Plan, design & build your dream home with a visit to the next Build It Live

Welcome

With summer beckoning, I’ll warrant many of you are

Light filled extension

The previous rear facade of this family home was of

PROJECT OF THE MONTH

This annexe sits in the grounds of a home architect

need to know

The introduction of this government-backed scheme in Wales should mark the start of an exciting new time for self builders

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

interiors notebook

Forget minimalistic whites and greys – bold, brave colours are back in full force. Mix rich tones in contrasting hues to achieve an interiors scheme that makes a real style statement

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Fantastic inspiration & expert advice for each

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

AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY

Could this plot provide the Brennans with their dream contemporary home? Mike Dade takes a closer look

next month…

August issue on sale 26th June

focus on:

Karen Curtin, managing director for the Graven Hill self build development, fills us in on the latest goings-on on site in Bicester

New and IMPROVED

Two sizeable extensions and a reworked floorplan have transformed the Gardners’ dated 1970s house into a light-filled family home

Above par

As retirement beckoned, Margaret Laird and Roger Gibbins embarked on a project to self build a sustainable home on the fringes of a golf course

Sea breeze

Ocean views, a zero-maintenance garden and comfortable openplan design… the living is easy with John and Jennifer Rosser’s smart new timber frame home

Make the connection

Richard Ball has converted a Victorian farm workshop, adding a single-storey extension that provides a light-filled contrast to the characterful original building

Concrete example

Seasoned self builders Gisela and Andrew Blee challenged themselves with their latest project, built into a hillside in the Cotswolds

Part 7 Installing the SIPs roof

Some complex design details and minute tolerances throw up a few challenges on site – but the Build It Education House roof is now on! Chris Bates updates us on progress

Buyer’s guide to sliding doors

If you’re keen to create a seamless link between your home’s indoor and outdoor spaces, then installing a run of sliding doors could be your best bet, says Charley Ward

part 1 Assessing a property’s potential

In the first part of this series on how to ensure your renovation is a success, Emily Smith looks at how to tell if a house is worth taking on as a project

Extension cost guide Part 2: Double storey

In the second instalment of our extension cost series, the Build It Estimating Service’s Adrian Wild sets out indicative prices for popular two-storey additions

Outdoor living ideas

Make the most of your home’s external areas with Charley Ward’s round up of fabulous features to add to your garden space

Insulating concrete formwork

Could this construction method be the right choice for your dream self build home?

Part 4 Developed design & getting through planning

Translating your ideas into house plans is an exciting stage. Julian Owen discusses how to get your scheme ready for planning

Foundation solutions for home extensions

Get your extension project off on the right footing with Tim Doherty’s in-depth guide

Dealing with woodworm in period homes

Should this be something to worry about and what can you do if you suspect an infestation? Alan Tierney gives the lowdown

Can the right contract save money?

It makes sense for all parties to ensure that your construction project is protected by a legally binding agreement between you and your builder, says Mike Hardwick

Does it need planning permission?

Planning expert Mike Dade explains how to navigate the complexities of permitted development (PD) rights, and lays out six projects that are achievable under this umbrella