Comment: The window view

Get in the lead and avoid the delays  Unexpected delays can cause huge disruption to a self-build project, costing you valuable time and money. Here, Ben Brocklesby of Origin explores why it is vital to research likely product lead times... View Article

Ask the expert: Wetrooms 101

In recent years the wetroom concept has taken a leap into mainstream popularity, and installations in homes are more desirable than ever to meet a range of needs. Shaun Hunt from Impey answers some self-builder Frequently Asked Questions For many... View Article

Home styling: Shed some light on the issue

You can transform an existing dark hallway – or dark internal spaces in a new build – by opening up the space using attractive Crittall-style glazed doors. Lucy Bartley of lucyb home explains how you can see the light  Crittall-style... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

Melanie Pigott and her husband Darren, along with their two teenage daughters, have embarked on self-build to not just accommodate them and a labradoodle named Bailey, but a veritable menagerie of other animals Our story has been quite an emotional... View Article

Petit Chablis

John and Julia Abbey overcame language barriers and complex regulations to successfully renovate a dilapidated property in the Chablis region of France, creating their dream home with a ‘gite on the side’ TEXT HEATHER DIXON IMAGES JOHN & JULIA ABBEY... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Eco options

Doing your bit to ensure your self-build minimises impact on the environment is no longer an unusual pursuit, it’s virtually a must. One way you can help is by choosing products made from sustainably sourced, reclaimed or recycled or materials;... View Article

Isn’t PVCu cheaper?

When it comes to windows, PVCu has been the most popular material for decades. This is largely due to price, as PVCu windows have traditionally been the lowest cost option. But Ben Brocklesby of Origin says this is beginning to... View Article

In pursuit of peace

By having their own ‘forever’ house built on the grounds of the long-standing family home in the village of Dinnington, near Rotherham, South Yorkshire, Alison and Jonathan Berry have found peace, in all senses of the word TEXT JAYNE DOWLE... View Article

A green gift for mum & dad

Octogenarians Keith and Ann Lewis’ new home was not just a labour of love, but a real family affair, with the couple engaging the services of their son and daughter-in-law to create a self-build that combines barn-inspired architecture with ecology-friendly... View Article

Sustained efforts

Johanna Elvidge at Marshalls shares her advice for building sustainability into your home’s outdoor space to bring life-long benefits Creating a sustainable home is now a top priority for self-builders, from locally sourced materials to energy efficiency measures. When it... View Article

As right as rain

You don’t need to compromise on aesthetics or function when choosing a rainwater system for your home – Yeoman Rainguard explains why Doing your calculations is key when it comes to installing the right rainwater system. To ensure that gutters... View Article

Home Styling: Dedicated followers of fashion

When styling your interiors, the year’s emerging trends can be a great source of inspiration, and will help you incorporate fun, flair and individuality into your design. Paul Garland of Andrew Henry Interiors explains how Focusing on concepts which are... View Article

Converted to spirals

Installing and designing a spiral staircase for a conversion project is now simpler than ever, as Richard Harding of British Spirals & Castings explains Conversions offer a great opportunity to transform an unwanted building which is steeped with character, into... View Article

Covering practicalities

From increasingly popular large formats, to the importance of meeting British Standards, The Tile Association looks at technical tiling issues in bathrooms Tiles are among the most durable and stylish finishes that can be chosen for any bathroom or wetroom.... View Article

Natural remedies

Architect Ben Ridley used all of his expertise to upgrade an ageing London dwelling to create a low energy home for his family, whose minimalist interiors bring a focus on the natural materials used TEXT TOM BODDY IMAGES LORENZO ZANDRI... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

Leanne and partner Mark recently took on a renovation in Barnsley, while also tackling the running of their own business and raising three girls When we first moved into our current home, we never planned to stay there long-term. 12... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Living rooms

Natural materials, which might even be reclaimed, combined with a focus on luxury for key pieces. These are the trends that are driving design of our living rooms at the moment, and here we offer some great ideas to inspire... View Article

Ask the Expert: Tips on going to ground

When investing in a ground source heat pump system you’ll want to make sure it runs as efficiently as possible. James Coe at Kensa Heat Pumps shares how to get the most out of your low-carbon heating installation WHAT FACTORS... View Article