Rural retreat

Keen to find a rural bolthole for their young family, Joe and Sarah Radmore have converted a sturdy barn that Joe built some 10 years previously

Coastal Dream

Simon Francis has transformed a 1960s house on the Cornish coast, finally realising his longheld ambition to renovate a home by the sea

House of TWO HALVES

After struggling to find a new home, Rachel and Matt Partridge decided to transform their historic Cotswold stone cottage into the house of their dreams

How to add space wıthout extendıng

Craving more room but want to stay put? No problem. Our tips and tricks will help you create more space without increasing the footprint of your home

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CONVERT A LOFT?

If converting the loft is a project you’d like to take on, read quantity surveyor Tim Phillips’ key cost breakdown

THE RENOVATION FILES HOW TO DEAL WITH ARTEX

It may have become the butt of many jokes since its Sixties heyday, but discovering you’ve got Artex ceilings is no laughing matter. Ian Rock explains how best to remove this perilous plasterwork

Do you need planning permission to turn a garage into a room?

Surprisingly, the answer may be yes, even though you are not creating a new space, says planning consultant Simon Rix

SNAGGING: WHAT DOES IT MEAN ON A BUILD?

Your project is about to end — now is the time to get to grips with snagging for a quality finish, says master builder Andy Stevens

Self-build: 13 things to do before you start onsite

Once your planning permission is obtained, it’s time to pave the way for your project to begin, but much of it starts before you’ve even broken ground. Mark Stevenson shares his expert tips

Inspiring lifetime homes

These self-builders put futureproofing at the top of their priority list, incorporating design features that will allow them to live in their dream homes for years to come. See how it’s done with these stunning examples from around the UK

Windows

Material, style and size are just some of the key factors to consider before buying windows. Here, we take a look at what will influence your decision

REPAIRING YOUR CONSERVATORY ROOF

A leaking conservatory roof doesn't have to be a headache - Natasha Brinsmead explains how to fix this and other common issues

NAVIGATING QUOTES IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

With materials costing more each week, it pays to have a clear and fair way of dealing with the unexpected before your builder starts on site

Pitched Black

Rhys and Joanna's new family home perfectly showcases the potential of awkward brownfield sites and the creative solutions they can inspire

How do I insulate suspended floors?

Insulating suspended floors can help eliminate draughts, reduce energy loss and prevent damp and dry rot. Find out what you need to know with our expert guide

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CONVERT A BARN?

If converting a barn is a project you'd love to take on, read quantity surveyor Tim Phillips' breakdown on how much it's likely to cost

Cool kit houses

These self-builders worked with package companies to realise their dreams of creating bespoke homes. Here's what you can learn about the different levels of service and systems that are available...

Eco VISION

Remodelling a large but neglected home in north London has unlocked its hidden potential as a warm and spacious family home

Flush threshold's

Adding a sliding or bifold door with a flush threshold into your project will add a touch of seamless design, while making the connection between inside and out as accessible as possible

Design evolution

A colonnade-style extension, designed by Re-Format, has added a contemporary flourish to a country home that was originally built more than 500 years ago

14 secrets to self-build success

If you're tempted to step foot into the world of self-build but want to know more, read these words of wisdom from those who built their own!

Great garden design

Creating a serene outdoor space that complements a home was the driving force behind these gorgeous gardens

RENOVATION WORKSHOP: FIXING CREAKY FLOORBOARDS

Creaky floorboards can be a sign all is not well underfoot — as well as being downright irritating. Natasha Brinsmead offers a quick repair guide to solving this common problem

Greener by design

Architectural designer Martin McCrae and architect Mhairi Grant took the meaning of ‘self-build’ literally and assumed the design, construction and interior fit-out of their contemporary Passivhaus on a DIY basis

What is a Lawful Development Certificate?

Planning consultant Simon Rix explains everything you need to know about Lawful Development Certificates and how to go about applying for one

New & improved

Choosing to add another storey and treating an unloved 1970s bungalow as a blank canvas has allowed Rob and Emma Pollard to transform the property into a contemporary light-filled home for their young family

Masonry: 14 things to know

Opting for brick and block for the walls of your self-build or extension is a good choice for many reasons, not least cost and ease of finding a builder who can work with this ever-popular choice

Walk-on terraces

If you’re short on outdoor space, you could consider turning your flat roof into a stylish terrace

Into the Woods

Keen to up sticks and relocate to the countryside, Sarah Farrington traded in her west London home for a striking new self-build in Warwickshire

MATERIAL PRICES CONTINUE TO RISE

After the huge rise in the cost of materials during Covid there was hope that costs would plateau but prices are continuing to increase. Andy Stevens sheds light on what this means for you and your project