interiors notebook

Welcome

Excitement is at fever pitch in the Build It office

Extending into nature

The team at SOUP Architects designed a comprehensive

Camel Quarry House

This new build on the shores of the Camel Estuary in

Right to Build Task Force in Mid Devon

Mid Devon District Council has enlisted help from Teignbridge

Britons dissatisfied with their homes

According to research commissioned by Samsung, 49%

What’s on?

Sustainable custom build development in Essex

Village Makers has gained outline planning permission

need to know

Brexit is dominating every conversation at the moment

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

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Fantastic inspiration & expert advice for each

MAKING AN EXCEPTION

Could this plot offer one budding self-builder the chance to create his dream countryside home? Mike Dade sums up the chances of success

Land FOR SALE

It’s FREE to subscribe to Plot Search – the UK’s premier

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

next month…

Find out how Joe and Rachel Nicol embarked on a thorough

focus on:

We catch up with Lyn Poole, Secured by Design development officer, to learn about building safer homes and neighbourhoods

Planning for the future

It took over a decade for Peter and Donna Granger to secure planning permission on their green belt plot – but their impressive barn-style, Scandinavianinspired home shows perseverance pays off

small space big ideas

D’Arcy and Sarah Heath have added a two-storey extension and re-worked the interior layout of their London Victorian terrace to provide oodles of functional space

Playing the long game

Strict planning regulations meant self-builders William and Jess Ogg had to be patient when it came to developing their dream home in the countryside

Labour of love

Lisa and Alex Homer embarked on a 10-year rollercoaster of highs, lows and relentless hard work to bring a dilapidated country hall in North Yorkshire back to life

Built to last

Sharron and David Reetham overcame various challenges in the planning process to create a barn-style new rural home

Vote for Britain’s Best Self Build or Renovation Project

The annual Build It Awards is back and bigger than ever – and we need your help to crown the nation’s best home of 2018 from our judge’s shortlist of six amazing projects

Unique mirror-clad home extension

Anne and Peter Hughes enjoyed a slice of luck when

Stunning self-build on a sloping plot

When Jane and Mark Caterer bought a 1960s brick house

Modern vernacular oak frame home

Oak frame was the only option for the Pearses’ dream

A New England-inspired extension

The Thompsons had been planning to trade in suburban

New home captures spirit of self-build

Good research lays at the heart of Dennis and Maureen

Contemporary build on a heritage plot

When it comes to achieving the wow factor, John and

How to self-build for under £200,000

Want to create your own home on a realistic budget? Chris Bates gives his 15 top tips to help you keep a lid on your construction costs

How to cost an entrance door

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

Curved staircases

Not just a functional element connecting your home’s levels, a curved staircase can become a key architectural feature in your abode. Sofia Delgado looks at some awe-inspiring examples

Windows & energy efficiency

From the type of glazing to frame materials, Rebecca Foster outlines the key factors to consider when selecting your home’s fenestration

10 of the BEST KITCHEN TECH

From fridges with video monitors to dishwashers that re-order washing tablets for you, Sophie Vening reveals the latest gadgets to impress your guests

5 reasons to choose offsite construction

Rebecca Foster takes a look at the advantages of a premanufactured route to your new bespoke home

Converting a Barn

Transforming an agricultural building could be the path to a bespoke home that’s packed with character. Opinder Liddar reveals the popular design features achievable with this route

How to get the best possible build quality

Make sure your project matches up to expectations with Mike Hardwick’s top tips

Designing a master bedroom

Architect Julian Owen offers expert insight into how to maximise the potential of your new suite

5 wow factor suites

Be inspired by our hand-picked selection of master bedrooms that are packed with practicality as well as design panache

Builders’ quotes: going out to tender

Unsure where to start when sourcing and comparing contractors’ quotes for your project? Tim Doherty offers his advice

Buying the right plot

Mike Dade shares his top tips for ensuring what looks like your ideal self-build site is the real deal