Welcome

It’s go, go, go at Build It HQ

inspiration

Low-carbon home This striking abode was designed by

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

Land FOR SALE

It’s FREE to subscribe to PlotSearch – the UK’s premier land finding resource with over 4,500 genuine building opportunities, all with planning permission guaranteed. The plots collated here are a hand-picked selection, but you can find plenty more in the online database. To find out more and to subscribe call 0345 223 4499 or visit the website at www.plotsearch.co.uk

Ask the EXPERTS

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

focus on:

We speak to the MD of Unboxed Homes, Gus Zogolovitch, about its pioneering custom build scheme in London

PROJECT OF THE MONTH

Glazed connection

Yet another new housing secretary

In a surprise recent cabinet reshuffle, Michael Gove

87%

of people are worried about the hidden toxins

Councils look for self build champion

In a sign that more local authorities (LAs)

What’s on?

INTRO TO LIME PLASTERING 8TH - 9TH OCT

Materials shortage set to increase prices long-term

One of Britain’s biggest builders’ merchants, Jewson, has

need to know

Why you should visit a show home

Spend v Save

from £1,772 Bespoke Vario rooflights by Velux include

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

3 of the best GARAGE DOORS

1 Bifold automated garage doors in Fumed Oak,

interiors notebook

Turn your home into a plush tropical oasis with bold prints, vibrant hues and gold accents

10 years of the Build It Awards

We’re celebrating a decade of helping you shortlist the best products, suppliers and inspiration for your projectwith the Build It Awards – the UK’s most prestigious self build and renovation awards

Awardwinning homes

Get inspiration for you next project from some of our favourite winners from the Build It Awards annals – and then help us crown the Best Home of 2021 on page 23!

Vote for Britain’s Best Self Build or Renovation Project

Help us to crown the 2021 best home from this year’s amazing Build It Awards shortlist!

Contemporary extension to period property

C aroline and Gustavo Ordonez-Sanz bought a handsome

Woodland eco home

A fter finding an idyllic plot, Jan and

Wow factor bungalow revamp

O nce a tired bungalow, this property is

Barn-style self build

KATY DONALDSON F rances and Tom Edwards used

Vote now for your favourite!

self-build.co.uk/best-home

Oak frame countr yside self build

OAKWRIGHTS OWNERS Deirdre & David Rook PROJECT Self

Timber frame dream home

KATY DONALDSON OWNERS Sue Drawbridge & Antony

Joined-up thinking

Frances and Tom Edwards took a holistic approach to their self build, thinking outside the box to reduce risk and minimise project costs without compromising on design and comfort

A chef’s kiss

Yellow Cloud Studio has created the ideal space for a culinary professional, finished to perfection with a minimal materials palette

The modern farmhouse

The Goddards updated their historic home with a contemporary extension and interior remodel

The family playground

Full of space and light, this rundown property in south east London has been extended and upgraded for relaxed and interactive living

INSTALLINGA WOODBURNING STOVE

There’s more to choosing the right woodburner than aesthetics and out-of-the-box efficiency. Jane Crittenden looks at how to ensure yours is correctly fitted to ensure optimum performance

9 WOODBURNING STOVE IDEAS

We’ve rounded up some of the best Ecodesign-ready appliances on the market, so you know you’re buying a stove that’s both future-proof and stylish

ROOF TI LES THE OPTIONS

There’s plenty of choice when it comes to selecting this element of your bespoke build. Rebecca Foster ’s quick-fire guide lays out the facts you need to know

15 WAYS TO MAXIMISE NATURAL LIGHT

Jane Crittenden showcases a range of extension design solutions to capture daylight in your home and enhance your new living space

OUTBUILDINGS

Discover the wide range of projects that you could achieve outside the house, from sheds and garden rooms to pool houses

Building green: going fabric first

Whether you’re creating a new house from scratch or renovating an existing property, there’s a few basic eco principles you should aim to get right

Developing a heating strategy

Here’s what you need to know about planning your home’s heating system

Biomass boilers

Discover whether this low-carbon heating option could be a good fit for your eco home

Heat pumps

Find out how this renewable technology works and whether it’s right for your project

Renewable tech for a modern self build

NIBE’s air source heat pump has helped to create a highly efficient eco home

Boiler options

These appliances are fantastic at delivering domestic hot water – which could make them a more sustainable option than you might think

Solar hot water

Discoer how ou could harness ree energ ro the sun to roide lentiul hot water

Sustainable heating for forever home

A Kensa ground source heat u deliers an efficient heat solution to this self build

Clean burning stove

This hoe renoation enets ro a stlish and efficient woodburner from Scheidel

Heat emitters

Creating an efficient lowcaron heating sste reuires a holistic aroach ro uilding aric all the wa through to how ou distriute the warth

Planning changes & new opportunities

Planning expert Mike Dade takes a closer look at the latest developments opening fresh possibilities for self builders

Can self and custom build be scaled up?

We take a detailed look at Richard Bacon MP’s government-backed review of the selfcommissioned homes market and the power of putting choice in the hands of consumers

HOW TO MIX & MATCH CLADDING

Architect Julian Owen explains the best ways to incorporate multiple finishing materials to create a facade with wow factor

WHAT CAN GO WRONG WITH BARN CONVERSIONS?

Alan Tierney explains how to strike the balance between creating a modern living space and retaining original charm