in quality building automation and control solutions, says Paul Foulkes of Theben Automation Remaining in control is important. Not... View Article

Farm from the madding crowd

What does it take to turn a 200-year-old remote Scottish farmhouse with an evocative name – Easter Shian – into a family home and business? Answer: the resilience and imagination of Dave and Debbie Halls-Evans  TEXT NIK HUNTER IMAGES ROBERT... View Article

Wrap up warmer

Having a solid roof fitted on your conservatory can help to save energy and bills, but it’s important to choose your system carefully to get the best results, Tim Douglas from Guardian Building Systems explains A roof replacement is a great... View Article

EnerPHit for purpose

Bob and his wife have completed a phased retrofit of tight building into an highly efficient and carefully designed home which meets the needs of the future, both theirs and environmentally speaking TEXT TOM BODDY IMAGES AGNESE SANVITO It took... View Article

Structure versus style?

Many people feel that staircases are just a means of getting from floor to floor in a property, but for others it is a focal point which is treated in the same way as a major piece of furniture or... View Article

A thoroughly modern eco mix

An Aberdeenshire couple chose an array of innovative building methods – including ICF construction – to create an eco-friendly modernist gem that still manages to blend in with its surroundings TEXT JESS UNWIN IMAGES RAW FORMAT PHOTOGRAPHY, NIALL GIBBON &... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

Self-building architect Philip Newbold looks back a decade to the battle he successfully fought to build the first ‘passive house’ in County Durham with an A-rated EPC, and how it has served him and his wife since The journey of... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Bathrooms

LISTEN HERE The bathroom is of course a sanctuary away from the world, but when choosing products, arguably function and practicality are as important as how well they co-ordinate, or provide a luxury feel. Here we offer a range of... View Article

Ask the Expert: Funding success

LISTEN HERE Paul Welch of largemortgageloans.com walks you through the key tips for success in playing the self-build mortgage game You have secured your plot, lined up your construction team, and your planning permission has been granted. But what about... View Article

Home Styling: Panel visions

Achieving a cohesive, attractive interior means combining ‘interest, contrast and texture,’ says Robyn Park of Robyn Park Interiors. She explains how panelling can be a great way to do this, and how it’s having a big moment in the interior... View Article

Unlocking your door’s true colours

LISTEN HERE Ben Brocklesby of doors and windows supplier Origin offers his advice for self-builders on the ins and outs of picking door colours Aluminium doors are a great option if you’re looking for an unusual colour. If you want... View Article

Anxiety around house renovation keeping Brits up at night

New analysis reveals that house renovations are the biggest cause of late-night anxiety in Britain, with more people searching for home improvement advice than money or work-related queries in the middle of the night.  Google searches for home improvement-related terms... View Article