NSBRC Masterclass: Passivhaus
With rising energy costs and growing awareness of how our homes affect our health, Passivhaus is no longer a niche ambition. From new builds to deep retrofits, this proven performance... View Article
Latest Articles
Carpenter Oak Open House – visit two oak frame homes in Oxfordshire
When: Saturday 11th April 2026 Where: Oxfordshire Self-builders are invited to join Carpenter Oak for an opportunity to visit two different oak frame homes in Oxfordshire. Discover what it’s really like to live in an... View Article
selfbuilder Diaries
From reserving a serviced plot to moving into a high-performance home, Martin and Siobhann reflect on two challenging, rewarding years of self-building on the edge of the Lake District. If... View Article
Choosing a kitchen that lasts
Sebastian Aronowitz, founder of The London Kitchen Company explores why material choice is so important when designing a kitchen, deserving the same attention as the overall appearance. Kitchens are usually... View Article
Interior Inspiration: Home Office
With more of us working from home than ever before, it’s increasingly common for self-builders to create a dedicated working space. Find inspiration in our selection of products, whether your... View Article
Heat pump evolution
James Parker speaks to Rick Clarke, product manager at NIBE, about why air source heat pumps are not the only answer, and how self-builders can benefit from an array of... View Article
Wavin research finds DIY mistakes are major cause for rise in guttering jobs
New survey from Wavin reveals botched DIY jobs are a leading cause for increased call outs for professionals Almost a quarter of installers claim homeowners are using the wrong type... View Article
Brighton to host free home renovation event
Householders in and around Brighton who are thinking about improving the comfort and energy performance of their homes will have the opportunity to learn from real renovation experiences at a... View Article
How Can Bathroom Installations Be Made Quicker and Cleaner?
Kirstie Manning, National Specification Manager at Wilsonart, explores how improper waste disposal, shortages of experienced tilers, and health and safety concerns can create a host of delays on new-build housing... View Article
Lofty ambitions with natural insulation
Neil Turner, UK Technical Manager at Ecological Building Systems, brings extensive hands-on experience working with natural insulation materials when advising on loft upgrades. Here he advises on upgrading a loft... View Article
How self-builders can save on renovations by using used and ex-display
By Looeeze Grossman, founder of The Used Kitchen Company There’s no doubt that the cost of everything is continuing to rise, almost weekly, and everyone is feeling the strain. And... View Article
Are renovation costs really falling? Experts invite homeowners to look closer
News by Checkatrade that renovation costs have dropped by 25% since 2023 might be welcomed by many homeowners who have delayed projects amid rising inflation and economic uncertainty. But industry experts caution that the headline figure doesn’t necessarily... View Article
Product & Supplier News
Soaque launches as the UK’s go-to destination for luxury bathrooms online
Soaque has officially launched, setting a new benchmark for design-led luxury bathrooms in the UK. Bringing together some of the world’s most respected bathroom brands — including Gessi, Villeroy &... View Article
Hörmann Garage Doors – Engineered for Strength and Protection
When designing your new home, security is essential and the garage door you choose plays a key role in protecting your property. Hörmann UK has launched their latest innovation, the HAS1 alarm... View Article
Complete Wetroom Protection with Marmox’s Updated Wetroom Range
A truly reliable wetroom starts from the floor up. Marmox’s reworked Showerlay provides a fully waterproof, durable base that keeps floors dry, safe, and comfortable. With flexible drainage options, improved... View Article
The hidden costs of house renovations self-builders often overlook
Anyone who has taken on a home renovation will tell you the same thing. The budget you start with is rarely the budget you finish with. When people first price... View Article
West Fraser’s weather-resistant CaberShield Eco
Continually investing in the improvement of its engineered wood-based panel products, West Fraser has received new BBA certification, confirming its environmentally-friendly CaberShield Eco is capable of withstanding constant exposure to the elements for a full... View Article
The Value of Permanence
Croft’s Paul Clifford on why homeowners and designers are putting more emphasis on quality hardware As interiors continue to evolve in 2026, a clear and confident shift is emerging: homeowners... View Article
Rocking CaberAcoustic for a quiet life
Favoured by specifiers who need to consider solutions to noise pollution in today’s busy, building world, CaberAcoustic from West Fraser is a versatile, economical sound-reducing flooring system which reduces both impact and airborne transmitted... View Article
Garador Launches Portal by Garador – A New Premium Front Door Range
Leading British garage door manufacturer Garador has launched an brand new premium range of front doors. Portal by Garador front doors have been designed and manufactured here in the UK.... View Article
Case Study: Timbers in Woolverstone, Suffolk
Self build isn’t just about building a house – it’s about realising a long-held vision. At VELFAC, we know self builders want outstanding design, exceptional energy performance and a connection... View Article
Setcrete Creates Base for Great British Summer
MKM Stoke branch manager Paul Hodgkiss used Setcrete Exterior levelling compound to deliver a flawlessly smooth base that will withstand exposure to the worst of the British weather for a garden dome at his Nantwich... View Article
Starting a Self-Build? Make sure you have the right protection in place
From Planning Approval to Completion, Protect Your Build at Every Stage As soon as planning permission is in place and you prepare to start work, responsibility sits firmly with you.... View Article
Victorian Elegance Meets New Heights
When Ashley Williams set out to transform their Forest Hill rooftop into a private terrace, the design of their new spiral staircase evolved naturally from the area’s traditional and industrial... View Article