How to specify windows for your selfbuild project

Donna Muir, Workstream Lead, VELFAC Direct Modern window technology can deliver a host of performance benefits to any self-build project, from vastly improved insulation to more natural light, and not  forgetting the ‘wow factor’ of big windows or glazed screens.... View Article

Façade paints help selfbuilders take on a whole new look

Modern advances have enabled today’s paints to offer fresh potential for creating new façade design possibilities. Kevin Davies, Technical Manager of Sto UK, looks at some of the benefits which the latest developments offer to selfbuilders. In contrast to previous... View Article

The best bricks for your build

Jason Hughes of Imperial Bricks has tips on choosing bricks for your self-build Many self-build projects may be on hold while we work through the COVID-19 crisis, with homebuilders and renovators using the time to research the right products for... View Article

Balustrading best practice

Dominic Meakins of Demon Designs explores the different factors to be aware of when specifying glass or appointing a glass contractor for your self-build, in particular when it comes to getting glass balustrades right Stunning, unique features can be achieved... View Article
Colour me perfect

Colour me perfect

How can the trend for colour in the bathroom be utilised effectively and what other trends are coming through in the design of this smallest of spaces? Ben Bryden, Sales and Marketing Director of RAK Ceramics UK, offers us an... View Article

Minimising waste in water treatment

With “new” regulations governing the use of septic tanks in force, David Stagg, technical product specialist for sustainable water management authority Graf UK, talks selfbuilders and homemakers through their options for compliance. Selfbuilders and homemakers developing properties off the mains... View Article

Conservation rooflights – what lies beneath?

Paul Trace from Stella Rooflight offers an insight into steel framed conservation rooflights and the issue of rust, while highlighting some of the important considerations in the specification process. Often specified in both period and contemporary projects, a steel framed... View Article

Reflecting trends in hardware

Door and window hardware can have a massive visual impact on the aesthetics of a property, but what are the current trends that really work? Simon Boocock, Managing Director of CRL Europe, takes a look. While much focus is often... View Article

SAP 10.1 Changes the Heating Industry

From Ross Harrold, Marketing & PR, Electric Heating Company A large challenge faced by the Heating Industry was the methodology for SAP 2012, which was written six years ago. SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) is the methodology used to determine a... View Article

Mind the gap

Comfort is the difference between building a home not a house, and thermal comfort plays a huge role in this. Here, Debbie Phillips, National Business Development Manager from Keylite Roof Windows looks at the best approach to ensure your selfbuilds... View Article

Reclaiming control

Rob Lea had always wanted to design and build his own home, and convert an old barn, so when the opportunity came to do both – using reclaimed materials – he jumped at the chance TEXT: Roseanne Field IMAGES: Rob... View Article

A celebration of self-building

2020 sees the Homebuilding & Renovating brand celebrate the ‘Year of Self-Build’, including the launch of an awards ceremony celebrating the best in the industry at the event due to be held this July The annual National Homebuilding & Renovating... View Article

A compelling case for composite

Indi Sarkaria of Arbor Forest Products talks through the pros of choosing composite decking, including aesthetics and sustainability, while outlining the most important factors for installation Given the love that Brits have for outdoor spaces, it’s no surprise that the... View Article

Let your garden shine this summer

Steve Grimwood of Osmo UK offers his advice to self-builders on how best to prepare your garden for summer with the right decking Many of us spend a considerable amount of time creating homes and gardens to be proud of.... View Article

Metallic moments

Ally Dowsing-Reynolds of home decor specialist Dowsing & Reynolds explains why metallics are a great trend for interiors, and gives practical advice on how best to bring striking accents to your home. Whether it’s handles, light fittings or switches and sockets,... View Article

Ask the Expert: Why we need permeable paving & SuDS

Chris Hodson of Interpave answers the questions on why a responsible approach to rainwater drainage – in both new and existing homes – is key WHAT’S WRONG WITH OUR DRAINAGE? As our towns and cities continue to grow, more rainwater... View Article

MVHR: sourcing the essential resource

EnviroVent’s Larry Soper gives his top tips on specifying the correct MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) system to provide fresh air to your air-tight property Self-builders are increasingly choosing MVHR as their preferred choice for ventilating a new home.... View Article

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

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 heard... View Article