Adrian Wild is managing director of HBXL Building Software, which powers the Build It Estimating Service. The service will enable you to calculate your project costs right down to the last roof tile. Find out more at www.self-build.co.uk/estimate
Some self builders – and planning departments – are keen on the look of one-and-a-half storey houses. Sometimes referred to as storey-and-a-half or chalet/dormer bungalows, as the names imply, these properties feature rooms positioned between the ceiling of the first storey and the roofline, without full-height walls on the upper level. The second storey benefits from either dormers, rooflights or gable ends with windows.