Welcome

Well, this issue has been something of a

MEET THE TEAM

EMILY SMITH is Build It’s deputy editor and

inspiration

MARTIN GARDNER Sensitive modern extension AR Design Studio

Increasing costs impact renovations

The price of building materials continues to rise

£51,000

is the shortfall the average first-time buyer currently

Installers hesitant on heat pumps

According to research from Baxi (www.baxi. co.uk ),

What’s on?

PRACTICAL CLAY PLASTERING 10TH-14TH AUG £200, ANGLESEY This

Government releases positive response to Bacon Review

The National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA)

need to know

The NSBRC’s place in self build

spendvsave

£79 per m 2 £36 per m 2

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

3 of the best HERITAGE-STYLE TIMBER FRENCH DOORS

1 Farndale French doorset, £1,649, jeld-wen.co.uk 2 French

interiors notebook

Combine yellow tones with muted greys and blues for a sophisticated take on this warm palette of hues

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

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

next month... October issue on sale 19th August

REAL-LIFE HOMES Take a look inside this timber

Find out how to give an existing house a contemporary twist

I fyou’re updating an existing home, the chances

AMAZING BRICK DESIGN IDEAS

Want to incorporate this material into your scheme? Check out these inspiring projects that use masonry to add wow factor

LACY BRICK

Protruding bricks turn the exterior of this extension into a wow factor feature

WHITE & RED FEATURE CL ADDING

Self builders Andy and Philippa Arnold have used a mix of colours on their home to create a wow factor finish

ON THE DOORSTEP

Royan and Helen Anthony had almost given up trying to find the perfect house, but building an oak frame home in their garden unexpectedly ticked all their boxes

CREATIVE 60S-INSPIRED SELF BUILD

This new end-of-terrace home is designed to complement its neighbours while delivering a modern take on retro living

Daring to dream

Andrew and Claire Jeffrey loved their Cornish home, but they needed a more practical space that embraced the stunning surroundings

IN FOCUS HOME AUTOMATION

Anamika Talwaria looks at the benefits of specifying a smart home, plus everything you need to be aware of at the early stages to achieve a flexible, cost-effective install

SMART HOMES FOR AN EASY LIFE

Discover how automating your home’s core functions can enable a smoother living experience, whether it’s a new build or refurb

RAINWATE R HARVESTING THE ESSENTIALS

Reusing the rainfall that drains off your roof could enhance your house’s eco credentials and save you money on bills. Rebecca Foster explains the benefits, key considerations and options for different systems

STOVES & FIRES UPDATE YOUR HEATING

Add efficient warmth and a characterful focal point to your living space with Jane Crittenden’s guide to retrofitting woodburning stoves, and gas and electric fires

Inspiring garden rooms

DESIGN IDEAS

WINDOW DESIGN GETTING IT RIGHT

Planning your new home’s glazing is about more than simply choosing a system and supplier. Opinder Liddar takes a look at the detailed decisions you’ll need to make

PLANNING OBJECTIONS

Could neighbours block your application?

HELP to BUILD EXPLAINED

A new government-backed equity loan scheme has launched that could make creating a bespoke home a viable route for 1,000s more people by making it easier to access self build mortgages. Here’s how it works

Home extension cost calculator

Want to add space and value to your home? Our ready reckoner, powered by the Build It Estimating Service, will help you gauge what size and style of extension will deliver the best result for your budget

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

In Focus

A SELECTION OF STA MEMBERS