Welcome

Our annual Self Build Special Edition has become

Self build news

We round up the big changes in self build, so you can start your project off on the front foot

Manage your planning & Building Regulation applications in one place

Those looking to build or renovate their dream

Save £10,000s by claiming your CIL exemption

MARK STEVENSON project management expert explores what you need to know to avoid unexpected costs

Increase in applications to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme

Applications to the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

Self and Custom Build Recognised in National Planning Policy

Pioneered by Cherwell District Council in Bicester, Oxfordshire,

Does it cost more to build a Passivhaus?

CHAYLEY COLLIS from The Passivhaus Trust shares her tips for building a super energyefficient home on budget

Could custom build be the right approach for your project?

PETER JOHNS CEO of NaCSBA takes a look at the range of benefits attached to this route to a new home

Does the Future Homes Standard need rebuilding?

The long-awaited Future Homes Standard consultation was launched

Suffolk Building Society champions self build mortgages

ISTOCK.COM/PHOTOGRAFEUS According to research carried out by

Demolish & rebuild: the best route to a self build plot?

Research by estate agent comparison site GetAgent.co.uk has

Planning fees up for 2024/25

Planning application fees in England increased by 25%

Build It Live shows you won’t want to miss

Watch in-depth seminars and workshops, meet with 100s

GREAT IDEAS FROM OUR AWARD-WINNING PROJECTS

The Build It Awards celebrates innovative, high-quality design and support for self builders embarking on their dream home journey. Here are some of the key takeaways from this year's homes category winners to inspire your project

HOW TO SELF BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME

Are you looking to create a new home tailored exactly to what you want? Following these steps will help to ensure your whole project is a success

WHAT DOES IT COST TO SELF BUILD?

Chris Batesmith looks at the key factors that will influence costs, and how to start piecing together a robust budget

MONEY MATTERS FINANCING YOUR BUILD

We take a look at mortgage options, VAT and Stamp Duty for self builders

Self build & custom build mortgage table

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

CHOOSING A BUILDING ROUTE

Who should manage your project? Find the best path for your bespoke home build with our guide

SELF MANAGING YOUR PROJECT

Thinking of running your own self build? Project management expert Mark Stevenson shares his insight on what the role involves and how to be successful along the way

YOUR IDEAL PLOT

Securing land for your self build can be an intense process. We guide you through how to assess a plot’s potential and seal the deal

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CUSTOM BUILD

The modern way to self build, could this bespoke home option be right for you? Lindsay Blair takes a look at what this route involves, the benefits and different considerations

DESIGNING YOUR HOME

The design stage of your self build is critical to producing a high-quality home that meets your expectations. Julian Owen gives his expert advice on how to work effectively with your team to get the most out of the process

CREATING A BETTER HOME

Self building gives a blank canvas to design a home that offers everything you need and eliminates the common issues that come with existing builds. Here, we explore some of the measures you can incorporate into your plans that will help turn your home into a sanctuary you want to spend time in

HOW TO BE CERTAIN OF PLANNING SUCCESS

Planning consultant Martin Gaine shares his top seven tips for ensuring your application to build is approved by your local council

BUILDING REGULATIONS WHY THEY MATTER

Government rules and regulations for new builds are designed to keep you and your home safe and comfortable. Architect Julian Owen explores a few of the ways in which the regs can provide that allimportant peace of mind during your development

HOW TO FIND A GOOD BUILDER

Self build project management specialist, Mark Stevenson, shares his expertise on finding the right builders for your project

TIMBER FRAME

Technological advancements in off-site manufacture mean modern timber homes offer high performance, speedy build times, amazing design flexibility, cost certainty and sustainability

BRICK & BLOCK BUILDS

Masonry works for all varieties of house style and is much-loved by homeowners and builders alike, but is it right for your project?

BUILDING WITH SIPs

Quick construction times and an energy efficient result – here’s why this build system could be ideal for your project

ICF

Georgina Crothers uncovers the design possibilities of insulated concrete formwork

INSULATION OPTIONS

Insulating your new home requires careful planning to ensure you get the performance you want. Nigel Griffiths takes a look at the main options to help you get started

NEED TO KNOW FOUNDATIONS

When building from scratch, one of the biggest challenges is identifying the best way to get out of the ground. This guide sets out the basics you need to know when specifying foundations

ROOFING & FLOOR STRUCTURES

A roof over your head and floor beneath your feet are essentials for your home, so you want to get the design details right. Here’s what you need to know

CLADDING & EXTERNAL FINISHES

Whether it’s horizontal timber panels, brick slips or characterful tiling, there are plenty of cladding options for your self build. We take a look at the key considerations for the main options and how to use them effectively

ROOFING MATERIAL OPTIONS & COSTS

Your choice of what goes up top will have a big impact on the style of your home. Take a look at the main options and find out how much you should budget for your desired finish

HOW TO ADD WOW FACTOR WITH YOUR FRONT DOOR

Elevate your home’s facade and enhance its kerb appeal with our selection of ideas for an eyecatching and quality entrance

WHAT MAKES A GREAT WINDOW?

Glazing is fundamental to the architecture and overall performance of your home – so it’s important that you specify the best products. We explore what to consider when choosing windows for your project

SPECIFYING GLAZED DOORS

Thinking of installing an eye-catching span of glass doors? Take a look at what to consider when planning for a high-quality setup

HEAT PUMP PROS & CONS

We look at the main heat pump options, along with the key factors that will help you decide if this efficient tech suits your project

DO BOILERS STILL MAKE SENSE?

We explain what you need to know about mains gas boilers, as well as delving into what the future holds for this form of home heating

QUICK GUIDE TO BIOMASS HEATING

Looking to warm your new home sustainably? We explore the key advantages and considerations of these appliances so you can find a solution that suits you

Solar water heating is it worth it?

Everything you need to know about installing solar thermal in your self build project

UNDERFLOOR HEATING & RADIATORS

Discover how these different heating options compare and what you need to consider when specifying them for your self build project

QUICK GUIDE TO VENTILATION

Discover the best ways to maintain airflow in an energy efficient home

SOLAR PV COSTS & SAVINGS

Considering solar electric panels for your project? Find how much PV costs to install and what you can expect when it comes to payback

PLANNING YOUR SMART HOME

Find out how to design a fully-integrated, whole-house system and why it’s important to plan the infrastructure as early as possible

STAIRCASE DESIGNS & MATERIALS

Whatever your style or budget, mixing and matching different materials could be the best route to turning your staircase into a standout focal feature. Here’s a collection of exciting ideas

FLOORING GUIDE

From aesthetics to the practicalities, there’s a lot to think about when choosing this aspect of your home’s fit-out, says Rebecca Foster

ECO PAINTS & FINISHES

Sustainability expert Nigel Griffiths looks at why specifying high-quality, eco-friendly paints and finishes for your project will be better for both your health and the environment

KITCHEN DESIGNS & STYLES

Your kitchen’s overall style will have a big impact on your finished home. From elegant Shaker to sleek, handleless schemes, Lindsay Blair highlights your options

LIGHTING DESIGN KEY CONSIDERATIONS

The scheme that you choose can transform a design from good to glorious. Find inspiration in architect Opinder Liddar’s illuminating ideas for your project

10 BATHROOM IDEAS

From elegant freestanding baths to functional storage solutions, take a look at these clever bathroom ideas and designs to inspire your self build

INTERNAL DOORS

From picking materials and styles through to what to budget, Annabel Dixon’s guide to specifying internal doors has you covered

CHOOSING YOUR DRIVEWAY

What surface will suit you and your new home? Here’s our no-nonsense guide to the main driveway options

Snagging & quality checking

Snagging is the important process of checking your self build works have been completed up to scratch – but what should you keep an eye out for? Project management specialist Mark Stevenson takes a look

SMALLHOLDING IN RURAL WALES

LOCATION Gwyddgrug, Pencader, Carmarthenshire GUIDE PRICE over £250,000