Ask the EXPERTS

Welcome

If you’ve not yet seen Grand Designs: The Street… where

Secret garden home

Tucked away behind a London brick wall with a concealed

PROJECT OF THE MONTH

This once-derelict chapel has been transformed into

Graven Hill stars in own Grand Designs TV show

Have you been keeping up with the goings on at Graven

Nation’s tech addiction causing rows at bedtime

Despite experts recommending a screen-free environment

What’s on?

Lack of available plots remains a key issue in some parts of the UK

Lack of available plots remains a key issue in some

need to know

New legislation for environmentally friendly homes is well-meaning but misguided

spend v save

Tapping into the industrial trend, these high-quality

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

3 of the best EXTERIOR RENDER PRODUCTS

3 ProRend Colourtex silicone render, £15-£20 per m2

interiors notebook

Inside/outside living is set to become a major trend for 2019. This selection of versatile products will help to blur the lines between your home’s internal and external areas, just in time for summer

Plan, design & build your dream home with a visit to the next Build It Live

Whether you’re planning a self build project, renovating an existing home or extending to add space and value, here are 10 key reasons you can’t afford to miss the upcoming Build It Live show at Bicester on 8th & 9th June

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

CHANCE ENCOUNTER

Could this countryside barn provide David and Tansy Pemberton with the conversion opportunity they’ve been looking for? Mike Dade investigates

next month…

July issue on sale 29th May

focus on:

Peter Warm, a UK Passivhaus certifier, tells us why self builders should consider working to this eco-friendly standard for home building projects

Thinking outside the box

Having made a career developing properties for other people to enjoy, Anthony and Teresa relished the opportunity to use everything they’ve learnt to create a dream home for themselves

Escape to the country

After getting off to a slow start thanks to the planners, the Walker family have finally created a modern European style eco-property, using a German package house company

From the ground up

Barry and Jenny Tape have transformed a dilapidated coastal bungalow into a spacious and highly practical family home

Rural retreat

Bill and Sukie Barber had no intention of doing another self build, but when the perfect site came up they couldn’t resist

Modern makeover

Victoria and Michael Anderson have given an old agricultural bungalow a contemporary upgrade

Build It’s Self Build Education House

We’re self building our own house on Graven Hill, right next to TV’s Grand Designs: The Street. As we approach weathertight stage, editor Chris Bates takes a look at the journey so far, plus the key lessons we’ve learned along the way, and introduces our key partners

12 tips for renovating on a budget

Rebecca Foster takes a closer look at how to make the most of your money on a refurbishment project

Extension cost guide Part 1: Single storey

In the first of our mini-series on extension costs, the Build It Estimating Service’s Adrian Wild sets out indicative costs for single storey additions

Ventilation options

Banishing stale air and introducing a fresh supply is a key factor when it comes to establishing a healthy living environment. Rebecca Foster explores the myriad solutions available

BENEFITS of BUILDING with OAK FRAME

We’ve highlighted 10 reasons to consider using this natural material for your self build project

Guide to choosing a driveway

Despite often being left until last during the renovation or self build process, this humble element is still an incredibly useful part of any architectural scheme. Charley Ward outlines what you need to know to get this detail right

HOUSE DESIGN masterclass

Starting the design process is an exciting part of any project, but it’s best not to rush it. The most successful home building schemes are those in which every idea – no matter how big or small – has been fully explored, explains architect Julian Owen

Why you should listen to your builder

Finding a construction worker you can trust will add a lot of value to your project. Mike Hardwick outlines the reasons why

Designing into modern storage homes

Architect Opinder Liddar share. This top tips on how to incorporate useful storage solutions and maximise space in your house

10 ways to stay on budget with a timber frame build

Want a keen price for the shell of your new home? Tim Doherty looks at how to keep spending under control on a timber project

Roofs: repair or replace?

Your roof is your home’s first line of defence against the elements, so will always benefit from targeted maintenance tailored to the materials used. Alan Tierney looks at how to care for this part of your home, and when you might need to consider replacement

The beginners’ guide to planning success

From getting your head around complex industry terminology through to how to craft a successful application, planning consultant Mike Dade lays out the basics