Welcome

Summer tends to be prime time for a project – and if

Mid-century modern

Catherine and William Allen remodelled the layout of their 1960s house, adding a new brick and timber extension that’s helped to transform the property into a 21st century family home

Perfect setting

When Mark and Alisha Lyndon decided to self-build, a breathtaking Cornish coastal site with planning permission in place for an innovative design offered the ideal opportunity

A barn reborn

Carole-Anne Cockayne and Martin Renton have transformed an old cart shed into a beautiful new home that’s tailored to their needs

In the treetops

Allan and Susan Lewis have created a striking upside-down house in Glasgow that’s situated within the garden of their former home

Gatekeeper’s glory

A derelict former gatehouse has been sensitively transformed into an energy-efficient home with contemporary-style interiors

Understanding contextual design

Emily Smith takes a closer look at the key principles of this architectural design approach and how it can help you to create a bespoke home that responds effectively to its surroundings

Boilers & controls

Rebecca Foster reveals what you need to know when it comes to choosing a central heating setup for your home

Converting a cellar

Refurbishing an existing below-ground area is a great way to enlarge a home that’s squeezed for space. Emily Brooks explains how these underground storeys can be made habitable and attractive

Bifolds & sliders for renovators

Rebecca Foster explains the key considerations when it comes to specifying the right glazed doors for your home refurbishment project

Guide to building an eco home

Chris Bates takes a look at how the main building systems fare in some of the core aspects of creating a low-energy, low-bills home

Design details: mezzanines

Whether used as a cosy retreat or practical area, this intermediate storey can be an eye-catching addition to an open-plan space, says Emily Smith

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Woodburning stoves the basics

A woodburner can be a practical and eco-friendly option for the home, as well as a covetable centrepiece. Emily Brooks explains how to choose the right model

Hot options for stoves

A selection of woodburners to suit every situation, from classically styled models through to built-in versions that can be integrated into the fabric of your home

An architect’s guide to industrial conversions

Thanks to new planning laws in England, it’s now easier to turn some industrial buildings into homes. Julian Owen explains the new rules and considers what’s needed for a successful project

How to get the planners on side

When it comes to dealing with the planners, adopting a smart strategy from the outset might just help you get the green light for your project first time, says Mike Dade

Insulating a timber frame home

Panel systems offer structural support and energy performance in one, but there are many products – and price points – to choose from. Tim Doherty explores the key benefits and the differences between them

Avoiding renovation pitfalls

Period properties are built in a very different way to their modern equivalents, so they need to be treated accordingly. Alan Tierney reveals what can go wrong if the fabric of an old house isn’t properly understoood

Dealing with defective works

Not every self-build will be problem-free when it comes to the standard of workmanship.This month, Mike Hardwick runs through what to do when things fall short of requirements

Room to manoeuvre

Jerry Makin has spotted a house that’s ripe with potential for a home improvement project. Mike Dade analyses what could be achieved by attaining planning consent, or by going down the permitted development route

Constantine Bay House

This attractive coastal property was delivered by The

Virgin Money joins custom build sector

Virgin Money has teamed up with self-build and custom

22%

Of small building firms have been forced to pass growing

NSBRC scoops regional award

Swindon’s National Self Build and Renovation Centre

New government guidance clarifies self-build definition

The Department for Communities and Local Government

What’s on?

Need to know

Growth in self and custom build sector

Spend v save

This contemporary heat emitter offers the perfect solution

Product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

3 of the best rainwater systems

1 Cascade cast iron-style plastic guttering, from £17.86

Interiors notebook

It’s never too early to start looking for the finishing touches for your self-build

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Ask the EXPERTS

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

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

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Next month…

Find out how Will and Donna Ryan overcame challenges

Focus on:

We catch up with Kareem Dayes, chair of the Rural Urban Synthesis Society (RUSS), about the group’s community-led self-build scheme in South London