Welcome

Regular readers will know we cover all

MEET THE TEAM

ANAMIKA TALWARIA is Build It’s features editor. Every

Self build news

Stay up to date with the latest headlines, products & projects in each issue of Build It

Self Build Education House

Build It’s Education House is a project like no other – designed to give you a blueprint for the choices you’ll make on your own bespoke home. Discover some of the key choices we made on our self build journey

AWARD-WINNING HOMES

Be inspired by the amazing self build projects that picked up trophies at the latest Build It Awards. Each property demonstrates exceptional design and bespoke tailoring to meet the unique needs of each homeowner, ranging from modern impessive builds to modest dwellings that perfectly suit their plot

IS SELF BUILD RIGHT FOR ME?

Creating a one-off home is the best way to get the living space you want in a location that suits you – here’s why you shouldn’t be afraid to take the plunge

SELF BUILD COST CALCULATOR

Want to know how much it costs to build your own home? Our ready reckoner, powered by the Build It Estimating Service, will help you gauge what size, style and quality of house you can achieve on your project budget

GUIDE TO FINANCING YOUR PROJECT

Find the best mortgage for your self build with our in-depth guide – and learn how the government’s new Help to Build scheme is set to make it easier than ever to commission a bespoke home

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

How to Find a Good Building Plot Faster

Get your plot hunt moving with this taster of the expert advice available via Build It’s Virtual Self Build Training courses

PLOT SHOWCASE

It’s FREE to subscribe to PlotSearch – the UK’s premier land finding resource with over 5,000 genuine building opportunities, all with planning permission guaranteed. The plots collated here are an illustrative showcase. To find out more and search the database today call 0345 223 4499 or visit www.plotsearch.co.uk

PLOT ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST

Now that you’ve found the perfect plot of land, you need to determine whether it’s really a viable building opportunity. Here’s a quick guide to what to look out for

DESIGNING YOUR DREAM HOME

Architect Opinder Liddar outlines what you should ask your self build designer to get the most out of your new property

PLANNING PERMISSION GET APPROVAL FIRST TIME

Obtaining consent to create your own house can present one of the most challenging parts of the self build journey. Here, Mike Dade shares the inside track on how to craft an application that yields positive results

CUSTOM BUILD ROUTES

Discover the best planning-guaranteed approaches to a new bespoke home

BUILDING AT GRAVEN HILL

Create your bespoke home alongside a community of self builders at the UK’s leading custom build scheme

Custom build plot highlights

Discover a range of exciting new custom build opportunities to help deliver your dream home

Building Regs & technical design

Discover how to ensure your dream home project meets the Building Regulations, why it’s important to develop the details at the design stage – and the new standards for 2022

BUILDING ROUTES & COSTS

Find out more about the main options for project management, so you’re armed with all the facts – including costs – to make the best decision for your scheme

Getting out of the ground

The moment the first shovel hits the earth marks a big step in your self build project – but if you’re not prepared, it’s also a time when costs can suddenly mount up

How to find tradespeople you can trust

The FMB’s Jan Etchells shares her expert advice on sourcing the best contractors for your home building project

Choosing a structural system

Budget, complexity of design, insulation performance, construction speed, project route: which of these critical considerations could signpost the best build method for you?

BUILDING WITH MASONRY

Brick and block remains a great self build option – here are some of its key advantages

5 reasons to use timber frame

Sarah Mathieson from Fleming Homes lets us in on why this popular construction method continues to be a great choice for self builders

KEY REASONS TO BUILD WITH ICF

Insulated concrete formwork is often referred to as being like Lego, but the efficient build isn’t the only benefit to this method

5 benefits of oak frame

Gareth Edmunds from Welsh Oak Frame shares five reasons why oak frame is a great and versatile option for self builders

5 BENEFITS BENEFITS OF SIPS

Structural insulated panels are a popular self build construction method, and here’s why

How sustainable is offsite construction?

A sustainable, lowenergy home that saves on running costs and carbon emissions is a major goal for many self builders. The Structural Timber Association reveals how prefabrication can boost your green credentials

UNDERSTANDING ROOF STRUCTURES

Get to grips with the options for constructing your roof

FLOOR STRUCTURE OPTIONS

You don’t have to live with creaky old floors – check out these highperformance options

CLADDING & RENDER

What you need to know about the various solutions available for your home’s exterior

ROOF COVERINGS THE OPTIONS

As one of the most prominent features of your new home, the material you use to top it needs careful consideration. Your design, budget and planning restrictions will have an impact. Here’s a rundown of the main materials

FRONT DOORS

Discover how to turn your home’s entrance into a focal feature with our quick guide

8 TIPS FOR YOUR WINDOWS & GLAZING

A key element of any self build, here’s how to choose the right style and spec for your abode

GLAZED DOORS THE BASICS

There’s more than just aesthetics to think about when choosing the best solution for your project. Here are the main options

HOME HEATING WHERE TO START

Discover the key considerations when specif ying your system, before taking a deep dive into the main options in our heating focus

Do gas boilers still make sense?

With government policy placing more emphasis on renewable heating, Nigel Griffiths looks at whether a move away from fossil fuels is the smartest option

Air source heat pumps explained

Eco expert Nigel Griffiths takes a closer look at this popular self build heating option

BIOMASS BOILERS

Discover whether a wood-fired heating system could be the best fit for your home

UFH, RADIATORS & STOVES

Discover some of the best ways to distribute warmth around your new home

VENTILATION THE BASICS

Rebecca Foster explains how to maintain a comfortable internal environment in your home, with a fresh supply of air throughout

SOLAR HOT WATER

This renewable system delivers low-cost, low-carbon hot water – but is it worth the investment?

THE LATEST SMART HOME TECH

Rebecca Foster rounds up the most innovative smart home products and systems, taking a closer look at the technological developments that have made them possible

INSTALLING SOLAR PV

Harness the sun’s rays to generate free electricit y – and store it in a battery for use when you need it

INSPIRING STAIRCASES

Often the first thing to welcome your visitors, discover the multitude of staircase designs out there – and how to get an impactful flight in your budget

DESIGN-LED KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Top tips for getting a practical, wow-factor kitchen without forking out for a £50k+ design

INTERNAL WALLS & FINISHES

What you need to know about building, insulating & finishing your home’s internal partition walls

FLOORING OPTIONS

Architect Julian Owen shares his top tips on how to select a finish that meets the practical and aesthetic requirements for your home

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO INTERIOR LIGHTING DESIGN

A well-planned lighting scheme could transform your home in ways you might not have imagined. Jane Crittenden talks to the experts about what can be achieved

BATHROOM DESIGN TIPS

Learn how to get your layout and finishes right for this crucial room in the home

Internal doors » » and sliding partitions

Add flexibility to your layouts and be creative with how you break up your space with these roomdividing ideas, says Emily Brooks

DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPING

Make sure the land surrounding your finished home is brimming with kerb appeal, too. From paving materials to plants, every choice will have an impact