Welcome

O f all the rooms in the home,

FROM THE EDITOR

W hat project has made its way onto

INSIGHT

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

Out of the woods

Chris and Ann Preston turned a potentially disastrous survey in their favour by building an oak frame self-build home with a difference

Born-again barn

A Grade II-listed farm building in the Cotswolds has been transformed into a compact, characterful home that blends history with contemporary craft

Innovative infill self-builds

These exciting projects show how a small and potentially overlooked parcel of land can provide an unmissable opportunity to create a home that oozes wow factor

Moveable feast

Sliding screens were just one of the ingenious techniques used by Graeme Bulcraig to turn his tired 1960s end-of-terrace into a flexible family home

Small wonder

At less than three metres wide, this former shipbuilder’s cottage has been reborn as a beautiful, efficient retreat brimming with character and clever design features

PLANNING PERMISSION FOR RENEWABLES

Whether installing renewable energy systems into new builds or retrofitting them, it’s important to know what’s easily allowed and what could be problematic

14 ways to reduce your stress levels during a project

Whether you’re self-building, renovating or extending, every project comes with an element of stress, but our handy tips will help you keep your sanity intact

PART 14 GUIDE TO RENOVATING

Choosing underfloor heating is almost a given for a new build. But is it right for a renovation project? We look at the pros and cons as well as the costs of this popular heating option

Self-build for beginners

CHANGING THE USE OF LAND

Planning your kitchen extension

Know you want to add more space? Here’s what to consider to get your project off the ground

SPACE PLANNING

Want to make sure the interior of your extension works as efficiently as possible? Consider these factors when designing your scheme and layout

CUTTING THE COST OF YOUR EXTENSION

Feel as if your dream extension plans are out of reach? Follow our guide to saving and you could achieve what you want for less

My kitchen extension wish list

Editor Beth Murton reveals the must-have features she’d include in her kitchen extension

A guide to EnerPHit homes

If you want to cut energy bills, improve the efficiency of your home and futureproof it for decades to come, this renovation model could be the path to take…

GUIDE TO LOFT CONVERSION STAIRS

Get up to speed with the rules, regulations and how to deal with tricky issues such as headroom and size when planning access to your new space

FOCUS ON DESIGNING A BOOT ROOM

It may be small but a well-thought-through space can smooth the often messy transition between inside and out, plus provide invaluable storage in your home

RENOVATION AND SELF-BUILD GRANTS

Looking for ways to make your budget go a lot further? Knowing what grants are available to you and how to apply for them is a great place to start

ASK THE EXPERTS

Need some advice on your self-build, extension or

Warming woodburning stoves

If you’re feeling the chill, adding a logburner will heat your home and boost your design credentials. Here’s how to include one in your scheme

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST UNDERFLOOR HEATING MISTAKES?

UFH is becoming increasingly popular but install it wrongly and your bills could be higher than you’re expecting them to be

Serenity, Scandi style

IMAGES: JULIET MURPHY T he mother and daughter

Letting in the light

IMAGES: CHRIS SNOOK ‘We were able to make

Open plan in oak

IMAGES: CARPENTER OAK ‘A bespoke oak framed kitchen

15 great glazing ideas

Glass in all its forms can transform your home – take inspiration from these wow-factor features

Two into one

IMAGES: FUTURECONTENTHUB/MAXWELL ATTENBOROUGH W hen Hannah and Matthew

Creating a space with style

IMAGES: FUTURECONTENTHUB/BEE HOLMES W hen Alice and Ryan