Welcome

In the past few weeks we’ve seen the launch of a new

inspiration

This new build in the countryside, south west of Cubert

need to know

New tech could change how we build houses

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

Interiors notebook

Create a versatile living space by integrating patterns and a geometric interior scheme in your self-build or renovation

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

PERFECT POTENTIAL

This site comes with planning permission to build a detached house, but is it suitable for the Pilchers’ living and working needs? Mike Dade takes a closer look

Land FOR SALE

It’s FREE to subscribe to PlotSearch – the UK’s premier land finding resource with over 8,000 genuine building opportunities, all with planning permission guaranteed. The plots collated here are a hand-picked selection, but you can find plenty more in the online database. To find out more and to subscribe call d+d+ 4499 or visit the website at www.plotsearch.co.uk

focus on:

We talk to the president of The Society of British and International Design (SBID), Diana Celella, about hiring an interior designer to help with your home decor ideas

Low maintenance MODERN HOME

Having been unsuccessful in their search for a smaller property, Warwick and Lyn Wilson realised their garden offered the perfect space to self-build their dream home

The hard-earned house

Perseverance, patience and a lot of graft were key to the success of Mark and Jane Caterer’s stylish self-build – a romantic holiday retreat on a stunning Cornish sea-view plot

Bigger & Bigg

Looking for a place to call home away from the city’s hustle, Judith and Struan Mackenzie came across a renovation opportunity that they couldn’t pass up

Active involvement

Karen and Ian Henderson’s fabric-first property in the Scottish Borders is ultra energy efficient – and choosing a hands-on approach, taking on some of the jobs and project managing, means they’ve achieved great value for money, too

A new way to self-build

The Combes were among the UK’s first custom builders – working alongside a specialist developer to take some of the stress and risk out of creating their new home. Could their journey inspire your project?

The connected home

Thinking about installing smart technology in your property? Emily Smith looks into how different devices can work together to create an efficient setup that’s easy to control

FULLY CONNECTED SMART HOME

As part of a full refurbishment project, this family home has been fitted with a complete smart technology system by CEDIA member BrownHen Solutions, which the occupants can use easily when home and away

Roof tile DESIGN IDEAS

The roof can make up around 40% of the exterior of your home – so selecting the right finish is crucial. These inspiring projects will help set you on the right path

How to cost your roof tiles

The Build It Estimating Service’s Adrian Wild takes a look at what you can expect to pay for this part of your project

CONTEMPORARY oak frame

Sofia Delgado explores how technological advances have helped oak construction remain a popular choice for self-builders

Kitchen style design guide

It’s widely thought to be the heart of the home, so it’s crucial to choose the right kitchen for your lifestyle, property and design ambitions. Emily Smith takes a closer look at the options

Guide to battery storage for solar PV

Could this technology help maximise the potential of generating renewable electricity on site? Nigel Griffiths investigates

Driveways

Transform your home’s exterior by installing a stunning driveway. Sofia Delgado looks into the options available for your scheme

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BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO loft conversions

Transforming your unused attic into a habitable zone could give you the home your family needs – without the cost and upheaval of moving. Here’s how to get it right

How to assess your loft space

Before you put any cash into your attic conversion, try these six simple steps to check your project is viable

Loft conversion design ideas

Find inspiration for your new living space in this selection of stunning completed projects

Get planning for your project

You may not need to secure full planning consent if your design counts as permitted development

Building your loft space

From rules and regulations to practical considerations, here’s what you need to know

Loft conversion cost guide

Set a preliminary budget for your room-in-the-roof project with our benchmark pricing model

Modern conservatories

A glazed extension will bring extra light and wow factor to your home. Architect Julian Owen looks at how to ensure the design corresponds with today’s living standards

Inspiring conservatories

Our handpicked selection of different styles demonstrates the aesthetic diversity of contemporary glazed extensions

Getting Water on site

In the last part of his series about making sure your building plot is connected to utilities, Tim Doherty discusses how to ensure a suitable water supply is in place

Gaining planning permission on BROWNFIELD PLOTS

Previously-developed land can off er an easier path to getting consent for your dream home – but there are challenges to be aware of before you buy this kind of plot, says Mike Dade

How to avoid overspending

Self-builder and project manager Mike Hardwick shares his top tips to help you finish your scheme on time and on budget

Barn conversions: What you need to know

Tackling this kind of project could give you a home with real wow factor – but there will be challenges along the way. Alan Tierney explains the essential considerations