Welcome

Extension projects are a hugely popular route to

MEET THE TEAM

GEORGINA CROTHERS is Build It’s homes editor. Go

PROJECT OF THE MONTH

Clay house

NSBRC launches first Market Day

On Friday 8th March, the National Self Build

0.4%

is the percentage by which house prices have

Self builds boost the local economy

The Right to Build Taskforce has released new

What’s on?

ASK AN ARCHITECT 13TH APRIL FREE, SWINDON Book

need to know

The benefits of offsite manufacture

SIMON ORRELLS

is the managing director of self build timber

spend v save

FROM £15,000 Willis & Stone Shaker kitchen cabinets

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

3 of the best OUTDOOR FLOOR TILES

1 Ca’ Pietra Farley Limestone in seasoned finish,

interiors notebook

Inject some character into your home with playful additions of warm reds and buttery yellows

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.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

next month...

June issue on sale 24th April

Keeping your costs on track

Yaniv Peer, director of Iguana Architects, shares what to account for in your project budget and how to manage your spending

WOW-FACTOR EXTENSIONS

It’s no secret that an extension can provide your home with a welcome helping of space, light and value – but how can you ensure its design leaves a lasting impression? Sander Tel shares his pick of seven eye-catching additions

TAKE TWO

After much back-and-forth with the planners, Graham and Diane Roberts built their oak frame home and a separate garage with guest accommodation on the car park of a former pub in Wales with glorious mountain views

Low energy home for retirement

Having wanted to self build for decades, approaching their next phase of life felt like the right time for Brent and Linda Walker to fulfil their long-held dream

SMALL BUT MIGHTY

Architect Louise Glynn’s clever and considered renovation of her studio in London transformed a small space into both a functional and beautiful home

CREATING A BET TER HOME

PART 2: DAYLIGHT

TINY HOME

It’s a phrase that’s got a lot of buzz online and among those looking to create unique, compact and low -energy spaces. Emily Batesmith takes a look at the definitions around tiny homes and why they are gaining traction in the UK

VICTORIAN TERRACE

Looking for a property with project potential?

Smart tech ideas

A self build or renovation project is a great opportunity to introduce technology into your home that will enhance its convenience and security. Take a look at these smart products to inspire your setup

SELF BUILD INSURANCE

Why you need professional build costs for your

CHOOSING BRICKS FOR YOUR BUILD

Amasonr y finish is a timeless and reliable option that lends itself to a range of desig ns. Take a look at what you need to know about specif ying the right bricks for your project

WHEN TO PLAN A GARDEN

Your outdoor space may not be the first thought when you’re busy getting your new home built, but put effort into both early on and your surroundings will perfectly complement your architecture

ZERO-BILLS HOME?

IS IT POSSIBLE TO SELF BUILD A

OAKWRIGHTS’ TIM CRUMP

In the first of a new series exploring the success stories behind the UK’s leading self build specialists, Chris Batesmith chats with Tim Crump about what’s changed in the 25 years since he launched Oakwrights, and what the future has in store for self builders

Energy efficiency for existing buildings

Architect Opinder Liddar shares his guide to choosing and installing efficient upgrades during your home renovation project

SLIDING DOOR COST GUIDE

Find out what makes a good quality sliding door system, and what you should budget to install it

Avoiding enforcement problems

MartinGaineexplains how to avoid running into trouble with your planners and what action to take if you do

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

Ask the EXPERTS

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