Ask the EXPERTS
Essentialadvice on your problems with building, budgeting, DIY &planning from the most experienced names in the self build industry
PLANNING Martin Gaine runs planning consultancy Just Planning (
www.just-planning.co.uk). A former case officer, he has experience on both sides of the planning divide and now specialises in helping homeowners win consent at appeal. He is the author of How to Get Planning Permission: An Insider’s Secrets.
FINANCE Tom McSherry has worked in the financial services industry for 25 years, the last 10 of these at BuildStore (
www.buildstore.co.uk). He has undertaken two major projects himself and speaks at self build shows throughout the year.
TIMBER FLOORING Ian Tomlinson is managing director of Chaunceys Timber Flooring (www.
chaunceys.co.uk). Chaunceys is based in Bristol and has been supplying sustainable, high-quality wood flooring to homeowners, award-winning architects, design and build companies, and renowned interior designers since 1988.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT Mark Stevenson has worked as a construction professional for over 35 years and is a serial self builder. He runs project management consultancy Elsworth Projects and, as chair of NaCSBA, advocates for the interests of self builders and contributes to the success of the emerging custom build industry.
PERIOD PROPERTIES Alan Tierney is a period property and conservation specialist. He ran an historic building consultancy, offering hands-on advice to heritage homeowners, and was most recently to be found renovating yet another property: Old Barnstaple House.
PACKAGE HOMES James Buchanan is head of custom build at Oakwrights. He works with landowners, clients and property businesses to facilitate, create, develop and deliver unique serviced custom build plots, enabling clients to build their bespoke designed oak frame home.
VAT RECLAIMS Kathy Tisdale runs Self Build VAT Reclaims (
www.selfbuildvatreclaims.com), providing a professional VAT reclaim service which enables self builders and converters to focus on their project.