EDITOR’S LETTER

OUR EXPERTS

NATASHA BRINSMEAD Is associate editor and has renovated

Legislation changes to have positive impact on self-building

A round-up of the latest self-build and home renovation news, products and events

THE NATIONAL HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING SHOW

The Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the NEC Birmingham provides self-builders and home improvers with the inspiration and expertise needed to create their dream home

Is your home the best in Brıtaın?

We’re searching for completed projects across the UK as we launch The Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2023

Home for life

After a life-changing event, John and Patsy Greene used their years of experience designing and building oak frame homes to create a new abode that would cater for their long-term needs

Hard graft

Karl and Caroline Payne built their contemporary family home through the start of the pandemic, living in a converted garage with their young children and tackling DIY on site

Luck and judgement

For first-time self-builders Craig Holden and LB Mills, sharing a plot with friends brought financial and practical benefits

A new generatıon

An extensive renovation and extension scheme has transformed this once-dated cottage into a unique family home in the countryside

Brilliant barn conversions

The prospect of transforming a rundown agricultural building into a modern home gives rise to a plethora of unique design possibilities, as these projects demonstrate

11 steps to finding the right architect

Choosing the right architect for your project is key to creating your dream home or extension. Here’s how to find your perfect match

THATCHING A ROOF: THE COSTS EXPLAINED

OLD HOUSE, NEW HOME

Do you need planning permission for windows?

If you’re replacing windows or adding new window openings to your home, it’s important to know whether or not either project requires formal planning before you get started, says planning consultant Simon Rix

EXTERNAL CLADDING: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Whether it’s timber, render, stone or composite — the cladding you choose will have an impact on budget and aesthetics

THE TROUBLE WITH SMALL PROJECTS

If you’re having difficulty finding a builder to carry out that small renovation job, Andy Stevens offers his invaluable advice on where you might be going wrong

THE RENOVATION FILES

DEALING WITH LOFT CONDENSATION

6 OF THE BEST FRONT DOORS

Statement doors with style and substance

11 steps to desıgnıng a famıly home

How do you design a family-friendly home well? Our top tips explain how to create a space that will not only suit your family right now, but will continue to do so in the future

The L-shaped kitchen

Careful planning can create a workable layout that packs a punch with practicality and design panache

HOW TO FINANCE YOUR EXTENSION PROJECT

Thinking of extending? Then find out what your finance options are with advice from financial experts in the know

ASK THE EXPERTS

Got a burning question about your self-build, extension or renovation project that you need answering? Drop us a line by emailing homebuilding@futurenet.com and your question could be answered by one of our magazine experts

Big ideas for the room smallest

Even the most compact of bathrooms can make an impact with these design tips and tricks to maximise space and potential

The future of window design

Here’s why VELFAC’s composite triple glazing could be the right design choice for your home

Beginner’s to guide self-build

IMAGES: GETTY; *HBR SELF & CUSTOM BUILD MARKET

Pre-build essentials

Here are some of the key things you need to consider before ‘going on site’ with your build

Financing yourbuild

Funding your project may require a specialist self-build mortgage…

Findingyour self-build plot

It’s the starting point to any self-build dream. Here’s what to consider when plot hunting

Choosinga build route

Self-build is a broad church — you needn’t lay a single brick if you don’t want to!

Mains drains

Most of us take mains drains for granted but for self-builders it’s important to know the answers to these common questions

GREEN HOMES

IMAGE: DUG WILDERS CABINETRY WITH CRED Sheffield Sustainable

All together now

GROUP CUSTOM BUILD

Q What is an exhaust air heat pump?

Ideal for low-energy homes, exhaust air heat pumps are small and versatile, as energy expert David Hilton finds out

Living with solar PV panels

Energy expert David Hilton reveals his experience installing and using solar PV panels on his own home and explains how he maximises the energy they generate

Sheep wool ınsulatıon

Is it a woolly idea or has it got legs as a good insulator? Energy efficiency expert Tim Pullen investigates

Angular addition

A dramatic extension with an eye-catching folded roof has revolutionised this Victorian flat in South London, transforming the once-gloomy ground floor into a contemporary, light-flooded space