HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING AWARDS 2025

Winner of the Home of the Year

FROM THE EDITOR

W elcome to a very special issue of

INSIGHT

A round-up of the latest self-build and home renovation news, products and events. By Jennifer Grimble and Joseph Mullane

Shingle minded Shingle minded

Despite the challenges, Celia and Keith McCarthy turned a 1970s bungalow into a characterful cedar-clad haven

New direction

On the verge of starting this self-build, a late change of design proved to be the making of this Devonian house on a bend

WINNER BEST CONVERSION

IMAGE: LAWRENCE GRIGG LOCATION Cotswolds ARCHITECT Design Storey

WINNER BEST GREEN HOME

LOCATION South London ARCHITECT Proctor & Shaw

Style on the sıde

The success of Jorge and Carin’s Kent extension owed itself to clever design solutions and a combination of talents

WINNER BEST VALUE

ARCHITECT William Tozer Associates PROJECT Extension and refurbishment BUILD COST £1,200sq m

WINNER SPIRIT OF SELF-BUILD

Sponsored by IMAGE: MATTHEW HERITAGE/BOUTIQUE RETREATS LOCATION Plymouth

Living in colour

Robyn and Mike Collins turned a boring 1950s home into the boldest, most exciting house on their street – all for less than £220,000

SHORTLISTED

IMAGE: SIMON BURT TREVOLT ARCHITECTS JACOB DOWN LOCATION

10 PROJECTS YOU CAN DO WITHOUT A PLANNING APPLICATION

Extending, renovating or improving your home doesn’t always require planning permission. Our planning expert reveals what you can typically do to your property without it…

LISTED BUILDING GRADES

If you’re considering buying a listed building, the grade it’s been assigned can play a major part in defining what you can and can’t do when it comes to making changes. Here’s what you need to know

How to secure yourhome

From professionally wired systems to easy-to-install wireless options, we explore the best ways to keep your home safe and secure

GUIDE TO RENOVATING

One of the biggest, and costliest, jobs for renovators comes with updating an outmoded heating and plumbing system — surveyor Ian Rock’s guide explains all you need to know

Self-build for beginners

BUILDING IN A FLOOD-RISK AREA

HOW MUCH DOES A NEW BATHROOM COST?

Whether you’re renovating an existing room or starting from scratch, our expert explains what you should budget for when designing this essential space

ASK THE EXPERTS

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

IS MY HOME SUITABLE FOR A HEAT PUMP?

Thinking of upgrading to a more sustainable heating system? Here’s how to check whether your home is fit for the task

Fabulous flat roof extensions

From eco-friendly options to unusual finishes, as well as simple solutions that still speak volumes, we’ve got 12 flat roof extension ideas to help inspire your new addition

Natural wonder

IMAGES : JIM STEPHENSON H igh on North