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

PLANNING

Mike Dade is a land and planning specialist. He is a contributing editor of Build It, a plot hunting expert and author of several books on planning and plot issues. He is one half of Speer Dade consultants (www.speerdade.co.uk).

FINANCE

Rachel Pyne is director of financial services at BuildStore (www.buildstore.co.uk). She has worked in self build finance for over 10 years and deals with a diverse portfolio of lenders across the whole market as well as on exclusive self build and renovation mortgage products.

SUSTAINABILITY

Nigel Griffiths is director of the Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance (www.stbauk. org) and a consultant working mainly on energy efficiency policy and evaluation. He is the author of the Haynes Eco House Manual.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Chris Bates is the editor of Build It magazine and project managed Build It’s real-life Self Build Education House from conception to completion. Find out more and book your visit to the Education House at www.buildit.co.uk/ourhouse

LISTED BUILDINGS

Alan Tierney is a period property and conservation specialist. He ran an historic building consultancy, offering hands-on advice to heritage homeowners, but is now focused on renovating yet another property: Old Barnstaple House.