Welcome

This issue goes to press hot on the

MEET THE TEAM

GEORGINA CROTHERS is Build It’s homes editor.

Modern extension to mid-century home

inspiration

Muted pitches

PROJECT OF THE MONTH

Stamp duty expected to rise

From March 2025, the stamp duty threshold is

4.3%

is the percentage by which house prices have

First plot sold at Callum Park

The first plot on custom build site Callum

What’s on?

HOW TO USE A HEAT PUMP 9TH OCT

Labour’s Warm Homes plan to be evolution, not revolution

Speaking at the Housing Community Summit, the minister for

need to know

Updated fire safety standard for battery storage

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

AGRICULTURAL TO RESIDENTIAL TRANSITION

LOCATION Kingston, Cambridgeshire GUIDE PRICE £200,000 AREA TBC

Windows & doors

We put the spotlight on some of the self build and renovation industry’s leading fenestration suppliers and how they can help make a success of your project

The Build It team

EDITORIAL Content director Chris Batesmith Editor Emily

Choosing your exterior materials

Adam Knibb, director of Adam Knibb Architects, shares his advice for creating a cohesive external facade that meets both your aesthetic and budget goals

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

spend V save

FROM £2.49 These high-quality clay roof tiles from

3 of the best TIMBER STAIRCASES

1 Bespoke timber staircase, from £35,000, bisca.co.uk

interiors notebook

Create afresh and bright scheme with abase of natural cork complemented by timeless neutrals

7 AMAZING CONVERSIONS

Transforming an existing building into a house is an appealing project for those after a forever home packed with character, history and special, one-of -a-kind details. Find inspiration in Sander Tel’s pick of fantastic designs

SE ASIDE RETREAT

Anne and Bruce Staley replaced a humble beach shack with a stunning contemporary home overlooking the Cornish coastline for their family to enjoy

CHANGE OF PL AN

Krystelle and Ed FloydWass have sympathetically renovated and extended their 193 0s det ached house, breathing life back into it with bold colour and texture

A CLASS ACT

Returning home after three decades in the St ates, actor Harry Van Gorkum built an energy-efficient timber frame house in a picturesque spot near the Norfolk Broads

Building with SIPs

With great performance values, design potential and ease of construction, SIPs are a popular solution for self builders. Erika Chaffey explores the range of benefits and practical considerations attached to this construction method

GETTING THE DESIGN RIGHT FOR YOUR EXTENSION

The key to a successful extension project that enhances your day-to-day life is in the design process, says Georgina Crothers

CREATING THE PERFECT SNUG

Whether as a TV room, reading nook or cosy spot to wind down after a busy day, integrate a designated snug space into your floor plan from the outset to maximise the design potential, says Lindsay Blair

Preventing damp & mould in existing homes

Find out how to protect your property’s structure from the damage caused by damp and mould, with practical tips and insight from Build It’s period property expert, Alan Tierney

Eco homes where to start

Creating atruly low-energy home requires a whole-house approach, and clarity on your budget and priorities. In this guide, we help you take the first steps to amore sustainable project

Is a heat pump right for me?

Find out what the options are for this energy-efficient heat source and whether it’s a suitable fit for your self build or renovation project

On tap hot water options for your project

From gas boilers to solar thermal panels and cylinder types, we look at the best ways to get reliable, efficient hot water in your home

ventilation & cooling

Maintaining a comfortable internal temperature and good air quality are key ingredients for ahome that’s enjoyable to live in. Erika Chaffey investigates the solutions on offer for a healthy environment

Making the most of underfloor heating

Rebecca Foster explains how to specify a high-quality UFH system that performs optimally

Eco stoves & fires

Georgina Crothers shortlists a selection of stylish designs to enhance your heating setup that all meet UK standards for energy efficiency and emissions

Radiators: the options

The ideal radiator should complement your home’s design and meet your heating needs in the most efficient way possible. Erika Chaffey shares the options on offer and key considerations for finding the right fit

Solar PV & the alternatives

Looking for a sustainable and accessible way to provide your home’s electricity? Find out what you can expect when opting for solar power and how to ensure an efficient setup

5 energy-saving upgrades for your home

Want to save money on bills and reduce carbon emissions? Check out our top tips to get maximum bang for your buck

HOW TO CREATE AN ADAPTABLE HOME

Architect Julian Owen advises how to plan a flexible, futureproof design for a house that changes with you and your needs

Plot size: how much land do you need for your project?

Planning consultant Julia Riddle gives the inside track on what will help you determine the size of plot to go for and how big your dwelling can be based on the site itself and the location

Cohousing: could you self build your own community?

Nigel Griffiths takes a closer look at the multiple benefits of a collective approach to creating tailor-made housing

Ask the EXPERTS

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

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

Plot finding tactics

Mark Stevenson takes a look at the different ways to find land for you new home building project. Cover all the plot hunting bases with his top tips and guidance