editor’s letter

Whether you’re self building, renovating or extending, undoubtedly the best place to look for ideas and practical guidance is from those who’ve been there and done it before – and Build It is here to help you do just that. Turn to page 19 and you’ll find our information-packed real-life readers’ projects, complete with detailed cost breakdowns and valuable learning points, plus some fantastic inspiring homes.

Head deeper into the magazine, and you’ll uncover a treasure trove of expert-led articles – from Nigel Griffiths’ guide on how to prioritise your cash on an eco build (page 80), to architect Julian Owen’s tips on maximising the potential of your building system to add value and wow factor (page 90). On page 85, our planning consultant Martin Gaine uncovers the best and worst councils in the UK for planning approvals – and reveals how to approach an application to give yourself the best chance of success. We also have guides to extension fit-out costs (page 54), underfloor heating (page 70), how to find a good builder (page 96) and the benefits of custom build (page 109).