Welcome

Last month, we reported on a National Custom and Self

inspiration

This side and rear extension to a Victorian semi in

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

interiors notebook

Incorporate timber elements and nature-inspired designs into your home building project for a warm, characterful vibe

next month…

June issue on sale 29th April

focus on:

Philip Monk, UK agent at Meisterstueck-Haus, reveals his tips about the benefi ts of choosing the off site manufacture route for your bespoke home

Seize the moment

When their ideal plot came up for sale, James and Caroline Sharp grabbed the opportunity to create the bespoke home of their dreams

BRIGHT fantastic

Howard Smith poured his heart and soul into the redesign of a dated Victorian home

Change of plan

It took a couple of attempts to get this project off the ground but now Mark Paterson has a home that suits him perfectly

Old roots

Carol & Keith Hunt have reinvented Carol’s childhood bungalow with a new storey and modern open-plan layout, making it nearly unrecognisable

Woodland fantasy

When Kieran and Helen Fisher took a chance on 12 acres of Devon woodland, it transformed their lives

21 Amazing Design Features

To make the most of your self build, renovation or

Alternative structural systems

Want to step away from the mainstream? Anamika Talwaria lays out some of the less common construction methods and how they could suit your home building project

GLAZED DOORS: THE OPTIONS

Creating light-filled living spaces, framing views and establishing streamlined connections between inside and out - glazed doors are high up on the wish list for many homeowners. Rebecca Foster guides us through the design options

9 of the best internal door designs

Doors are the element of your home that you interact with the most, so it’s important to get your choice right. We’ve rounded up a selection of stylish options to help you decide on the best fit

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

Will the government ban gas boilers?

As climate target deadlines loom ever closer, the UK is considering drastic steps, including phasing out fossil fuel heating systems. But is this the right approach, and how might it affect self builders and renovators? Nigel Griffiths investigates

DRIVEWAY DESIGN IDEAS

Check out our pick of some of the most stylish and hardwearing options on the market

15 common questions about planning

Planning consultant Mike Dade is always inundated with enquiries at our Build It Live shows - and it’s no wonder, as the planning system can be one of the most confusing and complicated parts of any bespoke home project. Here he runs us through some of the questions that keep popping up

The benefits of thermal mass

With good design and clever use of dense building materials that absorb and store heat, you can achieve a comfortable, effi cient and low-bills home. Julian Owen explains how thermal mass works

CHOOSING MATERIALS for heritage renovations

In the past, buildings were constructed with different materials to those used in modern homes, so it’s essential to think carefully about the products you use when working on old properties, says Alan Tierney

What makes a good brickie?

Self builder and chartered surveyor Tim Doherty lays out what you need to know when finding the right contractor for your project

Inspiring brickwork

This material can add heritage appeal to your build or create an interesting modern focal point. Here’s a selection of some of our favourite brick features

Project management beginner’s guide: CHECKING WORK

Keep a watchful eye on your project to ensure a high-quality build with Mike Hardwick’s handy tips

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

Ask the EXPERTS

Essential advice on your problems with building, budgeting, DIY & planning from the most experienced names in the self build industry

OFFICE CONVERSION

Could this vacant offi ce be transformed into a bespoke home for the Smiths? Mike Dade examines the possibilities