Graven Hill, site of the UK’s largest custom build, has teamed up with Charlie Luxton to offer a lucky self-builder the chance to have their dwelling drawn up by the renowned architectural designer. The competition is open to anyone wishing to construct their dream home at the Oxfordshire location and the prize will be two different concept designs following the winner’s brief. The race closes on May 29th and results will be announced at Build It Live Bicester on Saturday 9th June. Go to gravenhill.co.uk for more information.
£48,417 is the value you can add to your home in just seven days, a new survey shows. Research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and HomeOwners Alliance (HOA) indicates that removing an internal wall to create an open-plan kitchen-diner could add up to £48,417 to the average London home. Surrey residents can benefit from a boost worth £35,611 by building a garden room; and a kitchen overhaul with new flooring, worktops and cabinets could increase the value of a house in Dorset by £26,838.