Welcome

Now that we’re well and truly bedded into

MEET THE TEAM

GEORGINA CROTHERS is Build It’s homes editor. Go

inspiration

CHRIS WHARTON Striking angular home extension This unassuming

Heat pump noise rules to be relaxed

Despite its support for heat pumps, the government’s

PROJECT OF THE MONTH

Hidden Brick Bungalow Built on a bustling back

Self and custom build recognised in NPPF

For the first time, self and custom build

What’s on?

PROJ ECT MANAGEM ENT WORKSHOP 24TH FEB £165,

Future Homes Standard consultation sets bargainbasement fabric targets

The long-awaited Future Homes Standard consultation was launched

need to know

Expansion of PD rights for solar panels

spend v save

This allin-one Quooker tap with a flexible pull-out

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

3 of the best TOWEL RAILS

1 Milano Bow anthracite Dbar heated towel rail,

interiors notebook

Combine sustainability with style by enriching your space with eco-friendly design features and earthy tones

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

Plot Browser.com is 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

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

24th & 25th February: Maximise your chances of self build, home renovation or extension success with a visit to our newest show, Build It Live South East

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 South East on 24th & 25th Feb

LOW-ENERGY HOMES

Finding ways to reduce carbon, energy consumption and create a sustainable, resourceful home are huge priorities for many self builders. Sander Tel uncovers a collection of the UK’s lowest energy homes with big ideas at the forefront of their architecture

Coming home

More than 40 years after Martin Gurnett’s father built an atcost barn on the family farm in Essex, Martin and his wife Fiona Jenkins converted the structure into a contemporary home

RURAL COTTAGE RESTORATION

Builder PJ McClay sensitively transformed an abandoned stone shell into a traditional -style cott age that meets modern living st andards

Peace & quiet

Lydia and Arthur Achard have realised their dream of a bespoke home on a serene rural plot in Northumberland

Creating architectural wow factor

Self building or renovating is a great opportunity to create a striking design that sets your home apart from the rest and makes it truly unique to you. Georgina Crothers shares some innovative examples to inspire your own project

Replacing windows

How can you tell whether your windows need changing and how should you go about it? Renovation expert Kate Sandhu takes a look

5 ROUTES TO A QUICK SELF BUILD

If getting your project finished as soon as possible is a high priority, so you can start enjoying your bespoke home sooner, here are some ideas for speeding things up on site

WHAT’S THE BEST VALUE EXTENSION?

Which style of extension is the best in terms of creating additional room that’s useful as well as good on cost per m2 ? Lindsay Blair looks at the most popular options to help you decide

BUYER’S GUIDE TO UNDERFLOOR HEATING

Is this energy efficient heating system right for your home? Georgina Crothers explores the options on offer and what it takes to get the most out of your setup

SELF BUILD COST CALCULATOR

Want to understand 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

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ARCHITECT

Finding a suitable professional to develop your home’s scheme is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in a project. Here are architect Julian Owen’s top tips on what to look for in a good designer

How to be certain of planning success

Planning consultant MartinGaineshares his top seven tips for ensuring your application to build is approved by your local council

COMBINING RENEWABLES DOES IT WORK?

Sustainability expert Nigel Griffiths investigates how effectively different renewable heat and power technologies can perform in conjunction with one another for a low-carbon setup

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CUSTOM BUILD

Buying a shovel-ready plot with planning and services in place takes a big chunk of the hard work out of building your home

Airtightness checklist

Want to create a comfortable, low-bills new home? Minimising air leakage is a vital tool for energy-saving – here’s how to do it

Ask the EXPERTS

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

ARCHITECT’S VIEW

Incorporating glazing into your self build