Ask the EXPERTS

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

PLANNING

Julia Riddle is a planning consultant with over 15 years’ experience in advising on self builds and other types of residential development. She runs Castle Planning (www.castleplanning.uk) and has been involved in writing guidance on custom and self build to inform the national planning approach.

FINANCE

Tom McSherry has worked in the financial services industry for 25 years, the last 10 of these at BuildStore (www.buildstore.co.uk). He has undertaken two major projects himself and speaks at self build shows throughout the year.

SUSTAINABILITY

Nigel Griffiths specialises in sustainable construction and eco-renovation and was the author of the Haynes Eco House Manual. He advises UK government on retrofit programmes and inspects renewable heat installations on behalf of Ofgem. You can chat to Nigel at the Build It Live shows.

BUILDING REGULATIONS

Julian Owen is an East Midlands-based chartered architect and author of several books on self build and house alterations. His publications include Self Build, Home Extension Design and Kit and Modern Timber Frame Homes. He’s also the founder of the ASBA Architects network. To find out more visit www.asba-architects.org.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Mark Stevenson has worked as a construction professional for over 35 years and is a serial self builder. He runs project management consultancy Elsworth Projects and, as chair of NaCSBA, advocates for the interests of self builders and contributes to the success of the emerging custom build industry.