Plot watch: Urban opportunity

Welcome

One of the best parts of visiting readers’ houses for

Out with the old

Amanda and Steven Ivil’s can-do attitude helped them transform what was a rundown 1960s bungalow into a contemporary family home

The high life

Discover how Martin Sherring and Penny Edwards have self built an ultra-efficient, lowbills Passivhaus for retirement that supports their eco principles as much as their love of traditional craftsmanship and the great outdoors

Against the odds

Having struggled to find a suitable plot in their ideal location, Sue and Fred Dow realised that the best solution was to purchase a house, knock it down and rebuild their dream home in its place

Climbing the rockface

Keith and Mairi O’Connor’s new build home, inspired by Japanese pavilions and the surrounding Scottish landscape, is all about creating a place where they can enjoy the beautiful Lochaber sea views

Lucky find

Cassie and Calvin Hill have successfully transformed their traditional Victorian cottage into a stylish family home

Beginner's guide to choosing a build system

Your ideal choice of construction method will depend on a huge amount of variables. From costs and build speeds to how each system might match up to the performance goals you’ve set, Emily Smith investigates the pros and cons of the main options

Design details: Glazed gables

Emily Smith reveals how this clever design trick could help you draw maximum daylight into your home and boost its kerb appeal

Specifying sustainable materials

Want to reduce your project’s environmental impact? Nigel Griffiths explains what you need to know when selecting eco-friendly products

Contemporary front doors

Looking for a statement entrance door that will set your home apart? Chris Bates finds out how you can get it right

Renewables for renovators

Rebecca Foster delves into some of the essential considerations when it comes to installing renewable technology as part of your home improvement scheme

Complete guide to loft conversions

Converting your home’s attic can be one of the most

Lighting design for self builders

A good artificial illumination setup will help you make the most of your home’s unique features – both functionally and in terms of its aesthetic appeal, says architect Julian Owen

Lighting inspiration

Make use of the plethora of light fitting options available to illuminate different spaces in your home

Building on a tricky plot

Mike Hardwick looks at the top 10 issues that might aff ect the site you’ve got your eye on – and explains how to know whether to press ahead or walk away

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Dealing with damp

Period property expert Alan Tierney reveals how to properly identify and treat damp and condensation issues in a heritage home

What you need to know about planning obligations

What are they and how do they work? Mike Dade looks into when planning obligations can be helpful and when they can become a project burden

Beginner’s guide to structural warranties

Tim Doherty investigates what this kind of policy will cover and why it’s so important to have one for your self build project

Inspiration

Contemporary creation

Project of the month

Ridge Cottage

News round up

A development in East Kingskerwell, Devon, will provide

What’s on?

Need to know

Even the experts can get it wrong

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

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…

June issue on sale 26th April

Focus on:

We catch up with Jon Sawyer, head of custom build housing at Igloo and chair of the National Custom & Self Build Association’s (NaCSBA) new Right to Build task force