A vision in white

Welcome

By the time this issue lands, we’ll have announced this

Firmly grounded

Steve and Janet McCurdy’s Border Oak house is not their first oak frame self build – but this home exactly suits their needs and lifestyle for today, as well as looking to the future

Generation game

Family ties and a determined approach brought the Gibbons closer together in their bid to create a cosy, characterful new home

A perfect fit

Built into a sloping site, Chris and Anthea Desyllas’ three storey home has been designed to slot unobtrusively into the topography of the land and make the most of the pleasant forest views

Delightful living

David and Laura Thomson’s new family home on the banks of the River Dee has been a long time coming, but the results have been well worth the wait

Getting loft conversions right

Need more space, but can’t face the upheaval and cost of moving? Improving what you’ve got by transforming the attic could be the way forward, says Chris Bates

How to insulate walls

Getting insulation right is a key part of any building project. Mike Hardwick explores the main options for treating new walls

Creating a quiet home

By incorporating some simple soundproofing solutions into your project at the design stages, you can make noise issues a thing of the past

Extending your home: Kitchen diners

Organisation and careful planning are key to creating a successful open-plan zone, says Anna-Marie DeSouza

Design tips for wetrooms

Offering convenience and a touch of luxury, a wetroom will transform your shower into a focal feature. Emily Smith unveils how to create an attractive and functional space

Essential guide to Rainwater harvesting

Collecting and reusing the rainfall that lands on your roof can be a straightforward way to lower your water consumption, save money and make your project more sustainable. Chris Bates looks at how it could work for you

Drainage: what can go wrong?

Make sure you get this part of your project right with Andy Butchers’ expert tips

Inclusive architecture

Creating an inclusive design means tailoring your home towards the needs of anyone, whatever their age or abilities, says architect Julian Owen

How to estimate your build costs

Getting a firm grip on what goes into your project will help focus your design choices and ensure builder’s quotes are accurate; potentially saving you a small fortune, says Chris Bates

Running a safe site

Last year, changes to CDM regulations defined the responsibilities that self builders face for the health and safety of their project. Mike Hardwick explains what this means for you and your build

How to get planning consent in the countryside

Idyllic, secluded plots with genuine potential may be rare gems – but they can be found; and there are plenty of other opportunities to self build in a rural setting, says Mike Dade

Working with trades: Plumbers

This month, Tim Doherty looks at how to ensure you hire the right people to get your water supply and heating systems right

Ask the experts

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

New lease of life

Jenny Pender has spotted a rundown stable block that appears to tick all of the right boxes for her rural conversion project – but can she obtain planning permission? Mike Dade investigates

Inspiration

Maintaining the original character of this property was a top

Project of the month

The two wings of this characterful coach house in Laurencekirk,

News round up

Following a six-week priority period for local residents, the first

What’s on?

Industry news

How to avoid tripping up when you apply for your

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

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

Land for sale

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

Focus on:

This month we speak to Bruce Bell, founding partner and director of Facit Homes, to get his view on Graven Hill the UK’s biggest custom build homes project