As this month’s mag hits the shelves, we’ll be just a few days away from the first Build It Live shows of 2018. The South East edition takes place at the Kent Event Centre on 3rd & 4th February, followed by the North West exhibition at EventCity in Manchester on 17th & 18th February. The shows are a must-visit for anyone who wants to self-build, renovate or extend their way to a truly individual home – off ering the perfect opportunity to meet suppliers, see products up close and get free one-to-one expert advice from the Build It magazine experts. They’re also a really exciting time for us, as we get to hear all about your project plans and have a hand in helping you realise them. Head over to www.builditlive.co.uk to find out more about the shows.
Alongside putting the finishing touches to the exhibitions, there’s still an inspiring, advice-packed edition to produce. Our cover house this month is Andrew and Nicola Orr’s aff ordable £206,000 dormer bungalow (page 24). The couple’s project is a fantastic example of how to self-build on a tight budget; and they’ve cleverly futureproofed it by using pre-insulated roofing panels, ensuring the loft will be easy to fitout if they need more space. We also have a stunning Manchester extension (page 33), the Wilsons’ contemporary Passivhaus (page 42) and more. If you want to get a sense of what you could achieve for your money, check out Emily Smith’s selection of amazing schemes on page 70, with budgets ranging from £77,000 up to £749,500.
Elsewhere, we’ve got practical guides on how to get garage conversions right (page 88), whether gas central heating can be efficient (page 93), how to know if you really need an architect for your project (page 106) and the best ways to insulate a period home (page 133). And if you’re looking for ideas, you’ll find plenty to stir the imagination – from Julian Owen’s advice on sensitive design for conservation areas (page 115) through to Rebecca Foster’s bathroom planner (page 101).
Chris