Welcome

You’d be doing pretty well to miss the doom and gloom

inspiration

Taking inspiration from the Arts & Crafts

Cornerstone House

Merrett Houmoller Architects was selected to undertake

DIY disasters are costing the economy millions

Research by MyJobQuote.co.uk has revealed that one

Planning in trades is vital when tackling a renovation project

Planning in trades is vital when tackling a renovation

What’s on?

London mayor launches £38m community-led housing fund

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has launched a new

need to know Over 40,000 people want to self build

2019 is shaping up to be a key year for custom and

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

interiors notebook

Neutral colour schemes have timeless appeal, but recent trends have seen cooler greys and whites give way to warmer, richer shades that imbue living spaces with a sense of refined sophistication

Rise to the challenge

Simon and Nicola Wells overcame the odds to self build an award-winning new country home that makes the most of its breathtaking setting

Modern addition

Jonathan and Zahra Chambers have added a striking contemporary extension to this listed barn conversion in Hampshire

STARTING from SCRATCH

When David Miers and Monika Rese set out to build their dream home in the Kent countryside, their goal was to create a lowenergy, zero-bills property

Tropical house

Sandra and Trevor Collins’s design and renovation skills have transformed their 1980s home into a modern light-filled oasis

Building to a budget

Kevin O’Mahony has had his fair share of setbacks during his self build journey, but the end result is an award-winning contemporary home that is perfect for his needs

Waterproofing the basement

Properly-designed waterproofing is a vital part of any basement project. Chris Bates takes an in-depth look at the systems we’ve used for Build It’s Self Build Education House

How to add character to a self build

You don’t need to worry about your new home lacking personality, as Emily Smith looks at the many ways Build It readers have brought something special to their project

Smart homes for every budget

From a few remote-controlled features to full automation, home tech can be had at all price points. Emily Brooks takes a look at what you can achieve for your money

Entrance door design

From traditional cottage-style doorways to modern marvels, Rebecca Foster has rounded up a selection of eyecatching ideas

WHAT CAN GO WRONG? Foundations & footings

Andy Butchers shares his insider knowledge to help you troubleshoot this crucial area and enjoy a successful home building project

INSPIRING KITCHEN DINER EXTENSIONS

A sensitively designed extension can provide you with a modern, functional space that adds real value to your home. Th is handpicked selection of projects showcases the range of options available – could something here spark inspiration for your build?

5 reasons to build with timber frame

Discover why this popular construction method could be the best solution for your project

Modern timber home

Amber and Lee Wilmot jumped at the chance to build their dream property in the back garden of Amber’s childhood home

Why build with SIPs?

Could structural insulated panels be the most suitable system for your self build?

Bespoke SIPs build

Sarah and John Supart have used structural insulated panels to create a striking two-storey home in the Scottish countryside

The benefits of oak frame

Could this value-adding technique be the best solution for your self build project?

Contemporary oak home

An oak frame construction method has provided Fiona and Darren Strange with a bespoke property filled with character

CHOOSING TIMBER DOORS & WINDOWS

For inherent charm and natural beauty, consider timber fenestration for your home. Sophie Vening discusses the options

DESIGN IDEAS: Timber cladding

The rustic charm of this hardwearing natural material makes it a fantastic choice for giving a smart finish to your external walls

Outbuildings

A new standalone timber structure built on the grounds of your property can serve all manner of functions and enhance the way you use your home

9of the best wood flooring options

Timber is a hardwearing, attractive flooring choice that comes in a range of species, colours and finishes to suit a variety of interior styles. Get inspiration for your project with our handpicked selection of favourites

WORKING WITH AN: architect Part 1: Initial discussions

In this series, architect Julian Owen unveils what to expect when you work alongside a professional designer to create your dream home

How consultants can add value to your build

Mike Hardwick explains why cutting out the middleman isn’t always a cost-eff ective option

Plot buying: Options & conditional contracts

These agreements can help to give you greater certainty that you’ll be able to build what you want when purchasing a site or property – but do you need them, and which is right for you? Mike Dade explains the ins and outs

Maximising your self build mortgage chances

Get the right finance in place to support your project goals with Tim Doherty’s in-depth guide

Self build & custom build mortgages

Looking to fund your bespoke home project? Each month we round up the best deals from leading lenders and update you on what you need to know to secure the right finance

Ask the EXPERTS

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

finding land

The first step in your self build journey is tracking down a viable building site. Keep yourself ahead of the competition with Build It’s top plot hunting tips

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

PLOT WATCH: Mike Dade investigates: WEIGHING UP THE POTENTIAL

Can this plot, nestled in the heart of a housing estate, provide Matt and Sally Clarke with their perfect home building opportunity? Mike Dade investigates

focus on:

Hannah Blythyn deputy minister for housing and local government in Wales, talks to us about the pioneering new self build scheme that will be opening in Wales later this year