Foundations for tricky sites

Welcome

On the 31st October, the long-awaited Right to Build was

House of light

As they approached retirement, John and Ann Sterry decided the time was right to relocate and create a bright, modern bespoke home in a suitably leafy setting

How to sign up for your Right to Build

The government has passed legislation in a bid to make more plots available for people who want to create their own bespoke homes. Chris Bates reports on what you need to know about this new right to self build

Essential guide to low-maintenance cladding

If you’re searching for a hassle-free exterior finish that requires minimal upkeep, check out these options

Getting the most out of an air source heat pump

This renewable tech has become popular amongst self builders, but how can you tell if it’s the best heating solution for your property and what can you do to get the best performance from your system?

How to get planning permission first time

Getting consent for the perfect scheme can be a major stumbling block on the road to a successful project. Mike Dade shares the secrets that will give you the best possible chance of winning approval

Extending a heritage home

Any extension will have a major effect on the appearance of the property, so the design always requires real care and attention – but this is especially important if you’re working on a heritage building, says Alan Tierney

Planning ahead

Jackie and Darren Brooke replaced an uninspiring 1930s house with an unashamedly modern glass and stone dwelling, with the full support of their forward-thinking neighbours

No trouble at the mill

Helena Chugay and Crawford Currie were delighted when their exciting conversion project came in under budget and ahead of schedule, even though they made changes as they went along

Following a pattern

Cheryl Hitchcock and Dudley Thompson turned to Passivhaus principles when creating their highly energy efficient and economical home in Cumbria

Thinking outside the box

When Louise and Mike Forster found the perfect plot of land on a leafy street in Edinburgh, they took an unconventional approach to designing an abode that would meet the needs of their whole family

Cladding inspiration

A stylish exterior finish can give your home’s kerb appeal a substantial boost. From characterful timber to chic metal, let our hand-picked selection of options inspire you

10 myths about masonry homes

Rebecca Foster takes an in-depth look at the pros and cons of brick and block construction to assess whether it’s suitable for your scheme

Bathroom design ideas for renovators

Functional doesn’t have to mean clinical and regimented, as there are so many options for creating a stylish bathroom

Woodburning stoves FAQ

Martyn Bridges gives his expert view on common stove queries

Designing a collective self build

There are many challenges along the route to building your own home, but one way to increase your chances of succeeding is to band together with like-minded people and tackle a collective project

Working with trades: Plasterers & decorators

While the guts of your home are more about function than form, the finishes will absolutely need to match up to your expectations in terms of both workmanship and performance. Tim Doherty gives the inside track on how to get the right result

10 top tips for coping with a major project

Mike Hardwick has built his own home and helped countless others achieve their dreams. Here, he sets out his golden rules to take the stress out of running a scheme

Ask the experts

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

Out of the ordinary

James and Paula Brown have stumbled upon an unusual site in what appears to be a former sandstone quarry. Mike Dade explores whether it could be the ideal plot for their self build

Inspiration

This eye-catching new home is nestled on anaturally sloping site

New House in Hadlow Down

Sustainability was at the heart of the plans for this

NEWS ROUND UP

A timber frame modular system has been announced as the

What’s on?

Industry news

Government continues support for self and custom build

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:

We speak to James Henderson, senior architect at RDA Associates, about the benefits of the Passivhaus approach to designing and building homes