Welcome

There’s no better way to achieve a high

Meet the Experts

In this special guide, we’ve collated some golden nuggets of advice from 14 of the UK’s leading experts in their fields, all of whom were on hand to help people just like you at a recent Build It Virtual Expert Advice Weekend

PM backs custom build review

Richard Bacon MP is a champion of the self and custom build sector, leading this vital review

Self build news

The latest headlines, projects and products to inform and inspire your bespoke home decisions

Government’s self build action plan includes £150m Help to Build scheme

A new action plan to boost the delivery

Self build sector thriving, despite impact of coronavirus pandemic

Britain’s house building sector has stayed strong throughout

Award-winning new home

Strom picks up 2020 Build It Award for Best Self Build Architect or Designer

1 in 3 keen to build in own gardens

According to specialist lender, Together, 34% of Brits

Cost of building materials rockets

According to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB),

Government to ban fossil fuel boilers

As part of its bid to reach net

Demand for heat pumps on the rise

Data from Rated People has found that demand

Product round-up:

Kickstart your project with these innovative Build It Awards 2020 winners – and find more great products and services at www.self-build.co.uk/2020-winners

Planning reforms

Build It Live planning expert Julia Riddle reveals how the latest updates might help self builders:

95% mortgages

Buyers with just a 5% deposit will be

13,900 self builds

AMA Research estimates that nearly 14,000 self commissioned

Rejuvenating UK brownfield sites

A 2020 report from countryside protection group CPRE

Net-zero homes

The team from Green Building Store ( www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk ) explores the role of self builders in driving low-carbon living:

33% of Brits set to move home

Almost a third of UK households intend to

An affordable first home

Built for under £170k with timber frame

Anything but ordinary

Clean, crisp lines and clever engineering were the match made in heaven for this precise and contemporary family home

Dynamic duo

Steve Burt and Tina Hill’s dedication and passion for their self build has helped them to create a chic modern abode in picturesque Cornwall

Time for change

The Jones family altered this plot’s original plans for a traditional oak home and built a modern SIPs house that better suited their lifestyle

The modern farmhouse

This charming home in the heart of Cheshire is packed with bags of character thanks to its elegant design and use of mixed materials

On the edge

Boasting magnificent views and a unique clifftop plot, this energy efficient holiday home is a masterclass in modern design

The benefits of SELF BUILD

There’s no need to compromise on your next home: designing and delivering a new house from scratch is more accessible than ever, says Chris Bates

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

Jane Crittenden takes a look at the key self build finance options that will help you move your project forward

Mortgage table

Looking for the right funding to enable your

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO finding land

Identifying a plot with real potential is one of the most difficult aspects of self building. These plot hunting tips will help you nail it

PLOT SHOWCASE

It’s FREE to subscribe to PlotSearch – the UK’s premier land finding resource with over 5,000 genuine building opportunities, all with planning permission guaranteed. The plots collated here are an illustrative showcase. To find out more and search the database today call 0345 223 4499 or visit www.plotsearch.co.uk

Assessing a building plot

Whether you’re keen to buy a piece of land or eyeing up your garden’s potential, make a wellinformed decision with this checklist to determine the viability of your dream home

10 steps to design success

Rebecca Foster gives her top tips on how to plan a house that delivers exactly what you want

The planning process: What do I need to know?

Navigating this part of the self build journey can throw up numerous challenges. Mike Dade explains the facts you need to know about this part of the process

Building Regs & technical design

Discover how to ensure your dream home project meets the Building Regulations, and why it’s important to develop the details at the design stage

Q&A: Building with oak frame

Gareth Edmunds, director at Welsh Oak Frame, answers your questions on this characterful and popular build system

How to get an accurate timber frame quote

Simon Orrells, managing director of Frame Technologies, tackles your FAQs on getting a reliable price for your timber frame project

3 STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL timber self build

Get your project off on the right footing with the Structural Timber Association’s guide to selecting the best design, build system and supplier for your new home

Land & building insurance: when & why you need it

So you’re the proud owner of a building plot. What next? The experts at Self-Build Zone explain how to protect your investment

WHY WE SHOULD BUILD MORE Basements

Anthony Spinney from basement specialist Glatthaar Keller shares the benefits of including a subterranean level in your self build

Your futureproof home: Why choose renewable heating?

David Billingsley explores the pros of ground source heat pumps

Which glazed door is right for me?

Edward Stobart from IDSystems shares his expert insight on how to specify the best door style for your project

Windows in a conservation area

What do you need to think of when specifying these key features for a heritage-style new build home? Follow these tips from The Residence Collection

GRAVEN HILL

Discover a pioneering development that’s unlocking the housing market for anyone who dreams of owning a bespoke home

How to build at

The development offers a variety of self build plots and custom new homes, but which route is right for you?

CUSTOM BUILD NEW HOMES

If building from scratch isn’t for you, discover the custom build offerings available at Graven Hill

PLANNING PERMISSION

Graven Hill’s Plot Passport offers a fast-track route to obtaining consent for your bespoke project

FINANCING YOUR DREAM HOME

Whether you’ve got a lump sum of cash or you're looking to get a mortgage, find out the options available for your self or custom build project

Dheeraj & Taniya Malik’s impressive family self build

Above: The stunning modern build caters to all

Simon’s Scandistyle family home

Top: A combination of slate and timber cladding

GRAVEN HILL FAQs

The most common queries about the development, answered by the experts

Project management The options

Whether you plan to take on the mantle yourself or hand the reins over to a professional to deliver your home, Rebecca Foster explains the various routes to running your scheme, and the key pros and cons of each

SCHEDULING A BUILD

Our week-by-week account of what needs to happen when on a typical self build will help you map out your project programme

PROJ ECT PLANNER

This example build schedule will help you account

What build system should I choose?

We’ve rounded up the most popular construction options for your new home

Getting to know: Package homes

Jane Crittenden takes a look at the different approaches to a bespoke package build to help you choose the best solution for your project

Find the answers you need for project success!

Seeking expert advice at an early stage is key to achieving your dream home on time and on budget, says Chris Bates

Heating & Cooling with Heat Pump Ventilation

Clarissa Youden from Total Home Environment explains how to specify an efficient, low-bills HPV setup for year-round comfort

Planning & Designing the Perfect Home Extension

Kevin Slack from Greenspace Architects reveals how good design can make the most of your self build budget

Site Insurance: a Must- Have for a Major Project

Make sure your self build, extension or renovation is protected with these tips from Protek’s

Specifying the Right Glazing for Your Project

Velfac’s Donna Muir shares her tips for choosing the best windows and glazed doors for your self build, renovation or extension

Eco Windows: How to Choose

Right & inset: An Internorm triple glazed window

Creating a Wow Factor Timber Frame Home

Jay Hubbard of bespoke timber frame manufacturer English Brothers reveals how to achieve an eye-catching finished build

Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery: The Benefits

Chris Hamilton, MD at Rega Ventilation, gives the lowdown on why MVHR is a must-have in your dream self build home

Making the Most of the ICF Building System

Andy Peers from ICF Supplies shares the inside track on how to create your dream home using insulated concrete formwork

Successfully Manage Your Self Build or Extension

Learn how to ensure your scheme stays on time and on budget with these golden nuggets from CLPM’s James Bryden

How to Create a Very Quiet MVHR System

Eliot Warrington from Solarcrest explains the secrets to designing and installing a discreet MVHR setup that you’ll barely notice in use

Achieving a Sustainable & Energy Efficient Home

Simon Orrells from Frame Technologies explains how timber frame could be your ticket to a superior eco-friendly home

Top Tips to Maximise Your Self Build Budget

The Path to Self-Build Success’ Mike Cruickshank reveals how you can get the most for your money on your home building project

Rainwater Harvesting: the Eco Water Saving Option

Ian Woodcock from Rainwater Harvesting gives his top tips on planning an efficient, cost-effective system

Smart HOME DESIGN

With affordable solutions in lighting, heating, security and audio-visual available at the touch of a button, home technology deserves closer investigation

Quick guide: HEATING YOUR HOME

There are plenty of options when it comes to keeping your house warm. Rebecca Foster discusses the key decisions you’ll need to make, from start to finish

Closer look: GLAZED DOORS

Discover the pros and cons of the different door systems and styles with our essential guide

CHOOSING FRONT DOORS

Keep your home safe, warm and stylish by specifying an eye-catching entrance

DESIGN GALLERY

front doors

Design advice: WINDOWS & GLAZING

Windows are among the most prominent architectural features of a home – both inside and out – so it pays to spend time getting it right at the planning stages

DESIGN I DEAS Wall cladding

Get inspiration for your own home building project from this selection of characterful and practical external wall finishes

Case Study: Build It’s Education House

Our Self Build Education House is a project like no other – designed to give you a blueprint for the choices you’ll make on your own bespoke home. Discover some of the key choices we made on our self build journey

HOW TO CHOOSE: staircases

Your stairs can make or break your home’s interior scheme. Here are the key things to consider when specifying your flight

SPACE PLANNING: kitchens & bathrooms

Self building from scratch offers the perfect opportunity to ensure these functional rooms are designed to respond to your lifestyle and be a pleasure to use,

Internal finishes overview

If you’re coming to the end of your project, it’s time to think about adding the wow-factor finishing touches you can be proud of

SELF BUILD Directory

The self builder’s guide to sourcing key suppliers and information

BASEMENTS

Glatthaar Keller Established 1980 UK projects per annum

BUILDING MATERIALS

CorkSol UK Established 2017 UK projects per annum

HEATING & VENTILATION

BPC Ventilation Established 2011 UK projects per annum

HEATING, VENTILATION & RENEWABLES

CVC Systems Established 1985 UK projects per annum

INSURANCE & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Andrew Jones (The VATman) Established 2013 UK projects

MOBILE HOMES

Caravantastic Established 1991 UK projects per annum 300

MORTGAGES

BuildStore Established 2000 UK projects per annum 1,600

OUTBUILDINGS

The Oak Designs Company Established 2008 UK projects

SMARTHOMES

Baulogic Established 2008 UK projects per annum 50+

STAIRS & INTERIORS

Alchester Tiles Established 2010 UK projects per annum

SUPERSTRUCTURE

Dan-Wood Established 1995 UK projects per annum 50

WINDOWS & DOORS

aïr Established 2013 UK projects per annum 2,000