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EDITOR’S LETTER

Claire Lloyd has been a member of the Homebuilding & Renovating team for 14 years. She’s currently in the midst of another renovation.

OUR EXPERTS

REBECCA FOSTER Is an experienced writer specialising in

THE TEAM

EDITORIAL Editor Claire Lloyd Deputy Editor Michelle Guy

INSIGHT

A round-up of the latest self-build and home renovation news, products and events

Capturing the view

Philip Roberts and Judi Burdett used their previous experience self-building to create their dream home in the Lancashire countryside

Designed for life

One couple added a contemporary extension into the stables of their beloved renovated farmhouse in Scotland to provide a healthy living space on one level

Creative thinking

Bridget and Mark Payton felt their house was top-heavy until they extended the kitchen

Worth the wait

Where many would have seen nothing more than a parking space, Ralph Wood saw potential, and his vision has been borne out by this spectacular new build

Stunning SIPs homes

As well as providing a highly efficient thermal shell, structural insulated panels (SIPs) have the potential to create homes with plenty of design panache. Check out these sensational SIPs homes for inspiration…

Back to nature

Catja de Haas has drawn on the eco credentials of timber to create a flexible and sustainable home

14 things you need to know about finding a plot

From attending auctions to considering parcels of land that others might have dismissed, here’s how to find your perfect building plot

RENOVATION WORKSHOP

COPING WITH CONDENSATION

GRANITE VS. QUARTZ

When it comes to choosing a kitchen worktop material which material comes out on top, quartz or granite? We weigh up the arguments for both

Beginner’s guide to self-build

IMAGES: GETTY; *HBR SELF & CUSTOM BUILD MARKET

TO START YOUR PROJECT

Think about when you want to move in and work back from there, suggests master builder Andy Stevens

Bay windows

A popular way to bring light and visual interest to a home, the bay window can be incorporated in both traditional and more modern house designs, as architectural designer Bethany Scott explains

CLAY ROOF TILES

Complete any style of project with these warm and eye-catching roof finishes

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REWIRE A HOUSE?

If your house needs rewiring, read quantity surveyor Tim Phillips’ expert advice on what you need to budget for — and where to safely cut costs

Do you need planning permission to convert a loft?

Surprisingly, you may need planning permission even though you are usually not creating a new space, says planning consultant Simon Rix

Basements

A basement is a great way to increase space without impacting on a house’s appearance so here’s what to consider when creating a room that will prove invaluable

ASK THE EXPERTS

Got a burning question about your self-build, extension or renovation project that you need answering? Drop us a line by emailing homebuilding@futurenet.com and your question could be answered by one of our magazine experts

Brilliant staircase desıgns

Modern staircase ideas play an important role in any home. Take a look at these designs with expert advice, cost-saving tricks and inspiration

THE ULTIMATE BUYER’S GUIDE TO Timber frame

Fast to erect, energy efficient and versatile — building in timber frame is a great option for self-builders. Find out what you need to know before opting to build with this superstructure

Planning conditions

You’ve received planning permission — that’s a real milestone. Before you crack open the bubbly, you need to read – and act on – the small print

GREEN HOMES

THIS MONTH ● Creating a sustainable home with

It’s a clean machine

Anew product has been launched that can help

Living with a heat pump

Energy expert David Hilton installed an air source heat pump in his home three years ago, a decision which gives him confidence the technology could suit most UK homes

Reduce plastic on your build

Looking for ways to improve your build’s eco-credentials? Hugh Metcalf says focusing on reducing the amount of plastic your build consumes is a good place to start

Creating patterns

Perforated brick panels with a hidden window give this contemporary extension, designed by Variant Office, oodles of wow factor