Welcome

During these unprecedented times, many of our readers

inspiration

JILL TATE Eco home on a tricky site

PROJECT OF THE MONTH

Glazed extension Bureau de Change Architects This dated

What’s on?

THE SELF BUILD COURSE 6TH-8TH

need to know

Getting your project ready for MVHR

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

interiors notebook

Incorporate minimalist pieces inspired by Scandi design for a light, bright and natural feel to your internal spaces

Ask the EXPE RTS

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

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

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

focus on:

Mark Ryan, UK manager at Jotul, shares his tips on incorporating cosy woodburning stoves into your home building project

Rustic charm

In a project spanning a decade, the Waldrons turned the derelict barn on their land into a stunning addition to their period cottage

Digging down

This new self build property benefits from a huge 150m 2 of additional living space thanks to a bright and contemporary basement storey

OAK frame ambitions

Jill and Kish Sharma’s oak frame cottage in the South Downs National Park has delivered on all the couple’s expectations for the perfect home to retire to

Harmonising old with new

This detached Georgian house is now the perfect mix of modern and traditional thanks to a major renovation and extension project

Modern build, traditional appeal

Jonathan and Sarah Austen demolished a derelict bungalow to create an efficient home that makes the most of its stunning South Downs setting

Building with ICF

Discover insulated concrete formwork: a modern construction system that can offer speed, simplicity and sustainability, all in one neat package

Expert advice: the key to project success

Chris Bates unveils Build It’s virtual Expert Advice Weekend – your opportunity to gain the detailed, first-hand support you need to make your dream home happen, from the people who know best!

Basement extension FAQs

Thinking about digging down to add more space to your home? Chris Bates takes a look at some of the most common questions about planning and building a basement extension 

Modern staircases

Give your home that extra wow-factor with our inspiring selection of dramatic flights with a contemporary edge

Upgrading your HEATI NG

Create a cosy living environment in your renovation project with Anamika Talwaria’s tips

Adding kerb appeal

Julian Owen explains how to design a house that is packed with wow-factor features from the very first glance

Your planning questions Answered

Mike Dade tackles your pressing  plots and planning queries

Hiring trades: a template letter

A clear agreement between client and contractors means everyone knows where they stand, and what’s expected. Tim Doherty sets out a robust model you can use to appoint your chosen trades

Are heat pumps the best low-carbon option?

Eco expert Nigel Griffiths shares his thoughts on whether this tech is the answer to replacing fossil fuel-powered home heating

Loft extension COST GUIDE

Set a preliminary budget for your room-in-the-roof project with our benchmark pricing model

Land FOR SALE

It’s FREE to subscribe to PlotSearch – the

New ways to SELF BUILD

We take a look at the innovative routes enabling more people to realise their dream of living in a tailor-made home – and explore some impressive schemes

In Focus

WINDOWS & DOORS

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Shortlist the right products & services for your project