expert help
Ask the EXPERTS
Essential advice on your problems with building, budgeting, DIY & planning from the most experienced names in the self build industry
PLANNING
Martin Gaine runs planning consultancy Just Planning (www.just-planning.co.uk). A former case officer, he has experience on both sides of the planning divide and now specialises in helping homeowners win consent at appeal. He is the author of How to Get Planning Permission: An Insider’s Secrets.
FINANCE
Chris Martin is head of mortgage product design at BuildStore, a specialist self and custom build mortgage broker. Chris has worked in the industry for 30 years, specialising in self and custom build finance for the last decade. Find out more at www.buildstore.co.uk
SUSTAINABILITY
Nigel Griffiths is director of the Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance (www.stbauk. org) and a consultant working mainly on energy efficiency policy and evaluation. He is the author of the Haynes Eco House Manual.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Chris Batesmith is Build It’s content director and project managed the magazine’s real-life Self Build Education House from conception to completion. Find out more about the project and book your visit to the Education House at www.buildit.co.uk/ourhouse
PERIOD PROPERTIES
Alan Tierney is a period property and conservation specialist. He ran an historic building consultancy, offering hands-on advice to heritage homeowners, but is now focused on renovating yet another property: Old Barnstaple House.
DESIGN
Opinder Liddar is a director at Lapd Architects (www.lapdarchitects.co.uk). The practice specialises in residential projects from extensions to new builds, making him the ideal person to answer all your home design questions.