Ask the EXPERTS

Welcome

Last month we announced the amazing homes in the running

inspiration

The winner of a RIBA South West award 2019, this contemporary

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

interiors notebook

Nordic minimalism is a trend that is taking the world by storm. Here’s how to incorporate this stylish look into your home renovation or self build

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

LIVING OFF THE LAND

Chris and Melanie Briars are keen to make the most of the space they already own. Mike Dade investigates the options

Considered approach

Small steps and a measured design process helped first time self builders, Ian and Sue Richardson, create their striking oak frame home

CONTEMPORARY overhaul

Inspired by the sleek lines of Californian architecture, Mark Reeves transformed his north London home into a stylish, modern place to live

An eco escape

Simon Fenn and Mitra Cvijanovic have built an energy-efficient home for family getaways on the banks of the Norfolk coast

Hillside haven

Light, space and tranquillity were high on Miranda Tufnell’s wishlist when she converted a beautiful barn in Northumberland

Country chic

Liz and Nick Down overcame the odds to build this stunning rural home on a modest budget

REFRESHING YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR

From a new front door through to a replacement roof, bring pride back to your property with an external makeover, says Richard Webber

Pre-manufactured homes

Off-site construction comes with a raft of advantages. Rebecca Foster lays out the facts for you to decide whether this route is right for you

GETTING smart lighting RIGHT

Anamika Talwaria investigates whether this technology could work for your home

10 mistakes on eco renovations

Eco expert Nigel Griffiths gives his top tips to help you avoid some of these common pitfalls

Great value for money kitchen ideas

Kirsty Doolan looks into the options for creating your dream culinary zone without overspending

Build cost basics: Is a one-and-a-half storey property better value than a two-storey?

The Build It Estimating Service’s Adrian Wild explores the cost difference between these two building design options

Avoiding project pitfalls

Architect Julian Owen looks back on some building mistakes he’s witnessed and advises how to prevent them during your project

Project management guide: Building routes

In the second part of this series, Mike Hardwick looks at the different ways of self building and what might be right for you

Planning details: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Mike Dade investigates how to plan your build around its effect on the surrounding area

Planning an MVHR system

Mechanical ventilation and heat recovery is often a necessary component of a highly efficient, airtight home. Tim Doherty explains how these systems are designed, from space needs to ducting options

Design and management tips for tight budgets

Architect Opinder Liddar shares his guidance on how to maximise your cash