Welcome

We’re fresh from our recent Build It Live

MEET THE TEAM

EMILY SMITH is Build It’s deputy editor and

In Focus

Staircases & Balustrades Contemporary and Traditional staircases Woodside

Indoor-outdoor connection

inspiration JAMES BALSTON David Blaikie Architects was tasked

PROJ ECT OF THE MONTH

Coastal retreat Located within a Devon area of

Mortgages for a green self build

Furness Building Society has launched a new mortgage

Scotland launches net zero plan

The Scottish government has set out its Heat

Nearly £58m of Brownfield Fund allocated to councils

The government has released £57.8m from the Brownfield

need to know

The importance of insulation

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

interiors notebook

Neutral interiors are a timeless classic; try adding pink tones for a twist

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 & 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

Land FOR SALE

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

Ask the EXPERTS

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

next month...

January issue on sale 24th November

Does your architect’s vision matter?

Lynn Palmer shares her insight into when to compromise and when to stick to your guns

House on the hill

A timber frame system has enabled Chris and Jenny Shepperd to achieve the high-performance forever home of their dreams

Revive & Restore

Redhill Barn has been given a new lease of life as part of a detailed and careful scheme to create a new smallholding

Coming home

Converting a 400-year-old barn on her parents’ property gave Sam Risley and her husband, Grant, the chance to trade urban living for the countryside

MODULAR MASTERPIECE

This light-filled home in Kent is a triumph of contemporary design, with a stunning and ergonomic kitchen providing a stylish and sophisticated hub

THE CHALET REVIVAL

When Harry Antonious spotted an old bungalow for sale, he knew he could transform it into a modern family home

Quickest ways to build

Want to make sure your home reaches completion as soon as possible? Rebecca Foster explores some of the structural systems that offer the best speed advantages on site

SINGLE STOREY EXTENSIONS

Looking for ideas for a stylish ground floor extension? Jane Crittenden sets out what you need to know at the planning phase, and picks out some stunning designs to inspire your project

Contemporary stoves

There’s nothing like a warming view of flickering flames. Here’s a selection of stylish modern stoves and fires to suit your project

BUILDING IN WOW FACTOR

Get inspired by our pick of statement-making real life projects to help you create an eye-catching home with plenty of drama

SILICONE RENDER

Jane Crittenden investigates the pros and cons of this modern material to help you decide if it’s right for your project

ARCHITECT’S GUIDE TO CHANGING YOUR HOME’S LAYOUT

Julian Owen shares his top tips for adapting an existing floor plan, with some real life examples of successful projects

HOME RENOVATION: KEY COSTS TO CONSIDER

Tim Doherty takes a look at common issues with existing properties and how they could impact on your renovation budget

WHO SHOULD MANAGE MY PROJECT?

From turnkey packages to self managing a build and everything in between, there are a number of ways you can run your scheme. Anamika Talwaria speaks to people who’ve done it before to get an idea of which route is best for you

Making the most of Biomass

Eco expert Nigel Griffiths explains how good design and installation, plus effective maintenance, can maximise the efficiency of your setup

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

ASSESSING PLANNING POTENTIAL

Not sure how to identify a self build or renovation opportunity’s potential? Take a look at these promising plot and property case studies and learn from Mike Dade’s expert insights