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If there’s one thing nearly all self-builders and renovators

inspiration

This modern riverside house clad in natural materials

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Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

interiors notebook

Be inspired by the everlasting charm of mid-century modern design and incorporate wood, stone and metal in your scheme

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Fantastic inspiration & expert advice for each

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

A careful approach

Rab and Esther Fall have found a potential site, but it doesn’t come with planning permission. Mike Dade assesses the likelihood of the couple being able to knockdown the former petrol station and replace it with a new dwelling

Ask the EXPERTS

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

focus on:

We catch up with Karen Curtin, managing director of the Graven Hill self and custom build development in Oxfordshire, to ask her about the many opportunities to design and construct bespoke dwellings here

From little acorns

David and Jennifer Spillane’s modern oak frame home was their second self-build on the same large site – and the couple took the opportunity to put their experience into action

All wrapped up

Gillian and Shaun Robson encased a plain cottage in characterful brick and added two matching extensions to create a home that suits their needs and makes a beautiful statement in its protected rural setting

Out with the old

Dreaming of creating a green home with low running costs, Simon and Jill Page replaced their 1920s bungalow with a thermallyefficient new build

Modern seaside living

Taking a standard 1960s seaside bungalow and turning it into a lightfilled contemporary house packed with design flair, durable finishes and practical solutions has been a very personal project for Leigh and Charlotte Bowen

On the edge

Mandy and Tony Slater’s energy-efficient three-storey selfbuild home sits majestically on a sloping plot in Gloucestershire

What is closed panel timber frame?

Chris Bates looks at why this structural system could be a good fit with your project goals

Swimming pools

Whether you’re thinking of installing a pool in your garden or inside your house, Emily Smith takes a look at the main options and what your budget might aff ord

Build cost basics: Should you use a quantity surveyor or an estimator?

Adrian Wild looks at the options for accurately pricing up your project

First impressions

Entrances and hallways set the tone for your whole property, so make them count with a smart front door, lots of natural light inside, and design flourishes such as statement stairs and lighting, says Emily Brooks

Are PVCu windows right for your project?

A budget-conscious option that has many other advantages – including, increasingly, good aesthetic appeal – PVCu windows shouldn’t be overlooked until you’ve done all the research, says Emily Brooks

Built-in storage

Whether you’re self-building or renovating, it’s important to integrate functional storage, and there are plenty of clever options. Sofia Delgado explores the choices available

How much living space do I need in my home?

The amount of floor area suitable for each room will depend heavily on your individual lifestyle and your reasons for creating a bespoke home. Architect Julian Owen takes a look at what different households are likely to need

Energy strategies for off-grid plots

Unable to bring mains gas or electricity onto your site? Nigel Griffiths reveals the main options to power your home

Planning consent for extensions

Enlarging your home is a great way to add much-needed space and increase its value. Mike Dade shares his top tips for gaining permission for your design

Inspiring extensions

Add space and value with these modern glazed extension ideas

10 THINGS TO CONSIDER

Mike Hardwick sets out the key things to bear in mind before self-building your dream home

Plan, design & build your dream home with a visit to the next Build It Live

Whether you’re planning a self-build, renovating a property or extending to add space and value to an existing home, here are 10 reasons you can’t afford to miss the upcoming Build It Live show at Bicester, on 9th & 10th June

How to insulate foundations

Good energy performance starts from the ground up. Tim Doherty reveals what you need to know to get this part of your project right

WINDOWS for PASSIVHAUS PROJECTS

Keen to hit this demanding eco standard in your new build? Thomas Hagen reveals why it’s crucial to get the glazing specification right

Bifolds versus sliders

Edward Stobart from IDSystems takes a closer look at the various pros and cons of these popular glazed door designs