Self build a better lifestyle

A home tailored to your exact needs can have many positive effects on your day-to-day life

BuildIt’s Education House

Our Self Build Education House is an access-all-areas home designed to give you a blueprint for the choices you’ll make on your own self build journey

Futureproof home

An oak frame design and shell package was the ideal solution for Diane and Pete Smith’s new low maintenance property

Building on experience

An upsidedown layout has enabled Aileen and David Downie to make the most of the surrounding views of stunning countryside

Country escape

The Milnes hadn’t contemplated self building before - but taking the plunge has given them the idyllic rural lifestyle they craved

Smarter living

Peter and Katy Worthy replaced a 1950s bungalow in Surrey with an ultra-modern, efficient and high-tech family home

31 ways to kickstart your self build

The Build It experts and editorial team reveal what you need to know when you’re starting out on the self build journey

SELF BUILD COST CALCULATOR

Want to know how much it costs to build your own home? Our ready reckoner, powered by the Build It Estimating Service, will help you gauge what size, style and quality of house you can achieve on your project budget

Self build mortgages explained

Get the right finance in place to support your bespoke home goals with our quick-fire 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

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO finding land

Identifying a viable building site is the first step in your self build journey. Get ahead of the competition with these plot hunting tips

PLOT SHOWCASE

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

Assessing a self build plot

Before you purchase a site, you’ll need to make sure it’s able to match up to the criteria for your dream home. Mike Dade’s checklist will help you gauge a plot’s true potential for self build

How good design will save you money

Opinder Liddar discusses how to maximise your funds by planning a project that delivers the best return on your investment

The beginners’ guide to planning success

From getting your head around complex terminology through to crafting a successful application, Mike Dade lays out the basics

Building Regs & technical design

When you’re coming up with a bespoke home building scheme, dealing with the planners is only half the battle. Architect Julian Owen explains how to ensure your project meets the Building Regulations and why it’s important to develop the details at the design stage

GRAVEN HILL

Discover a project that’s unlocking the future of the housing market and delivering a pioneering community for people who dream of owning an extraordinary home

SELF BUILD OR CUSTOM BUILD?

Choosing the right route for you

CUSTOM BUILDING

Personality without the project

SELF BUILDING

Creating a home made for you, by you

A FAST TRACK TO PLANNING PERMISSION

Securing planning consent can be one of the most challenging

FINANCING YOUR DREAM HOME

Managing a budget is one of the most important parts

CLOSER LOOK Terry & Olwen Brown-Waite’s trailblazing self build project

House style Two-bedroom detached home

CLOSER LOOK Greg & Jonny’s creative custom build home

House style Four-bedroom detached home

CLOSER LOOK Susan Weston’s self build project

House style Five-bedroom detached home

GRAVEN HILL FAQs

Graven Hill is currently the largest opportunity in

Project management: the basics

Mike Hardwick looks at how to go about hiring a great team for your project

Beginner’s guide to package homes

Whether you’re self building for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro looking for a hassle-free route to your new bespoke home, engaging a specialist company to guide you through the design and construction process makes a lot of sense

SCHEDULING A BUILD

Plan your project programme with Mike Hardwick’s week-byweek account of what needs to happen when on a typical build

PRELIMINARIES & site setup

With your plans approved, you’ll no doubt be keen to get cracking with your project - but there are a few essentials to sort before the fun starts on site

Structural systems: the options

Your choice of build method will impact on your project’s time frame, cost and result. Here are the main systems and how they work

Smart home technology

Everyone can expect some level of automation and remote control in their homes these days - but self builders have an opportunity to create integrated systems that help to make life easier

HEATING & VENTILATION

Want a system that will off er you low-bills, low-carbon heating and a healthy living environment? Nigel Griffithsoutlines the pros and cons of the main options

Choosing doors

Your home’s entrances need to off er security, efficiency and look stylish, and that’s the case for both the front door and any spans of glazed doors opening onto the garden. Here are the main options for your external doors

Buyer’s guide to windows

Chris Bates reveals the key considerations when selecting fenestration for your project