Welcome

W e are fast approaching our next Build

Future-proof South Downs build

MARTIN GARDNER Nestled on a secluded hill in

Ask the EXPERTS

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

Self build & custom build mortgage table

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

FIND YOUR DREAM BUILDING PLOT

PlotBrowser.comis a 100% free-to-use plot and property finder, packed with 1,000s of home building opportunities. Here’s a taster of the fantastic self build plots, renovation properties and conversions currently for sale near you

Build It Live

Every month, we round up some of the UK’s best products and suppliers for self builders and home renovators. Over the next few pages, we put the spotlight on what’s in store at Build It Live in Bicester on 7th & 8th June

Creating an EnerPHit certified home

Mark Siddall , architect and Passivhaus designer at LEAP, shares the key considerations for achieving a low-energy standard for existing properties

Modernist Townhouse

This 1960s terraced house, located in North London’s

More want multigenerational homes

A survey by Stiltz Home Lifts has shown

57,000

Certified rooftop solar PV installations were recorded in

Government permits woodburning stoves

The UK government has confirmed that woodburners will

What’s on?

NSBRC MARKET DAY 13TH JUNE FREE, SWINDON

need to know

When do I need a structural engineer?

JOEL SANDERS

is a chartered engineer with the Institution of

spendvsave

£588 per m 2 Made from over

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

3 of the best EXTERIOR TIMBER CLADDING

KEITH HUNTER 1 Brimstone hardwood cladding in

interiors notebook

Weave some rustic charm into your home’s aesthetic with these stylish rattan features

Get Free Advice & Ideas for Your Project at Build It Live

7th & 8th June: Maximise your chances of successfully realising your self build, renovation or extension with a visit to our next Build It Live show, in Oxfordshire

LOW-COST SELF BUILD HOMES

Building a house from scratch is the perfect way to create a bespoke property tailored to your individual lifestyle – but what’s possible with a more limited budget? Sander Tel rounds up a collection of value-for-money projects and speaks to the experts about how to finance a scheme

ALL IN THE DETAIL

Jonathan Boyne and Karen Anders’ contemporary take on a barn was an absolute dream to build, thanks to a top team and plenty of planning

Steel external finish…

closer look

MOVING FORWARD

Faced with a decision to either renovate an old mill or take on a plot with lapsed planning, Katy and Alan Pateman crunched the numbers and – with support of a builder friend – embarked on the journey to creating a stylish oak frame cottage

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL

Extending and remodelling their South London Victorian flat has delivered a stylish home for Blu and Corey , with plenty of wow-factor touches

BUILDING AN OAK FRAME HOME

From its design possibilities to sustainability credentials, Scarlett Deamer explores the benefits of this beautiful structural system

Wood-effect flooring

Characterful, timeless and versatile, timber flooring is a favourite amongst self builders and renovators, but is it possible to replicate the real deal without the upkeep and price tag? Sander Tel explores the various options

Designing a healthy & comfortable home

The Unico System’s Richard Soper shares his expert advice on the steps you can take on your project journey to achieve a high-quality living environment

THE CUSTOM BUILD APPROACH

Emily Batesmith investigates why this route to a new home could be a great fit for your project goals and shares some inspiring real-life builds

What to look for in a quality sliding door

IDSystems’ Edward Stobart shares the inside track on how to identify the best systems

NAVIGATING VAT RECLAIMS

Unsure if you are following the HMRC process for new builds and conversions correctly? Find out how you can avoid making costly mistakes

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO LOFT CONVERSIONS

Looking to create additional rooms without eating into precious garden space? A loft conversion could be your best bet, says Kate Sandhu . Here are the key factors to consider for a successful project from start to finish

RETROFITTING MVHR

Discover the best strategies for installing a mechanical ventilation & heat recovery system as part of your renovation project

How to collaborate successfully with architects

Architect Julian Owen explores what you need to consider when engaging with an architect to make your build a triumph

How to plan & protect your conversion project

Protek’s Simon Middleton looks at the key pre-start steps you should take when converting an existing building

Brownfield sites what do you need to know?

Often located in urban areas, these plots can offer the perfect opportunity to create your dream bespoke home. Julia Riddle explores the ins and outs

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE GARDEN

Plan your garden early to boost biodiversity, protect the soil, and create a space that grows with you. From compost to paving, every choice counts, says eco expert Nigel Griffiths

Timber cladding traditional fix or secret fix?

Detailed decisions have a huge impact on the final look and performance of your home. Steven Newman explains how specifying the right fixing system can enhance your cladding project

Renovation mortgages

Thinking of tackling a home upgrade? Then you might need a specialist finance product to unlock your project, says Mark Stevenson