Welcome

For those of us keen to create an

Stunning rural abode

HUFTON & CROW This low-impact forever home was

Traditional home

This grade II listed farmhouse has been given

Update: Custom & self build review

Long-term self and custom build champion, Richard Bacon

Over 440,000 plots locked by developers

According to a new data analysis by StripeHomes,

Gas and oil boiler ban could be delayed to 2040

Boris Johnson looks set to delay his much-heralded

need to know

Help to Build to make self building more mainstream

spend v save

from £25,000 Supported by a trio of structural

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

3 of the best COMPOSITE DECKING

1 HD Deck Dual decking, from £35

interiors notebook

Create cosy spaces to hide away in with these picks that bring snug, dark tones to your home’s interiors

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

Whether you’re self building, renovating or extending your home, maximise your chances of project success with a visit to Build It Live this October

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

Ask the EXPERTS

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

next month...

November issue on sale 29th September

focus on:

With digital tools becoming more commonplace, we speak to Modern UPVC Windows’ managing director, James Meah, about how its interactive designer enables a more streamlined and user-friendly ordering process for home building projects

Best laid plans

Steve and Janine Carney set out to build an oak frame home for themselves, but an objection from the planners – and a change of heart – turned the project into a sizeable annexe for Janine’s parents instead

A classic revival

This sizable family home has been given an all round upgrade, with bags of new glazing and a rear extension and remodel

Behind the glass door

Kevin and Gemma Manning more than doubled the footprint of their dated bungalow in Kent in just four months – all for just over £200,000

Industrial influence

A ground floor flat in North London has been transformed into a cool and spacious zone thanks to a generous extension and renovation project

Scandinavian success story

Inspired by Nordic design, Hannu and Sally Maki’s contemporary Honka Fusion home is the realisation of a long-held dream

Structural systems for beginners

Dipping your toe into the world of self building for the first time? Rebecca Foster rounds up the best construction methods available for your bespoke project

CHOOSI NG GARAGE DOORS

Jane Crittenden reviews the options to help you narrow down your choices and settle on the best garage door system for your project

CAN I INSTALL UFH IN MY RENOVATION?

Rebecca Foster lays out the options for retrofit scenarios, highlighting the main factors to consider when choosing the best underfloor heating system for your property

EXTENDING A LISTED HOUSE

Tap into our pick of expert design knowledge and real-life project inspiration to boost your chances of creating an eye-catching extension that enhances the character of your listed home, adds value and improves your quality of life

Kitchen flooring

This busy hub of the home calls for a solution that is both practical and elegant. Pick up some ideas for your scheme here

COM PLETE GUIDE TO SMART HOMES

Adding automation has never been easier, or more affordable. In this extensive special section, Anamika Talwaria dives into how you can make the most of this modern technology and ensure your home works more intelligently

PLANNING & INFRASTRUCTURE

The key to a successful smart home lies in getting the nitty gritty details behind the scenes right. Here’s what you need to know

HEATING & VENTILATION

Learn how home automation can contribute to a healthy, comfortable indoor environment

SMART LIGHTING

Intelligent illumination encompasses so much more than just turning your lights off and on – here’s how to make the most of this tech

SECURITY & ACCESSIBILITY

Discover how a smart home system can offer you peace of mind that your dwelling – and its inhabitants – are safe and well

AUDIO-VISUAL INTEGRATION

Infuse your home with extra wow-factor by installing smart entertainment solutions

NATURAL BUILDING TECHNIQUES

Eco expert Nigel Griffiths looks at three natural, sustainable construction techniques that will help you minimise your project’s carbon footprint

Creating an extension that works with your house

Whether your key goal is to add square footage or enhance your connection to the garden, architect Opinder Liddar sums up the essentials you need to know

Beginner’s guide: Certificates of lawfulness

Mike Dade explores how you can avoid applying for full planning consent, while ensuring your scheme is above-board

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO finding land

The first step in your self build journey is tracking down a viable building site. Keep yourself ahead of the competition with Build It’s top plot hunting tips