Buying into the concept

Wanting to be part of the self-build hotspot that is Graven Hill, Dheeraj and Taniya Malik found a building system that they liked so much, they set up a business based around it TEXT Jess Unwin IMAGES Jess Unwin &... View Article

Passive impressive

LISTEN HERE A retired eco building enthusiast fulfilled a dream to create an ultra low energy home by upgrading a barn he originally built in North Yorkshire using ‘Passive House’ principles Text:Jayne Dowle Images: Green Building Store When Pete Smith... View Article

Hope for the best

LISTEN HERE Nicki Hogg’s self-build saw her and her partner go from surprise auction to acquiring a desirable south Devon plot in Hope Cove for their forever home Text & Images: Ewen Macdonald It was a chance visit to a... View Article

Open House London

Despite having no initial plans to alter their traditional Victorian family home in Greenwich, David and Nicola Fleming ended up reinventing it, building two highly contemporary extensions which dramatically improve look and layout Text: Debbie Jeffery Images: Joseph Trayler/Henri Bredenkamp... View Article

A different view

LISTEN HERE Despite a distinct lack of windows and character in general, Philippa Neilson-Factor and husband Tony took a punt on reinventing an uninspiring Essex bungalow with potential for an amazing outlook Text Karen Wilson Images ODC Door & Glass... View Article

Storage solutions for awkward spaces

Megan Baker, head of design at My Fitted Bedroom, discusses how to make the most of awkward bedroom spaces, for maximum storage Bedrooms come in all different shapes and sizes, with awkward spaces being a common problem for many homeowners.... View Article

Daring to be different

Ex-headteacher Joan Morters opted for a timber-built passive house system and a roof shaped like butterfly wings for her retirement home TEXT JESS UNWIN IMAGES JESS UNWIN & JOAN MORTERS Former teacher Joan Morters’ self-build story is an inspiring lesson... View Article

Recycled retreat

Almost everything was recycled or reinvented in Sally and John Medforth’s rural retreat TEXT Heather Dixon   IMAGES Dave Burton When Sally and John Medforth bought a hillside farm in Yorkshire it came with a series of dilapidated 18th century... View Article

A family affair

Many parents would feel sceptical about letting their child design their future home. But for one couple in Liverpool, handing over the reins to their daughter turned out to be the best decision they made TEXT ANNA REYNOLDS IMAGES FAMILY’S... View Article

Making the most of MMC

Oliver Rehm of kit house provider Baufritz discusses the increasing move towards offsite ‘modern methods of construction’ (MMC), why self-builders should consider it, and what offsite manufacturers can do to help them on their journey What is your assessment of... View Article

Right as rain

LISTEN HERE Sally Moores of Yeoman Rainguard outlines the choices of metal rainwater system available to self-builders, and how to decide which is best for your project With an abundant choice of rainwater systems on the market there is certainly... View Article

The climate challenge

LISTEN HERE Paddy Leighton of Icynene UK explains how new high performance insulation systems can contribute towards combatting climate change The Committee for Climate Change Report ‘UK Housing: Fit for the Future,’ states that better standards of insulation in new... View Article

Make windows a safe bet

LISTEN HERE Amy Blount of Reynaers at Home looks at the key considerations when specifying windows for your build – including security as well as material choices and installation issues At their core, windows provide one of any property’s most... View Article

Get wise on insurance options

LISTEN HERE Self-Build Zone discusses the different types of insurance available for selfbuild and renovation projects, from builders and site insurance to warranties, and explains why knowledge is so crucial Doing a self-build doesn’t actually mean you have to be... View Article

Bound to be a success

LISTEN HERE James Newton of Sureset explains why a resin-bound driveway could be the perfect choice for your build, whether your priority is achieving kerb appeal, or more practical features for everyday life Do you want to be the envy... View Article

Contemporary kitchens

LISTEN HERE With new kitchen trends emerging continuously, inspired by a variety of influences, Wren Kitchens’ Darren Watts reveals his top 10 kitchen trends for self-builders to consider in 2020 The kitchen plays a vital role in the home –... View Article

Get your cladding quality right

John Russell of Russwood explains why using a premium quality timber cladding, along with the right fixing system, is vital to ensure your cladding looks good for the long term The popularity of timber as a cladding material is on... View Article

Be a septic sceptic!

Dave Vincent of Kingspan Klargester breaks down everything that self-builders need to know about the ins and outs of off-mains drainage, from legal issues to the variety of options available Building a home in a quiet rural setting offers the... View Article

Safe as well as sustainable stoves

Erica Malkin of the Stove Industry Alliance takes a look at the key considerations for self-builders looking to enjoy a wood burning stove in their new home, including recent changes in legislation Wood burning stoves offer a low carbon, renewable... View Article