Maximise your space

Jessica Smith of Curated Spaces and Studio Smith Interior Design shares her top tips for maximising space, improving flow and avoiding costly mistakes during your project. Most people assume an interior designer comes in at the end, once the walls... View Article

NSBRC Masterclass: planning permission

For many self-builders, securing planning permission can feel like the finish line. In reality, it is something quite different: a milestone – significant, yes – but only one step in a longer and often more complex journey. What follows a... View Article

Life on the edge

Jane Ramsay and Neil Manfield’s self-built home is a love letter to a happy childhood in west Wales. TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Martin Gardner Perched on a cliff above the west Wales coast, Jane and Neil’s self-built home is all... View Article

Wall panels vs tiles

Amanda Mills at Saniflo looks at how wall panels compare with traditional tiling in terms of installation time, maintenance and long-term performance. Tiles have long been the default choice for bathroom walls, valued for their durability and familiar aesthetic. However,... View Article

Separating fact from fiction

Joe Raftery at Samsung Climate Solutions explores the most common myths around heat pumps and explains how modern systems offer a reliable option for UK homes. More UK homeowners than ever before are looking for modern, efficient ways to heat... View Article

Bungalow reborn

Isabel & Henry’s remodelled Norfolk property is unrecognisable, transformed into a family home offering the combined benefits of plenty of extra living space, Passivhaus-standard low-energy costs and a timeless character and charisma. TEXT JESS UNWIN IMAGES ISABEL BADGER With the... View Article

Recipe for success

Take one traditional childhood home, deconstruct it, then add delicious curves to whip up a stunning property for chef Andrew Wong and his family. TEXT DEBBIE JEFFERY IMAGES JAMES MCDONALD British-born chef Andrew Wong grew up in the same Pimlico... View Article

Low carbon heating

Niall Parkin at Calor discusses the role of LPG and BioLPG as a long-standing and dependable heating solution for off-grid domestic properties. Self-build is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with more than 64,000 individuals now registered on local authority... View Article

Renovation finance unlocked

Thomas McSherry at BuildStore explains how Light Renovation mortgages are helping buyers finance uninhabitable homes and unlock the potential of renovation and retrofit. Buying a home that’s currently uninhabitable can be an opportunity, but it’s also where many purchases fall... View Article

The ‘unfinished’ house

Simon Gittings and Lauren Jorgensen gave their 1950s home an extraordinary industrial-inspired makeover and extension, exposing original materials and embracing the principles of reuse and salvage. TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Agnese Sanvito/OEB A 1950s semi-detached, three-bedroom home is a common sight... View Article

Choosing the right slate

Steven Pearson at CUPA PIZARRAS explores the importance of material selection for longevity and why your new home’s roof is one area where it doesn’t pay to cut corners. If there’s one thing that’s certain about building your own home,... View Article

NSBRC Masterclass: Passivhaus

With rising energy costs and growing awareness of how our homes affect our health, Passivhaus is no longer a niche ambition. From new builds to deep retrofits, this proven performance standard is helping homeowners create comfortable, future-ready homes and the... View Article

selfbuilder Diaries

From reserving a serviced plot to moving into a high-performance home, Martin and Siobhann reflect on two challenging, rewarding years of self-building on the edge of the Lake District. If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be... View Article

Choosing a kitchen that lasts

Sebastian Aronowitz, founder of The London Kitchen Company explores why material choice is so important when designing a kitchen, deserving the same attention as the overall appearance. Kitchens are usually chosen for how they look. Layout, door style, colour and... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Home Office

With more of us working from home than ever before, it’s increasingly common for self-builders to create a dedicated working space. Find inspiration in our selection of products, whether your space will be a small-but-functional corner or a full blown... View Article

Heat pump evolution

James Parker speaks to Rick Clarke, product manager at NIBE, about why air source heat pumps are not the only answer, and how self-builders can benefit from an array of user-friendly smart tech to fine tune their heating’s efficiency. WHAT... View Article

Fashionable flooring

Lorna Williams at Amtico shares her insights on winter flooring trends for 2025 and how self-builders can use them to curate a cohesive interior scheme. Flooring is often one of the biggest decisions in any project, setting the tone for... View Article

Polished concrete perfection

Izzy Taylor-Wood of Woody’s Concrete Company explores how polished concrete has evolved to become a versatile design choice for contemporary self-builders. Polished concrete has quietly shifted from commercial settings into the heart of our homes. Once associated with warehouses and... View Article

Thermal comfort made simple

Chris Stammers of BEAMA explains how hydronic (water-based) underfloor heating creates a unique sense of thermal comfort by combining even heat distribution with efficient heat transfer. True thermal comfort is achieved when the indoor environment reduces the body’s need to... View Article

The perfect blend

Jason and Rachel’s extended Lincolnshire rectory balances period charm with contemporary design. TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Andy Haslam The Lincolnshire Wolds may not have the same star power as the Cotswolds, but don’t let that fool you; they have their... View Article