CATEGORIES

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

Far HORIZONS

Tim and Su Davison needed plenty of vision and determination to see through their project while working away at sea

THE ULTIMATE BUYER'S GUIDE TO roof glazing

Rooflight or roof lantern? To help you decide which one is the right choice for you, we shed light on the costs and considerations to help simplify the buying process

Sustainable flooring

Choosing an eco flooring is high on the agenda for the modern green homes enthusiast. Discover which choices have the lowest impact on the environment with our handy guide

NEXT generation

Zoë Henderson and her sister Susan have rebuilt a tumbledown cow barn in North Wales using the building’s rustic origins and surrounding landscape as inspiration

TREE house

This new family home in the Scottish borders is built over five levels to address its dramatic sloping woodland setting

Going Coastal

Ash and Jess Alken have created a timeless seaside house in Cornwall with family-friendly features at its heart

Escape to the country

These homeowners have traded city amenities for a rural way of life, self-building, renovating and extending to create homes to suit their needs

Close to home

Architect Tim Hatton found a novel way of overcoming the challenges of redesigning his own family home

11 ways to cut the cost of your extension

With labour and material prices at a high, it's never been more important to rein in the cost of your extension project. We ask the experts for their advice

RESTORING PARQUET FLOORING

For many, restoring parquet flooring is a way of bringing the character and charm of its period flooding back-Natasha Brinsmead explains how to bring floors back to their best

Stylish and sustainable

Looking for a life away from the city, architects Spencer and Emma Guy spent a decade working tirelessly towards their dream lifestyle, with a CLT self-build at its heart

THE ULTIMATE BUYER'S GUIDE TO Bathrooms

From basins to baths and brassware, too, we reveal how to design, cost and buy your dream bathroom, whatever your budget

A new look

Retired couple Les and Julie Graves realised they were much closer to having the perfect home than they imagined

11 trades you need and how to find them

With the right professionals by your side, your self-build will be a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here's who to hire to create your A team...

A faithful conversion

Anastasya Martynova has converted a neglected Edwardian chapel, adding a mezzanine and roof terrace to create a peaceful home filled with her own heavenly artworks

Extending above a garage

When can or can't it be done? Chartered surveyor, Ian Rock, answers one common question about adding a single storey to a garage, and firm foundations are key

BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO SELF-BUILD

EXPERT ADVICE

Beautiful Kitchen extensions

Creating a new hub of the home is at the heart of these amazing projects

One small step

Adding an extension and reconfiguring their layout gave Louise Potter and husband Sean a house that works for them -for a budget of just £35K

Garden boundary Ideas

Ensure the fringes of your garden work in harmony with your landscape design scheme, as well as your home, with our brilliant selection of boundary ideas