A celebration of self-building

2020 sees the Homebuilding & Renovating brand celebrate the ‘Year of Self-Build’, including the launch of an awards ceremony celebrating the best in the industry at the event due to be held this July The annual National Homebuilding & Renovating... View Article

Five steps to a more sustainable self-build eco-home

Our building legislation contains many sustainability standards to be met. But for many self-builders these are merely the starting point rather than the finish line. Passive House advocates, for instance, argue that the sole focus on carbon emissions, rather than... View Article

A compelling case for composite

Indi Sarkaria of Arbor Forest Products talks through the pros of choosing composite decking, including aesthetics and sustainability, while outlining the most important factors for installation Given the love that Brits have for outdoor spaces, it’s no surprise that the... View Article

Let your garden shine this summer

Steve Grimwood of Osmo UK offers his advice to self-builders on how best to prepare your garden for summer with the right decking Many of us spend a considerable amount of time creating homes and gardens to be proud of.... View Article

Metallic moments

Ally Dowsing-Reynolds of home decor specialist Dowsing & Reynolds explains why metallics are a great trend for interiors, and gives practical advice on how best to bring striking accents to your home. Whether it’s handles, light fittings or switches and sockets,... View Article

Simpson Strong-Tie’s fastener range goes premium

Introducing the brand new Premium Fasteners range by leading construction manufacturer Simpson Strong-Tie; featuring superior strength nails and screws to cover almost every application and showcased in the newly released Premium Fasteners Catalogue. Europe’s leading range of superior nails and... View Article

Ask the Expert: Why we need permeable paving & SuDS

Chris Hodson of Interpave answers the questions on why a responsible approach to rainwater drainage – in both new and existing homes – is key WHAT’S WRONG WITH OUR DRAINAGE? As our towns and cities continue to grow, more rainwater... View Article

MVHR: sourcing the essential resource

EnviroVent’s Larry Soper gives his top tips on specifying the correct MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) system to provide fresh air to your air-tight property Self-builders are increasingly choosing MVHR as their preferred choice for ventilating a new home.... View Article

Buying into the concept

Wanting to be part of the self-build hotspot that is Graven Hill, Dheeraj and Taniya Malik found a building system that they liked so much, they set up a business based around it TEXT Jess Unwin IMAGES Jess Unwin &... View Article

Meeting UK energy efficiency targets with Eurobrick

The BBC recently reported that nearly two thirds of UK homes fail to meet long-term energy efficiency targets, with more than 12 million homes falling below the C grade on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). Due to the amount of older... View Article

Lifeline for ChildLine

Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, has stepped into help leading children’s charity, ChildLine, with extra funds to help it through the Covid-19 pandemic. The charity, which supports some 800 young people each day, needed an urgent cash injection... View Article

Passive impressive

A retired eco building enthusiast fulfilled a dream to create an ultra low energy home by upgrading a barn he originally built in North Yorkshire using ‘Passive House’ principles Text: Jayne Dowle Images: Green Building Store When Pete Smith heard... View Article