Painting pointers

Painting pointers

Paint is the finishing touch for a vital looking exterior for either new builds or refurbishments, but as Tony Pearson-Young from AkzoNobel says, there is some essential practical advice to bear in mind A fresh coat of paint can help rejuvenate... View Article

Four trends for ‘24

Bathrooms have evolved from practical spaces to stylish sanctuaries, merging function with design. Jasmine Rowe from HiB explains how self-builders can tap into this year’s key design trends to discover the mix they need For bathroom designers, there are the... View Article

The Vital Role of Plumbers in Building Projects

Plumbers, also known as Plumbing and Heating Engineers, play a critical role in the success of building projects. Their expertise ensures that water and gas systems are installed correctly, operate efficiently, and comply with safety standards. In this comprehensive guide,... View Article

Creak-free flooring from West Fraser

CaberFloor P5 is a high-performance particleboard from West Fraser, which is widely specified by developers, architects and self-builders due to its stability, durability and ease of installation. The high-density panels come in thicknesses of 18 or 22mm, in both square-edged... View Article

Keeping your friends close

By letting their good friend, renowned architect Richard Murphy take the lead, a couple in the east coast of Scotland are now living in a bold and beautifully designed home that fully embraces modern architecture TEXT Nik Hunter IMAGES Crispin... View Article

Cowie charity donations

The team at West Fraser’s plant in Cowie, Scotland has donated a total of £13,000 to four local community groups which provide vital care and wellbeing support. Staff at the site handed out this beneficial funding to the groups and charities,... View Article

Bring steel windows and doors into the bathroom

Steel in the home continues to dominate in the home fashion stakes; internal partitions and large steel windows replace solid doors and walls in contemporary homes. And, with advice from the Steel Window Association, homeowners can enjoy plenty of options... View Article

Dedicate more space to the kitchen with Keller

The Keller team creates kitchens of all shapes, styles, colours and sizes so, when the 2024 UK Houzz kitchen report was published, it was welcomed! Houzz discovered that homeowners are dedicating more space to their new kitchen and utility room in a renovation project. The kitchen has always been the centre of the home where cooking, eating,... View Article

Ask the Expert: Prefab-ulous

Discover how kit homes can offer a streamlined approach to your self-build project, while minimising risks along the way. Baufritz’s Oliver Rehm sheds light on some important FAQs What are kit homes & modular solutions? A kit home looks the... View Article

Bifold vs Sliding Doors – now there is a third option

For those considering a renovation, extension or their very own self-build home project, choosing the right glazed door system for the project is just one decision to be made. Typically that decision has meant choosing between bifold and sliding doors... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

Navigating their way through planning hurdles and DIY adventures, Fiona & Jon’s eco self-build journey is a testament to their patience and bravery, including getting their hands dirty to stay within budget constraints ‘Never again!’ That was what we said... View Article

A grand slam for eco-living

This year, Grand Designs Live promises an immersive experience with exhibitors across four key sectors: build, kitchens and bathrooms, gardens, and interiors.  The show will take place over nine days, including engaging talks led by renowned TV broadcaster and design... View Article

Directing a Cornish fairy tale

Anglophile and ex-Disney executive Kathleen Gearhart-Filmer moved to Cornwall to turn a concrete house into a magical coastal retreat TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Leighton James Several years ago, while on holiday with her baby daughter in Carbis Bay, west Cornwall, Kathleen... View Article

Top tips for building with structural timber

Structural timber really is a great option for selfbuild projects as it has a whole host of advantages over other building materials: it’s sustainable, economical, thermally efficient and can be constructed quickly. Here are some top tips to help you... View Article

Light, Bright and Beautiful

Seeking a bespoke home that suited their lifestyle, Helen and Neil embarked upon their self-build journey in 2019 when they purchased a property that had belonged to family. Having previously lived in and liked the area, Brookmans Park, a village in... View Article

Beautiful kitchens are a breeze for Keller

Classic simplicity and modern design merge in the new Ocean Breeze kitchen scheme from Keller. The contrast between both the deep black oak (melamine) and the ocean paint finish (silk gloss lacquer), along with the smoked glass cabinets and stunning ceramic worktop creates... View Article