Lodge living

Nestled in woodland, Matt and Jo Trench’s barn-style house has been designed to fit into its surroundings perfectly

Perfect Package

A developer-owned plot on the Scottish Borders provided the ideal self build opportunity for Simon and Alison Watkins, who had free rein to design a bespoke home they adore

New beginnings

Howard and Denise Horsman relished the challenge of renovating and extending their Georgian house in Devon after years of living abroad

Modernist masterpiece

Gordon and Aileen Spink decided to take on their second self build adventure after their children left home, creating an impressive light-filled home on a tight budget

Double-up

The Bradstocks transformed their bungalow into a family home on the smallest of budgets, thanks to Adam’s relentless work ethic and Karla’s endless patience

Building a healthy home

Chris Bates looks at the ins and outs of how to create a comfortable dwelling that has a positive impact on your wellbeing

Design details: Brickwork patterns

Create a decorative feature out of your home’s facade by building a pattern into the walls. Emily Smith investigates the options

Choosing roof tiles for a traditional-style home

The roof is a key element of every home’s aesthetic, and there’s plenty of choice when it comes to selecting materials to cover it. Rebecca Foster sums up the basics when it comes to specifying tiles for a heritage-inspired property

How to upgrade your home’s insulation

Eco consultant and sustainability expert Nigel Griffiths looks at the key strategies and considerations that will help you improve your property’s thermal performance

Designing an ICF home

Energy efficiency and speedy build times are the headline benefits of using insulating concrete formwork – but many architects also favour this system because of its design flexibility, says Emily Brooks

Timber in construction

Whatever style of build or structural system you’re using, wood will form a core part of your project, says Chris Bates

5 things you need to know about timber frame

As well as providing a swift route to creating your own bespoke home, this popular construction system offers a plethora of design options, says Rebecca Foster

Stunning timber homes

Developed by Taylor Lane, this house in Essex features

Oak frame: the basics

The distinctive shakes, character and honeyed hue of an oak frame are a winning combination for many homeowners, but it’s also a robust building material that offers fantastic sustainability credentials, says Emily Smith

4 reasons to build with structural insulated panels

Andrew Hobbs reveals how this construction route can deliver sustainability and design flexibility, while minimising on-site stress

Inspiring SIPs homes

This 400m2 white rendered property was designed by

Timber doors & windows

Offering character, durability and energy efficiency, Emily Smith investigates why wooden units could be the perfect choice for your home

Inspiring cladding ideas

From traditional European hardwoods to durable thermally-modified alternatives, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to finishing your home’s exterior with a striking, timber finish. Get some inspiration for your project with our selection of options

12 golden rules for timber flooring

there’s plenty to consider when specifying wood flooring, from selecting a product that suits your home to applying the correct finish. Rebecca Foster explains how to get it right

Gorgeous garden buildings

These fabulous timber structures could make for the perfect complement to your property’s main living space

Durable by design

By using the right materials and detailing them in the correct way, you can create a dwelling with a long lifespan and minimal maintenance, says architect Julian Owen

Demolish & rebuild

Knocking down a property to build your dream home in its place could be the best route to finding your ideal patch of land. Tim Doherty explains why

Restoring period features

Uncovering an original detail could create a stunning focal point in your newly renovated house, but taking the incorrect approach to restoring it could damage its historic value. Alan Tierney explains how to reinstate heritage elements without ruining them

What to do if… your planning application is rejected

A planning refusal doesn’t have to mean the end of the road for your dream home project. Mike Dade looks at four enlightening case studies that will help you decide on the best route forward

How to get realistic quotes from builders

Mike Hardwick explains why the prices you call in from contractors can differ – and what you need to know to get an accurate figure for all the works involved in your project

Plot watch: Into the woods

The Millers have spotted a potential building plot in an area of woodland – but getting planning consent could be tricky. Mike Dade analyses their chances of success

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

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

Land for sale

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Next month…

May issue on sale 29th March

Focus on:

This month we catch up with Andrew Dixon, head of policy at the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) about how the UK’s decision to leave the EU might aff ect the country’s self build sector

Inspiration

Starting from scratch

Bunkers Hill

When the owners of this granite cow barn in Cornwall

New custom build opportunities

East Staffordshire Borough Council is launching its

Planning changes proposed in Scotland

The Scottish government has laid out 20 action points

Veterans in Plymouth prepare to complete self build project

Veterans in Plymouth prepare to complete self build

What’s on?

Need to know

The dangers of cutting corners on your self build project

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