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HOME HEATING WHERE TO START

Discover the key considerations when specif ying your system, before taking a deep dive into the main options in our heating focus
The F2040 air source heat pump from NIBE (www. nibe.co.uk) is an intelligent, compact appliance designed to automatically adapt to your home’s heating requirements

How you choose to heat your new home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make on your self build, as it has a huge influence on how comfortable it is to live in. But this is about more than just keeping cosy in winter: you’ll want a system that performs efficiently, keeps bills low and is easy to maintain in the future. Exactly which option best suits your project will depend on a number of factors, including:

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Build It
August 2022
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Other Articles in this Issue


In This Issue
Welcome
Regular readers will know we cover all
MEET THE TEAM
ANAMIKA TALWARIA is Build It’s features editor. Every
news
Self build news
Stay up to date with the latest headlines, products & projects in each issue of Build It
REAL-LIFE HOMES
Self Build Education House
Build It’s Education House is a project like no other – designed to give you a blueprint for the choices you’ll make on your own bespoke home. Discover some of the key choices we made on our self build journey
AWARD-WINNING HOMES
Be inspired by the amazing self build projects that picked up trophies at the latest Build It Awards. Each property demonstrates exceptional design and bespoke tailoring to meet the unique needs of each homeowner, ranging from modern impessive builds to modest dwellings that perfectly suit their plot
START YOUR PROJECT
IS SELF BUILD RIGHT FOR ME?
Creating a one-off home is the best way to get the living space you want in a location that suits you – here’s why you shouldn’t be afraid to take the plunge
SELF BUILD COST CALCULATOR
Want to know 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
GUIDE TO FINANCING YOUR PROJECT
Find the best mortgage for your self build with our in-depth guide – and learn how the government’s new Help to Build scheme is set to make it easier than ever to commission a bespoke home
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
How to Find a Good Building Plot Faster
Get your plot hunt moving with this taster of the expert advice available via Build It’s Virtual Self Build Training courses
PLOT SHOWCASE
It’s FREE to subscribe to PlotSearch – the UK’s premier land finding resource with over 5,000 genuine building opportunities, all with planning permission guaranteed. The plots collated here are an illustrative showcase. To find out more and search the database today call 0345 223 4499 or visit www.plotsearch.co.uk
PLOT ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
Now that you’ve found the perfect plot of land, you need to determine whether it’s really a viable building opportunity. Here’s a quick guide to what to look out for
DESIGNING YOUR DREAM HOME
Architect Opinder Liddar outlines what you should ask your self build designer to get the most out of your new property
PLANNING PERMISSION GET APPROVAL FIRST TIME
Obtaining consent to create your own house can present one of the most challenging parts of the self build journey. Here, Mike Dade shares the inside track on how to craft an application that yields positive results
CUSTOM BUILD ROUTES
Discover the best planning-guaranteed approaches to a new bespoke home
BUILDING AT GRAVEN HILL
Create your bespoke home alongside a community of self builders at the UK’s leading custom build scheme
Custom build plot highlights
Discover a range of exciting new custom build opportunities to help deliver your dream home
Building Regs & technical design
Discover how to ensure your dream home project meets the Building Regulations, why it’s important to develop the details at the design stage – and the new standards for 2022
BUILDING ROUTES
BUILDING ROUTES & COSTS
Find out more about the main options for project management, so you’re armed with all the facts – including costs – to make the best decision for your scheme
Getting out of the ground
The moment the first shovel hits the earth marks a big step in your self build project – but if you’re not prepared, it’s also a time when costs can suddenly mount up
How to find tradespeople you can trust
The FMB’s Jan Etchells shares her expert advice on sourcing the best contractors for your home building project
Choosing a structural system
Budget, complexity of design, insulation performance, construction speed, project route: which of these critical considerations could signpost the best build method for you?
BUILDING WITH MASONRY
Brick and block remains a great self build option – here are some of its key advantages
5 reasons to use timber frame
Sarah Mathieson from Fleming Homes lets us in on why this popular construction method continues to be a great choice for self builders
KEY REASONS TO BUILD WITH ICF
Insulated concrete formwork is often referred to as being like Lego, but the efficient build isn’t the only benefit to this method
5 benefits of oak frame
Gareth Edmunds from Welsh Oak Frame shares five reasons why oak frame is a great and versatile option for self builders
5 BENEFITS BENEFITS OF SIPS
Structural insulated panels are a popular self build construction method, and here’s why
How sustainable is offsite construction?
A sustainable, lowenergy home that saves on running costs and carbon emissions is a major goal for many self builders. The Structural Timber Association reveals how prefabrication can boost your green credentials
UNDERSTANDING ROOF STRUCTURES
Get to grips with the options for constructing your roof
FLOOR STRUCTURE OPTIONS
You don’t have to live with creaky old floors – check out these highperformance options
KEY DECISIONS
CLADDING & RENDER
What you need to know about the various solutions available for your home’s exterior
ROOF COVERINGS THE OPTIONS
As one of the most prominent features of your new home, the material you use to top it needs careful consideration. Your design, budget and planning restrictions will have an impact. Here’s a rundown of the main materials
FRONT DOORS
Discover how to turn your home’s entrance into a focal feature with our quick guide
8 TIPS FOR YOUR WINDOWS & GLAZING
A key element of any self build, here’s how to choose the right style and spec for your abode
GLAZED DOORS THE BASICS
There’s more than just aesthetics to think about when choosing the best solution for your project. Here are the main options
Do gas boilers still make sense?
With government policy placing more emphasis on renewable heating, Nigel Griffiths looks at whether a move away from fossil fuels is the smartest option
Air source heat pumps explained
Eco expert Nigel Griffiths takes a closer look at this popular self build heating option
GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS THE BASICS
Nigel Griffiths shares what you need to know if you’re considering this renewable solution
BIOMASS BOILERS
Discover whether a wood-fired heating system could be the best fit for your home
UFH, RADIATORS & STOVES
Discover some of the best ways to distribute warmth around your new home
VENTILATION THE BASICS
Rebecca Foster explains how to maintain a comfortable internal environment in your home, with a fresh supply of air throughout
SOLAR HOT WATER
This renewable system delivers low-cost, low-carbon hot water – but is it worth the investment?
THE LATEST SMART HOME TECH
Rebecca Foster rounds up the most innovative smart home products and systems, taking a closer look at the technological developments that have made them possible
INSTALLING SOLAR PV
Harness the sun’s rays to generate free electricit y – and store it in a battery for use when you need it
FIT-OUT & FINISHES
INSPIRING STAIRCASES
Often the first thing to welcome your visitors, discover the multitude of staircase designs out there – and how to get an impactful flight in your budget
DESIGN-LED KITCHENS ON A BUDGET
Top tips for getting a practical, wow-factor kitchen without forking out for a £50k+ design
INTERNAL WALLS & FINISHES
What you need to know about building, insulating & finishing your home’s internal partition walls
FLOORING OPTIONS
Architect Julian Owen shares his top tips on how to select a finish that meets the practical and aesthetic requirements for your home
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO INTERIOR LIGHTING DESIGN
A well-planned lighting scheme could transform your home in ways you might not have imagined. Jane Crittenden talks to the experts about what can be achieved
BATHROOM DESIGN TIPS
Learn how to get your layout and finishes right for this crucial room in the home
Internal doors » » and sliding partitions
Add flexibility to your layouts and be creative with how you break up your space with these roomdividing ideas, says Emily Brooks
DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPING
Make sure the land surrounding your finished home is brimming with kerb appeal, too. From paving materials to plants, every choice will have an impact
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