CATEGORIES

Designing a loft conversion

Utilising the space at the top of the house can make good sense. Here's how to achieve that perfect loft conversion

How to design gabion walls

Ideal for structural applications, gabion walls are a versatile option when it comes to constructing retaining walls, but they're equally viable for more decorative configurations. Architect Allan Corfield breaks down the detail

Hilltop haven

It took Jamie Adams and his wife Madeline Hutton 13 years to gain planning for their family home in the Hampshire countryside. But perseverance paid off and their modern take on a traditional home is teeming with sustainable features, inside and out

How to get one and a hall storeys right

Designing a house with one and a half storeys can be tricky, yet done well, this style of home can offer fantastic living spaces and also overcome certain planning issues

Into the light

David and Lisa Mason engaged Sheldon Peever Studio to redesign their dark, disconnected basement kitchen - and the results speak for themselves

3 mins |

Going up

Squashed into a post-war bungalow with their two daughters, Andrew McFadyen and Claire Heffeman chose to extend and renovate to give their home - and their family - a new lease of life

Hillside living

When the Ridgways bought a tiny house in a spectacular location they had no idea that it would turn into a massive self-build project involving the entire family

5 mins |

From a distance

With a little help from their trusted architect, Kerry and Andrew Scott converted their Grade II-listed barn in Oxfordshire while being locked down overseas

23 trends to look out for in 2023

What can we expect to see in the world of self-building and renovating in 2023? We put that question to a panel of design and construction experts and found some fascinating answers, with ways to build and retrofit homes to make them greener, more energy efficient and flexible being top of many people’s lists

Compact creation

A tricky site ina built-up urban environment gave rise to a unique design opportunity for James Davies, director at Paper House Project

1 min |

How to insulate an early 20th century home

If you are living in a semi-detached home, how can you cut energy bills this winter by improving your home's ability to hold heat, and even generate your own energy?

6 mins |

What is a ground source heat pump borehole?

We dig into the detail and explain how borehole arrays work, are installed and how much the system might set you back

Snagging

Avoid multiple niggling repair jobs by ensuring your self-build is fit for purpose before accepting the project as complete with your contractors

2 mins |

Do energy-efficient appliances save you money?

Can replacing energy-hungry boilers and dishwashers with energy-efficient appliances noticeably reduce your energy bills? Jack Woodfield investigates

2 mins |

Ahead of the curve

David and Rosie Reid have self-built in Scotland taking inspiration from Passivhaus designs to create their new curved home -

Beginner's guide to self-build

There are many benefits to building your own house. It is an opportunity to create a unique home tailored around your lifestyle. It can be a route to creating a home that will adapt as your needs change, for instance accommodating wheelchair use. It also offers scope to build a property that is low maintenance and energy efficient.

THE ULTIMATE BUYER'S GUIDE TO Insulation

As a self-builder you're in an excellent position to envelop your home with the best insulation. Find out how to choose and buy the right insulation to design and build a warm, energy-efficient home

The family bathroom

Great family bathrooms work hard to cater for everyone. Here's how to design a practical room that's stylish, too

3 mins |

How to design a pet-friendly home

If you own a pet, creating a home that perfectly suits its needs, as well as yours, requires some careful thought according to Natasha Brinsmead

10 mins |

FOCUS ON UNDERFLOOR HEATING IN THE BATHROOM

If you're thinking about including UFH in your bathroom, Tim Pullen takes a look at the options, along with the installation and running costs to help you decide if it's the right choice for you

BUILD PREDICTIONS FOR 2023

If you're planning a self-build, extension or renovation in 2023, you may be pleased to learn that there's some good news amidst the bad, according to builder Andy Stevens

5 mins |

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CONVERT A GARAGE?

If you're thinking of turning your garage into living space, quantity surveyor Tim Phillips can offer expert advice on working out the costs involved for different types of conversions

7 mins |

Do you need planning permission to build a garage?

Ifyou want to add a detached garage to your home, whether you need planning will depend on your project falling into the Permitted Development camp or not, as planning consultant Simon Rix explains

OLD HOUSE NEW HOME: HOW TO DELIST A LISTED PROPERTY

Choosing to delist a listed building is a big step but hugely beneficial as Homebuilding’s Amy Willis explains, from first-hand experience

6 mins |

Mid-century revamps

Thanks to a few clever design interventions, these 1950s and 1960s houses have been transformed with the help of light, colour and style

3 mins |

A novel approach

Demolishing a series of rundown agricultural buildings created space for David and Simone Horn to build their oak frame home in the style of a Dutch barn