FROM THE EDITOR

M aking significant changes to your home is

MEET OUR EXPERTS

From extension advice to the best ways to plan your kitchen layout, our expert team is here to help…

Steel City self-builds

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

Made to measure

Sue and Greg Smith only wanted to build their own oak frame home if it could match their exact requirements – luckily, help was at hand

Treetop retreat

Nestled in the middle of a secluded woodland site, Marie Greene’s contemporary timber-clad home has become a local landmark

Rising to the challenge

Taking on the restoration of a run-down Grade II-listed property and transforming it into a character-filled, energy-efficient home was an opportunity Amanda and Warren East couldn’t resist

Wooded bliss

Rachel and Liam transformed a dated Victorian terrace into a modern, sustainable home perfectly suited to their lifestyle

Blending indoors and out

A well-designed garden project can prove almost as much work as building or renovating a house but it will extend living space outdoors and improve the outlook, as these projects demonstrate

KEEPING YOUR NEIGHBOURS SWEET

Navigating planning approval for an extension or self-build is likely to mean getting your neighbours onside. Here’s how to build a harmonious relationship with them

14 tips for saving money on your extension

A well-designed extension can add value and floor space to your home without breaking the bank. Discover the best strategies for clawing back costs on your project

How to design your kitchen layout

Galley, U-shape or island? Open shelving or full-height cupboards? Get the answers to your kitchen layout dilemmas with our expert guide

BUILDING A HOUSE ON AGRICULTURAL LAND

It might look like the perfect plot with enviable views of open fields and an idyllic countryside location, but just how easy is it to construct your new home on farmland? Our expert shares his advice

Solar panels for swimming pools

If you’re thinking about using solar panels to heat your swimming pool, here’s some advice on the different types available

PART 9 GUIDE TO RENOVATING

Don’t let a few cracks send you running in the opposite direction to what could still be a dream renovation project – not all faults spell disaster

5 ways to... MAKE YOUR CEILING A FOCAL POINT

If you’re building an extension, here’s how to ensure the space above your head shares the same wow factor

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOFT CONVERSION

If you’re not sure on the best way to add a room in the roof, these are the most popular options for extending your space. Which one is best for your home?

VENTILATION SYSTEMS

Adding one of these systems to your self-build or renovation could solve excess humidity and improve the overall air quality inside your home

USING A BILL OF QUANTITIES

Discover why this practical method of costing your building project is an effective way to keep a tighter control of your budget and prevent overspending

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

Discover where to position your garden lighting for a design that is functional and adds atmosphere when the sun goes down

ASK THE EXPERTS

Got a burning question about your self-build, extension or home renovation project that you need answering? Why not drop us a line by emailing homebuilding@futurenet.com and your question could be answered by one of our magazine experts

ARE SOLAR PANELS WORTH IT?

When looking at renewable energy, it’s perfectly reasonable to question whether solar panels are worth it. Renewable energy expert David Hilton explains what could turn a ‘yes’ into a ‘maybe’

Single-storey extensions

If you’re looking for a stylish, light and characterful partner for your home, here are some ideas to inspire your design plans

CHOOSING ECO-FRIENDLY FLOORING

Whether you’re planning to extend or renovate your home, a key decision is choosing the right floor – here are the options that have the lowest impact on the environment

Self-build for beginners

HOW TO DESIGN A HOUSE THAT’S CHEAP TO RUN

Box clever

PHOTOGRAPHY: JIM STEPHENSON A s square houses go,