Q How much does an air source heat pump cost?

EDITOR’S LETTER

Claire Lloyd has been a member of the Homebuilding & Renovating team for 14 years. She’s currently in the midst of another renovation.

OUR EXPERTS

ALLAN CORFIELD Is a chartered architect who

House prices rise, but a cool down could be coming

A round-up of the latest self-build and home renovation news, products and events.

THE LONDON Homebuilding & RENOVATING SHOW

Find inspiration and advice for your next project at our live event at the ExCeL London this autumn

Small changes, big impact

Lydia and David Bishop fell in love with their Victorian home in Shropshire, but patiently waited nearly a decade while saving up to rearrange the internal floorplan and open up with a glazed kitchen extension

An urban escape

Nigel and Kati Massey have self-built a tiny urban oasis — one which is perfectly suited to their lifestyles, bursting with creativity and design details

Reinventing the bungalow

A shared vision and dynamic teamwork helped Marion and Barry Cole turn a tired and dated bungalow into a modern family home

Opening up

With a goal of opening their new-build home to the garden, Edwin and Victoria have created an enviable light-filled addition

Terrace transformation

Discover how a few clever design tricks can help you maximise space and light in a traditional period property

14 things to know about roof structures

From the design of the pitch to how it’s made, delivered and constructed

RENOVATION WORKSHOP

SOUNDPROOFING A CEILING

Porcelain VS. ceramic tiles

If you’re doing up your kitchen or bathroom, choosing the right type of tiles can be difficult. To make it easier for you we’ve listed the pros and cons of both porcelain and ceramic

Beginner’s guide to self-build

IMAGES: GET TY; *HBR SELF & CUSTOM BUILD

Pre-build essentials

Here are some of the key things you need to consider before ‘going on site’ with your build

Financing your build

Funding your project may require a specialist self-build mortgage…

Finding your self-build plot

It’s the starting point to any self-build dream. Here’s what to consider when plot hunting

Choosing a build route

Self-build is a broad church — you needn’t lay a single brick if you don’t want to!

Polished concrete floorıng

A great way to bring a stylish contemporary aesthetic to your home — read on to find out more about this versatile and hardwearing flooring option

BOILING-WATER TAPS

Go with the flow and enjoy this selection of must-have kitchen appliances

TACKLING DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS

WITH YOUR BUILDER

Garden rooms: The planning rules

A garden room can be a great way to create extra space without extending, but does the project require planning permission? Planning consultant Simon Rix investigates

Embracing the fifth wall

Despite being the oft-forgotten element in building projects, the ceiling has the power to bring light, drama and geometry into a home, as architect Laura Jane Clark explains…

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR NEW WINDOWS?

Whether you’re looking to replace old windows or specifying windows for your self-build, read quantity surveyor Tim Phillips’ cost breakdown

ASK THE EXPERTS

Got a burning question about your self-build, extension or renovation project that you need answering? Drop us a line by emailing homebuilding@futurenet.com and your question could be answered by one of our magazine experts

Skirting board ideas

It’s easy to forget the finer details of your interior design but skirting boards can add real character and flair to any room. Here’s how…

Get to grips with CIL

Self-builders are exempt from the Community Infrastructure Levy, as long as they comply with the rules — to the letter

GREEN HOMES

IMAGE: RICHARD CHIVERS / PAD STUDIO THIS MONTH

Silent treatment

A new air source heat pump that works

A team BUILD

For three households, working together has allowed them to unlock the potential of this site in rural Hertfordshire

HOW TO insulate your home

If you’re renovating your home, how should you tackle insulating the roof, walls and floors? Energy efficiency expert Tim Pullen shares his advice

Build ing Regs Part L: All you need to know

Changes to Building Regulations Part L have gone live — here’s what the new energy efficiency standards mean in practice

Brise soleil

Architect Allan Corfield explains the considerations when choosing this form of solar shading

Old meets new

Paul Cashin Architects transformed a traditional home with this striking, modern extension, which takes its design cues from the local vernacular