Retrofit revolution: Making homes warmer, greener, and cheaper to run

The ‘Retrofit Zone’ is a brand-new free resource at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre. This new permanent exhibit is helping homeowners navigate solutions to increase their property's energy-efficiency, value, and most importantly, their quality of life. “Retrofit is [...]

Home Is Where the Hearth Is: New Research Reveals the Power of Ambience in British Homes

From cosy living rooms to the ritual of lighting a fire, creating the right atmosphere is central to how we live, relax and connect at home Autumn has officially begun and for many Brits that means one thing: time to [...]

Build with Confidence: Book Your FREE Klargester Site Visit Today

When it comes to building your own home, making the right decision at every stage is vital, and choosing the right wastewater or surface water solution is no exception. That’s why Klargester offers free, no-obligation site visits, giving self-builders support [...]
A Grand Home in Buckinghamshire – Case Study

THE SECOND ACT

Howard Reay and Amber Valentine both worked in TV and film, but this didn’t prepare them for the drama of their own journey to creating a grand home in Buckinghamshire. Roseanne Field of Selfbuilder & Homemaker reports. Tucked away up [...]

Protecting Self Build Projects During Winter Months

Carrying out a self build requires significant investment, effort, and dedication to achieve your desired living space. With such a large financial commitment, it’s crucial to safeguard the project against potential risks along the way - especially those more likely [...]

Latest Articles

The big push for bigger bathrooms

Research shows homeowners want to make their bathrooms bigger, but for some selfbuilders, space doesn’t always allow. Sonia De Gioia, Sales Director of Showrooms for Geberit explores some of the... 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... 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... 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... 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... View Article

The appeal of aluminium

Shaun Cartwright at Aluprof Living explains why aluminium systems are becoming the go to choice for self-builders who want to combine high performance with modern design. When planning a self-build,... View Article

A long time coming

Architect John-Barry Lowe’s award winning home in Dublin is designed to achieve Passive House standards of airtightness and is the first private home in Ireland to be built using cross... View Article

Exterior Inspiration: Outdoor Living

As we head into the colder months and dream of sunnier days there’s no better time to be inspired by our collection of outdoor furniture, accessories, and paving to ensure... View Article

Light fantastic

Designed around a courtyard to echo local farmsteads, Sarah and Jon Simpkin’s unique new home draws in light from every angle. TEXT DEBBIE JEFFERY IMAGES DOM JONES When Sarah and... View Article

Home is where
the hearth is

Percy Doughty explores how ambience shapes modern British homes and how self-builders can craft a truly warm, inviting space. As the nights draw in and temperatures begin to fall, the... View Article
View More...

Product & Supplier News

Introducing Stovax & Gazco

Stovax & Gazco are leading innovators in premium stoves and fires, combining exceptional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. With over four decades of expertise, they offer an extensive range of woodburning,... View Article

Setcrete Latex helps with kitchen prep

Setcrete Latex self-smoothing floor levelling compound has been used to create a smooth and level surface to optimise the appearance of a Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) installation in a kitchen/dining... View Article
View More...