High praise

FROM THE EDITOR

Finding a suitable plot can be one of

Lack of insulation adding £3.2 billion to UK energy bills

Around-up of the latest self-build and home renovation news, products and events. By Jennifer Grimble

Lifetime achievement

Replacing a tired 1960s bungalow with a bespoke prefabricated contemporary house allowed retired architect Helen Heslop Brunt and her husband Martin to fulfil a long-held dream

DEEP ROOTS

A lifetime of experience helped the Bühler family create a sumptuous five-bedroom home constructed on top of sand dunes which rest over 17th-century mines

Coastal homes

The seaside is a dream location for many, but coastal homes must be robust enough to withstand weather extremes and salt air. These UK self-builders show us how it’s done

Change for good

A last-minute decision to build a kitchen extension instead of a general update turned out to be a wise move for the owners of this detached period property

Back to black

Dramatic black finishes and industrial touches add impact to Charlotte and Sam Tisdall’s extended end-terrace home

14 tips to finding your perfect plot

Looking to start your self-build journey? Follow our advice on how to be one step ahead when searching for your dream location

Self-build for beginners

PART 13 PRE-CONSTRUCTION GUIDE

PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT EXCLUSIONS

How to understand whether your project qualifies for Permitted Development and if you are able to use this planning route

RENOVATING A GEORGIAN HOME

Known for their elegant architectural features, Georgian homes need to be restored sensitively to make them fit for modern life

Open-plan kitchen EXTENSIONS

From structural considerations and zoning to layout ideas and lighting, our practical guide to creating your new space has it covered

Exposed steel beams

Make a bold visual statement by revealing and highlighting part of the very structure of your home

SURVEYS FOR YOUR EXTENSION PROJECT

Get up to speed with the various surveys that might be required to ensure your extension gets the green light

5 ways with... PLYWOOD

A hardworking material of choice for architects and designers, plywood is suitable for numerous interior applications

HOW MUCH DOES EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION COST?

It’s touted as an affordable home insulation method, but is external wall insulation worth the outlay and what are the lifetime costs? We look at the figures…

HOW TO BUILD A HOUSE

Second fix stage: what you need to know as your self-build approaches this exciting part of the project

OFF-MAINS DRAINAGE

Pipes not connected to the mains? Here are the pros and cons of your options and the different systems

ASK THE EXPERTS

Got a burning question about your self-build, extension or home renovation project that you need answering? Why not drop us a line by emailing homebuilding@futurenet.com and your question could be answered by one of our magazine experts

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PASSIVHAUS VENTILATION?

Heat and energy expert David Hilton explains the benefits, options and costs of this ultimate heating standard

Illuminating outdoor spaces

Experts share how to inject a healthy glow to your garden when the sun goes down

ECO LANDSCAPING

Creating a garden with green credentials isn’t without its challenges, but there are plenty of ways you can reduce its impact on the environment, once you know how

Pitch perfect

IMAGE: LORENZO ZANDRI Located alongside the winding River