EDITOR’S LETTER

Editor Beth Murton has been a homes journalist and editor for over 20 years and has renovated two homes. She is currently planning her next project

CONTRIBUTORS

SARAH HARLEY Our assistant editor has project

INSIGHT

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

Is your home the best in Brıtaın?

In partnership with The Times and The Sunday Times, we’re launching the Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2024 to find the best completed projects in the UK

THE CATEGORIES

Best Self-Build Have you built your dream home

Taking control

Mike and Jane Cuva embraced the challenge of both designing and project managing their large-scale renovation, building around a small property to create a sleek light-filled home

Natural evolution

Clive and Sue’s new barn-style home grew out of their love for characterful farm buildings and rustic materials

Team effort

After a two-year wait to gain planning, Teresa Townsend and Keith Hayes worked together with local trades to create a stunning barn-style home that’s as impressive inside as it is on the outside

Urban OASIS

Jonny Rowe and Sian Rees captured the light and made use of every inch of space in their cleverly designed loft conversion

Single-storey self-builds

Whether you’re restricted by planning rules or simply want a futureproofed house on one level, creating a single-storey home offers a raft of unique design opportunities, as these properties demonstrate

12 ways to landscape on a budget

If you want a high-end look for your garden design our top tips will help you make the right choice

A BUILDER’S VIEW

WAYS OF TAKING ON DIY TO CUT YOUR COSTS

HOW TO BUILD A HOUSE

PART ELEVEN: FIRST FIXING – CARPENTRY, INSULATION & AIRTIGHTNESS

Self-build for beginners

FINDING TRADES AND GOING OUT TO TENDER

How much does a driveway cost?

Your property’s welcome route is often something of an afterthought, but its importance is enormous in terms of kerb appeal and perceived property value. Here’s how to make the most of what’s best for you

WHAT’S THE FASTEST WAY TO BUILD AN EXTENSION?

If you’re considering an extension, it’s likely you’ll be considering three main criteria —size, cost and speed. But if speed is your priority, what’s the fastest way to get it built?

How to deal with town and parish councils

They can play an important role in whether your planning application gets the green light, so it pays to get them on your side

THE ULTIMATE BUYER’S GUIDE TO Front doors

From style choices to thermal efficiency and security, discover all you need to know about choosing the best design for your home

Outdoor kitchens

Whether you want to extend your home into the garden or create a designated entertaining space, there are options for every budget

OUTDOOR TILES

Create a stylish seating area or practical patio with the latest durable and non-slip designs

Choosing windows to suit your home

Selecting the right window styles for your home can be overwhelming. We show you what you need to consider, from costs and materials to installation and glazing types

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

Is using solar panels and heat pumps together a good idea?

Solar panels and heat pumps can save homeowners money as well as saving energy —our expert explains exactly what you need to know if you are considering using them together

Beautiful bathroom tiling ideas

A brilliant way to inject your own personal style into your room, bathroom tiles have the ability to make any space a pleasure to spend relaxing time in

SOL AR THERMAL VS SOL AR PV PANELS

Can’t decide between solar thermal and solar PV panels for your home’s renewable energy? Find out what the key differences are and weigh up the benefits of each one