No surprises

Welcome

As this month’s mag hits the shelves, we’ll be just

Unconventional solution

This bespoke four-bedroom family home located in Northumberland

PROJECT OF THE MONTH

This stunning waterside new build is the work of Platform

Homeowners prefer small builders

Householders are twice as likely to be pleased with

Brits hit by unexpected fees on moving day

The cost of changing houses is 60% higher than homeowners’

Planning application fees set to rise in England

As of 17th January, the cost of submitting a planning

Need to know There’s plenty of space for self-builders

How often have you been told Britain is full and that

Product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

Interiors notebook

It’s never too early to start looking for the finishing touches for your self-build

Your views:

Got a funny story, a gripe or some superb self-build advice? Write to us at buildit@castlemedia.co.uk or the address below for your chance to win a prize

10 ways a visit to Build It Live can help make your dream home happen

The year’s most inspiring self-build and renovation shows kick off in February with two information-packed exhibitions, in the South East and North West. Build It editor Chris Bates highlights 10 reasons you can’t afford to miss out

Self-build mortgages

Looking for funding for your self-build project? Each month we round up the best deals from leading lenders – and update you on what you need to know about securing the right finance

Two plots with one planning permission

George Hampson has found an ideal site that comes with permission to build his dream home – but an adjacent property is tied into the consent. Mike Dade takes a closer look at this complicated planning situation

Land FOR SALE

It’s FREE to subscribe to PlotSearch – the UK’s premier

Next month…

Rob and Beatrice have created a vernacularinspired

Focus on:

We talk to Older Women’s CoHousing (OWCH) member Maria Brenton about the group’s journey to custom-build a dream home for their community. The result, New Ground in Barnet, won Best Group Self-Build Project at the Build It Awards 2017

Hands on approach

Dan and Miriam Nethercott have modernised their 19th-century home with a new extension and by reconfiguring the traditional layout

Eco excellence

A sustainable design and build resulted in a high-performing, award-winning Passivhaus home for Paul and Belinda Wilson

Living the good life

Seeking a change of lifestyle, Jon and Angela Thompson traded in their house in the London suburbs for a dramatic renovation and extension project in rural Kent

Road to success

John and Donna Scarff enjoyed virtually every moment of their new-build bungalow project, tailoring the design to suit their requirements exactly – from a basement gym to a whole-house music system

WHAT CAN YOU BUILD FOR YOUR budget?

Emily Smith takes a closer look at recent self-build projects to see what you could get for your money

Design details: garden lighting

Good illumination of your home’s exterior spaces can add appeal to your scheme. Sofia Delgado explores why thorough planning is key to achieving a stunning look

DESIGNING AN OAK FRAME HOME

Emyr Davis, design director at Welsh Oak Frame, takes a closer look at how to get the details right

10 reasons ICF makes sense for self-builders

Chris Bates reveals how insulating concrete formwork can offer a straightforward route to self-building an energy-efficient, design-led bespoke home

ARE YOUR DOORS & WINDOWS SECURE?

Matt Higgs reveals what you need to know to specify fenestration that complies with the latest regulations and meets your expectations

Beginner’s guide to garage conversions

Transforming a redundant garage into living accommodation could be the cheapest and easiest route to adding valuable extra space to your home. Chris Bates looks at how to make a success of your project

Can gas central heating be eco-friendly?

With money-back incentives for renewable energy, Nigel

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INTEGRATED WINDOW BLINDS

Thomas Hagen, technical manager at glazing specialist Internorm, discusses the benefits of having blinds encapsulated within windows

Essential guide to bathroom design

Whatever style you’re looking to achieve, Rebecca Foster summarises the key considerations when planning this zone of the house

Do I need an architect?

Who’s the right person to design your new home? Mike Hardwick helps you choose the best route for your project

Getting power on site

Most of us rely heavily on electricity for day-to-day living, so ensuring your new home has a mains connection is vital. Tim Doherty explains the process

House design in a conservation area

Getting permission to build in a protected area can often seem more difficult and costly compared to a location without special controls. Architect Julian Owen discusses how to boost your chances of planning success

The benefits of offsite manufacture

Find out how using structural timber systems can give you the assurance of more control over quality, productivity and predictability on your self-build project

PLANNING ESSENTIALS LAWFUL DEVELOPMENT C ERTIFICATES

If you want certainty on whether your proposed scheme – or a past project – is sanctioned under the planning rules, then an LDC could be the best option. Mike Dade reveals what’s involved

Designing a sunroom extension

This kind of glazed addition will bring more space, warmth and daylight into your home. Architect Opinder Liddar discusses how to get the best results for your family

Ask the EXPERTS

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

INSULATING a period home

Heritage properties don’t always offer the warmest living environment – but with the right approach, they can be made cosy and efficient without detracting from their character, says Alan Tierney