PROJECT OF THE MONTH

Welcome

Technology is becoming an essential feature of our

Discreet design

This historic English cottage in a Hampshire village

Win a house design by Charlie Luxton

Graven Hill, site of the UK’s largest custom build

Potton unveils its revamped show home

Self-build Potton has relaunched one of its famous

Changes to rural planning a boon for renovators

Residents in rural communities in England have been

Need to know

It’s time for self-builders to be heard

Product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

Interiors notebook

Turn your scheme into a tropical vision by incorporating summer florals, bold shades of green and statement pieces in gold and brass

Plan, design & build your dream home with a visit to the next Build It Live

Whether you’re planning a self-build, renovating a property or extending to add space and value to an existing home, here are 10 reasons you can’t afford to miss the upcoming Build It Live show at Bicester, on 9th & 10th June

Leap OF faith

Hamish and Liberty Martin took a gamble on an overgrown plot and built a vernacular home that supports both their lifestyle and business needs

BUILDING a COMMUNITY

John and Jenny Kinsley have pioneered collective custom build in Scotland – creating a home for themselves alongside three other intrepid families

Future Perfect

Needing more space and a modern dwelling to suit their needs, Richard and Tory Benson opted to buy a detached mid-century house and transform it into the high-tech family home of their dreams

COMPACT but clever

Chris and Margaret Swales’ new home, built in the garden of the house where their son lives, may be modest in size – but it’s packed with personality and practical features that help to maximise space

Designed for life

When David and Lynette Proctor had the opportunity to self-build their own home, they focused on how they wanted to live both now and in the future

A beginner’s guide to package homes

Entering the world of self-building for the first time can be a daunting prospect. Mike Hardwick reveals why hiring a package home firm could be the ideal route for novices

MODERN STYLE Staircases

Your home’s flight is much more than a functional feature; it can add impact and wow factor to your interiors. Here are the latest on-trend design ideas

Staircase inspiration

Looking for some creative flights that may suit your home? Here’s our handpicked selection of the latest stair styles

Design details Bathroom tiles

Tiles aren’t just the practical choice for wet areas. They can also bring vibrant colour and pattern, and define the mood of the entire space – with something for all budgets, says Emily Brooks

Choosing a build system

No construction method scores a perfect 10 on all fronts, but for every scheme there’s an optimum way to build, depending on your priorities. Emily Brooks takes a look at how the decision gets made in the real world

Wall system cost guide

The Build It Estimating Service’s Adrian Wild takes a look at what you can expect to pay for this part of your project

Can smart homes be hacked?

So you want a state-of-the-art abode with all the bells and whistles – but if you believe the tabloids, you might be opening yourself up to the risk of a cyber attack. Anna-Marie DeSouza investigates the security issues surrounding home technology

CHOOSING GREEN & HEALTHY BUILDING MATERIALS

Looking to make your self-build or renovation as sustainable as possible? Nigel Griffiths reveals the essentials you need to know when specifying what goes into your new home

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CAN YOU MAKE MONEY by self-building?

Value for money is a big attraction of building your own house; but does that translate into an opportunity for profit? Tim Doherty takes a closer look

Building in a flood zone

Architect Julian Owen takes a look at what design elements can help to reduce the risk of damage caused by flooding

Assessing a self-build plot

Before you purchase a site, you’ll need to make sure

Design ideas for listed buildings

Are you planning major works on a property with protected status? Architect Opinder Liddar discusses the key concerns and how to maximise the historic building’s design potential

The benefits of beam and block floors

Robust and quick to install, this system could be the best choice for your selfbuild project – and not just for the ground floor, says Mike Hardwick

Self-build mortgages

Looking for funding for your self-build project? Each month we round up the best deals from leading lenders – and update you on what you need to know about securing the right finance

PERFECT POSITION

Could this empty building be the ideal opportunity for Ashley and Perry Grainger to take on a renovation project in their preferred location? Mike Dade takes a closer look

Land FOR SALE

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

Ask theEXPERTS

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

Next month…

Find out how one couple created a low-energy modern

focus on:

We talk to Peter Creedon, operations director at glazing specialist Roof Maker – which has recently launched a Passive House Institute certified rooflight – about how to maximise daylight in your home without wasting energy