The perfect Christmas gift!

Welcome

In the December 2018 issue we announced that we, the

inspiration

Atelier Architecture and Design was the creative brain

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

interiors notebook

As a new decade comes into swing, we’re looking back at the roaring 20s. Here’s how to add Art Deco style to your home, with a modern twist for the 21st century

Self build & custom build mortgages

Looking to fund your bespoke home project? Each month we round up the best deals from leading lenders and update you on what you need to know to secure the right finance

Ask the EXPERTS

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

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO finding land

The first step in your self build journey is tracking down a viable building site. Keep yourself ahead of the competition with Build It’s top plot hunting tips

Land FOR SALE

It’s FREE to subscribe to PlotSearch – the UK’s premier

FAMILY HEIRLOOM

PLOT WATCH: Mike Dade investigates

next month…

READERS’ PROJECTS

focus on:

Steve Goodhew from the CobBauge initiative tells us about the team’s innovative research into a modern version of this traditional straw-based building material

Family affair

Laurence and Debbie Osborne worked with their architect son and their contractor son-in-law to add a stunning extension onto their 18th century barn

Scaling new heights

Bill and Carol Haygarth demolished their 1980s house to create an award-winning contemporary home that makes the most of its elevated position

Traditional style

After years of searching for a self build opportunity, Nick and Sue Price realised their dream home on an idyllic plot in Hampshire

Tailor-made home

As well as transforming their 1960s abode, Debbie and David Sesay’s renovation project has created a home where the whole family can enjoy time together

GREEN HOME GREEN fingers

The simple elegance to Nicola and Chris Pelmear’s home belies its complex eco credentials, where even the snowdrops were salvaged

Restoring period features

Complete guide to renovating a house

Structural systems: the options

Choosing your construction method is one of the most important decisions when self building, so getting it right is crucial. Emily Smith takes a look at the main structural systems available, their benefits and some real-life examples

The future of woodburning stoves

Following the government’s Clean Air Strategy legislation, Lucy Aplin explains everything you need to know about buying and installing a woodburning stove

Ventilation for new builds

Eco expert Nigel Griffiths discusses how to get the air flow right in your house–an essential element for creating a healthy home

Guide to flat roof coverings

Anamika Talwaria outlines the options available for your flat roof’s finish, and the key considerations to make

Build cost basics: roof tiles

Adrian Wild from the Build It Estimating Service takes a closer look at what you can expect to pay for your home’s roof tiles

Accessible to all

Inclusive design isn’t costly. By embracing it from the outset, your home will benefit you and your guests for the rest of your lives, says architect Opinder Liddar

Dealing with neighbours

Mike Dade investigates the level of influence other local residents can have on your project, and how to successfully navigate issues and objections they bring up

Project management guide: Scheduling

Understanding what’s likely to happen when on site is key to a successful project. Mike Hardwick looks at the basic sequence of events for a typical self build venture

DRAUGHT PROOFING a period home

Historic buildings expert Alan Tierney explains how to make a period home comfortable and free of cold spots, without compromising its ability to breathe

How a site influences house design

From trees and other geographical features through to local materials, what’s on and around your plot can feed in to the way a dwelling’s design takes shape. This can often make for an interesting result, says architect Julian Owen

Structural details: Acoustic performance

Not only is sound proofing a requirement of Building Regs, it’s a necessity for a quiet and peaceful interior environment, says expert Tim Doherty