Welcome

Finding a viable plot is often cited as one of the

inspiration

This five-bedroom certified Passivhaus property was

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT… THE POTTON SHOW CENTRE

The show centre is open 6 days a week (Monday – Saturday).

interiors notebook

Add a dash of rustic appeal and bring a timeless quality to your home’s decor with these country cottage-style fixtures, fittings and finishes

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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

Land FOR SALE

It’s FREE to subscribe to PlotSearch – the UK’s premier

FULL OF PROMISE

Could John Mannet’s own garden on the edge of a Dorset village make the perfect site for his new downsized home?

next month…

September issue on sale 31st July

focus on:

Jan Chadwick, a resident of Cambridge’s innovative cohousing development on Marmalade Lane, tells us a little bit about life since moving in to this thriving self build community

Hillside sanctuary zzzzz

CONSTRUCTION METHOD Concrete, steel frame & timber

Worth the wait

A change in construction teams meant works got off to a slow start, but Kirsty & David Sanders have completely transformed their Victorian terrace into a stunning light-filled modern abode

Barn-style beauty

After dreaming about building their own house for more than 20 years, Chris and Christina Hughes have created a spectacular timber frame abode in rural Kent

Labour of love

Interior designer Peggy Prendeville has transformed this Edwardian ecclesiastical building into a stylish modern home that oozes wow factor

Sustainable design

Richard and Katie Spencer have achieved a long-held ambition to create a contemporary Passivhaus property for their family

Part 8 Fitting the Windows & Roof Tiles

Glazing and roof finishes have a big impact of the final aesthetic of a new home. Chris Bates reveals how we specified and installed these elements on our Education House

Complete guide to renovating a house

Emily Smith takes a look at what Build It readers have spent on their renovations and shares some tips for preparing your project budget

Ultimate guide to ground source heat pumps

Find out how this renewable technology works, the key benefits and whether it could be the right fit for your project withNigel Griffiths’ in-depth advice

Prefabricated extensions

Modular and prefab methods are widely used for self builds, but can you take this approach to enlarge your current home? Rebecca Foster looks at the diff erent routes available

6 things to consider when choosing a bespoke staircase

Charley Wardbreaks down what you need to know in order to commission a bespoke flight that’s both functional and adds real wow factor to your project

Are bifold doors right for your project?

Folding sliding doors (aka bifolds) are one of the most popular options to forge a link between home and garden. Emily Brooks explains their main advantages

Extension cost guide Part 3: Wraparounds

In the final instalment of our mini-series on extension costs, Adrian Wild sets out indicative costs for building a single-storey wraparound addition

BUYER’S GUIDE TO smart heating

Intelligent heating has quickly become a standard feature in many homes – but what’s the optimum setup for self builders, and how will an integrated system take your controls to the next level of convenience? Emily Brooks explains the options

Design & build packages: Discover the easy route to your dream self build home

Design & build packages: Discover the easy route

Creating an idyllic livework oak frame home

Owner: Lyn Bullock Location: Herefordshire Construction method: Oak frame & SIPs House size: 217m2 Package route: Planning design & weathertight shell Package supplier: Border Oak

ROUTE 1: SHELL BUILD

Buying a materials and structural erection package from a single supplier will give you a neat, dry house shell that’s straightforward to finish inside and out

Timber frame kit delivers healthy & sustainable bespoke home

Owner: Christian Wagner Location: Isle of Lewis Construction method: Timber frame House size: 97m2 Package route: Structural design and timber frame kit Package supplier: Scotframe

ROUTE 2: HOUSE DESIGN & SHELL BUILD

Employing one company to complete the plans and put up the weathertight superstructure of your home could help to streamline your self build

Stunning eco build

Location: Aberdeenshire Construction method: Structural insulated panels House size: 200m2 Build cost: £260,000 Package route: Wind & watertight kit with full construction package Supplier: Caber House

High performance contemporary home

Location: Sheffield Construction method: Timber frame House size: 183m2 Package route: Design, manufacture, supply & erect Supplier: Frame Technologies

HOUSE DESIGNmasterclass

When settling on a realistic home building scheme, dealing with the planners is only half the battle. Architect Julian Owen explains how to ensure your drawings meet the Building Regulations and why it’s important to get this right

HERITAGE RENOVATIONS: When to call in the pros

Refurbishing a period property can give you a unique home filled with character – but there will inevitably be challenges along the way. Alan Tierney reveals why you should consider bringing in the experts to help ensure your project is a success

10 questions to ask your designer

Choosing the right professional to plan your home is an important step in any self build journey. Mike Hardwick runs through the questions you should ask any prospective designer before making your final decision

Planning refusals: HOW TO APPEAL AND WIN

Mike Dade summarises the potential courses of action should the council reject your proposal

How to get services to your plot

Tim Doherty outlines the best ways to ensure your building site has connections in place

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO 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