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When it comes to planning a major home

inspiration

RICHARD CHIVERS Gravity-defying self build This striking dwelling

PROJECT OF THE MONTH

Compact home This garage conversion in Devon initially

Calls for major planning reform

The Centre for Policy Studies is calling for

New mortgages from Buckinghamshire BS

BuildLoan has partnered with Buckinghamshire BS to provide self

What’s on?

INTERIOR DESIGN BOOTCAMP 21ST-23RD MAY £400, BOURNEMOUTH This

31% of Brits looking to move home post-lockdown

Almost a third of UK households are keen

need to know

Lessons to be learned from the Green Homes Grant

spend V save

from £35,000 Offering a contemporary twist on classic

3 of the best DRIVEWAY BLOCK PAVING

1 Braddrive Cobblestone Eco in anthracite, £POA, www.bradstone.com

Expert advice: the key to project success

Chris Bates reveals why you can’t afford to miss Build It’s virtual Expert Advice Weekend –a unique opportunity to gain the detailed, first-hand support you need to successfully create your dream home

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

Ask the EXPERTS

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

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July issue on sale 26th May

focus on: Casa Architects’ director Ian Walker reveals his top tips for creating a home that will make a positive contribution to your mental and physical wellbeing

Designed by Casa Architects, this contemporary extension to

All hands on deck

Sarah and John Stupart rolled up their sleeves and got involved with every aspect of their SIPs self build, tackling everything from project management to construction jobs on site

Oak home in the country

This picturesque oak frame self build offers charm and character within an idyllic setting

Paint it black

Matt and Kirstie Stevens have transformed a tired 1970s bungalow into a striking two-storey family home

Contemporary extension

A ground floor flat in Edinburgh now features a striking pitched roof extension, creating a light-filled and open-plan kitchen-living space

Rural Retreat

Lynda and Tony Martin replaced a derelict Victorian coach house with a pretty oakframed cottage they now let out to guests

Designing a rural oak home

Green oak has a natural affinity with country locations – and a new build that employs this structural system can deliver contemporary flair or ooze rustic charm, says Emily Brooks

HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON AN EXTENSION Part 2

Rebecca Foster identifies 15 more areas where making smart choices before and after your project goes on site can keep costs down

Beginner ’s guide to underfloor heating

Anamika Talwaria investigates what you need to know about this efficient heating choice

QUICK GUIDE: EV CHARGING

Here’s what you need to know about setting up an electric vehicle charging point at home

Dormer loft conversions

This type of addition will add space and value to your home. From design tips to rules and regs, Rebecca Foster explains the key factors to think about before going ahead

Decking showcase

Be inspired by these stylish and durable garden surface options

Designing for planning success

Architect Julian Owen shares his top tips for ensuring your self build gets planning approval

Solar PV V Solar thermal

Eco expert Nigel Griffiths explores the pros and cons of these two routes to harnessing the sun’s energy, to help you decide which best fits your project goals

5 common heritage renovation renovation mistakes

Heritage homes expert Alan Tierney takes time out from his latest project to share his top period renovation pitfalls, and the secrets to how you can avoid them 

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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

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