Welcome

2017 was a positive year for self-build.the number

Stunning tradition

This knock-down and rebuild by McLean Quinlan followed

PROJECT OF THE MONTH

This transformation of a Victorian terraced dwelling

NSBRC wins Employee Ownership accolade

The team behind the National Self Build & Renovation

£10k spent during initial years of home ownership

Britons spend an average of £10,743 on essential costs

What’s on?

More than 33,000 people sign up for their Right to Build in England

More than 33,000 people sign up for their Right to

Need to know

Good seems to be the most subjective of words. For

Product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

Interiors notebook

It’s never too early to start looking for the finishing touches for your self-build

your views:

Got a funny story, a gripe or some superb self-build advice? Write to us at buildit@castlemedia.co.uk or the address below for your chance to win a prize

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Fantastic inspiration & expert advice for each

Land FOR SALE

It’s FREE to subscribe to PlotSearch – the UK’s premier land finding resource with over 8,000 genuine building opportunities, all with planning permission guaranteed. The plots collated here are a hand-picked selection, but you can find plenty more in the online database. To find out more and to subscribe call 0345 223 4499 or visit the website at www.plotsearch.co.uk

focus on:

We talk to Build It expert and NaCSBA executive committee member Mike Hardwick about how the Right to Build registers can help to create more plots for self-builders across England and promote stronger communities

The waiting game

It took 18 years for Tracey and Stephen Stewart to find the ideal Oxfordshire plot for their self-build. Now, despite a few bumps in the road, they’ve created a unique home with real wow factor

Elegantmakeover

A rundown Victorian dwelling presented the perfect renovation opportunity for these DIY experts to get the home of their dreams

Beating the bills

James and Selina Vickers designed and built their new house with energy efficiency in mind, creating a home with exceptionally low running costs throughout the year

A shining example

Anne and Peter Hughes’ mirror-clad home is a light and spacious escape from city life

In their element

Keen sailors Colin and Elaine Frier were very familiar with the Scottish coastline, so it’s no surprise they decided to build their home in a wonderful seaside location, in a style that’s inspired by ancient longhouses

32 WAYS TO KICK-START YOUR SELF-BUILD PROJECT IN 2018

As the new year gets underway, now’s the perfect time to find the resolve to create the bespoke home you’ve been dreaming about. This month the Build It editorial team has teamed up with our experts to reveal what you need to know when you’re starting out on the self-build journey

10 ways a visit to Build It Live can help make your dream home happen

The year’s most inspiring self-build and renovation shows kick off in February with two information-packed exhibitions, in the South East and North West. Build It editor Chris Bates highlights 10 reasons you can’t afford to miss out

Contemporary glazing

Glass is often the defining feature of a modern property. Emily Brooks explores some of the ways it is used to create striking architecture

Eco homes: How to get airtightness right

Sustainable buildings expert Nigel Griffiths describes how to construct a home with controlled air leakage – and explains why this is a cornerstone of energy efficiency

Building with bricks

From choosing colours and laying patterns to selecting mortar joints and working out costs, Sophie Vening’s helpful guide reveals all you need to know about specifying bricks for your project

Restoring a fireplace

Emily Brooks explains how to breathe new life into an old hearth

Creating a home office in your back garden

If you want to work from home, creating a comfortable space where you can focus is key. Sofia Delgado explains how an outbuilding could offer the perfect solution

Designing for EXPOSED locations

A house that’s durable and low-maintenance is high up on the wish list for most selfbuilders, but could your site’s climate be an obstacle? Julian Owen takes a look at how to plan for extreme conditions

PLANNING reading between the lines REFUSALS

Mike Dade reveals how to interpret the messages that accompany a turned down application, and use them to unlock the door to gaining consent for a suitable project

UNDERSTANDING modern render systems

Tim Doherty takes a closer look at the options for adding a rendered finish to your external walls

Lessons from a real self-build

What’s it really like to create your own home – and are there ever any regrets? Mike Hardwick shares his personal experiences, good and bad (and yes, the good definitely outweighs the bad)

Assessing a heritage property

Whether you’re interested in taking on a large-scale refurb or a small renovation, when dealing with a period home you need to fully understand its conditions, characteristics and what you can do to it. Alan Tierney reveals what to look out for

Ask the EXPERTS

Essential advice on your problems with building, budgeting, DIY & planning from the most experienced names in the self-build industry

Self-build mortgages

Looking for funding for your self-build project? Each month we round up the best deals from leading lenders – and update you on what you need to know about securing the right finance

REGENERATION LOCATION

Clare and Dominik Nowak have found an exciting development opportunity in a retail unit with a flat above. Mike Dade assesses the likelihood of them being able to convert the whole property to residential use, and extend it