Pump up the volume

Donna-Marie Evans of LG Electronics explains why heat pumps are the right choice for UK housebuilders and homeowners to comply with the Future Homes Standard, and tackles some myths With recent announcements from the Government about the decarbonisation of heating... View Article

Reducing flue risk

It’s easy to overlook the importance of chimney and flue design, says Dennis Milligan of the British Flue and Chimney Manufacturers Association, explaining some of the basic rules to bear in mind When constructing a new dwelling, the route of... View Article

In search of space

A growing family in a London conservation area sought the help of an architect close to home to help them expand their modest property for the long-term, having caught the extension bug on an earlier project TEXT TOM BODDY IMAGES... View Article

Four times lucky

Taking on one major renovation project is ambitious enough – but what happens when you take on four simultaneously, including a historic mill? John Chasey and Eleanor are reaping the benefits of embracing the challenge TEXT EWEN MACDONALD IMAGES EWEN... View Article

Beating the odds

Achieving an affordable ‘forever home’ in the right location seemed an impossible dream for a Berkshire family, but Laura Hardie-Gleed and husband Ian succeeded against all the odds by transforming a run-down 1960s property TEXT ROSEANNE FIELD IMAGES LAURA HARDIE-GLEED... View Article

Appealing to owners

Enhancing a property and adding to its kerb appeal is all about making the right choice of windows, entrance doors, landscaping and, of course, the garage door. David O’Mara of Hörmann UK explains more Although often overlooked, the garage can... View Article

netMAGmedia launches new construction industry podcast

netMAGmedia, which publishes a range of titles for the construction sector, presents the Building Insights podcast, which speaks to key voices from across the industry. Engaging with thought leaders from the worlds of design, construction, development, self-build and social housing... View Article

Self-build boost could help tackle homes crisis – LPDF

A report recommending a package of proposals to expand opportunities for custom and self-build housing could play a role in tackling the UK’s housing crisis, according to the Land Promoters and Developers Federation (LPDF). The proposals will encourage people to... View Article

How to spot the potential of an ugly building plot

By Mark Morris, planning consultant at London-based residential architecture practice, Urbanist Architecture… When you think of a potential building plot, what comes to mind? For some people, it will be that very American image of future development staked out with... View Article

Custom and self-build homes to get scale-up boost

Up to 40,000 new homes a year should be custom or self-built according to a government-commissioned review released on August 21st. MP Richard Bacon’s House: How putting customers in charge can change everything offers a route map on how the... View Article

The beginnings of scale for custom build housing

The Government have (Saturday, 21 August) published the results of the Bacon Review following a commission by the Prime Minister to set out a plan for a major scaling of self-commissioned housing across all tenures in England. Custom Build Homes... View Article

Making the most of your outdoor space

Charles Taylor, director at Composite Prime, discusses how the garden can be used as an extension of the home, focusing on the practicalities and benefits composite decking can offer The pandemic drove homeowners to reevaluate their gardens as an extension... View Article

Stepping it up

Katie Chown of Spiral UK has researched the latest trends in staircase design, and proposes some fresh ideas for your self-build project One thing is for sure, the shutdown of movement across the country has not stopped people from ordering... View Article

Here’s one they made earlier

Potton MD Mark Stevenson explains how the evolution of ‘prefab’ or ‘flatpack’ methods of self-building means the the assumption they prevent customisation is an now outdated one When you think of the terms ‘flatpack’ and ‘prefab’, you might picture a... View Article

Action stations

If you’re building a dream home away from it all in a beautiful countryside location, it may mean no access to the mains sewer; Dan Berry from Harlequin Manufacturing explains why packaged pump stations are a simple answer If a... View Article

The home front

What will you choose for your dream home’s facade? Lisa Grosse of Cedral explains why fibre cement cladding makes a great choice, for both practical reasons and the aesthetic ‘wow’ factor As well as providing protection against heat, cold, wind,... View Article

Reduce your water footprint

Bart Sobieszczanski of Ideal Standard answers the key questions around how to specify bathroom products to maximise water-saving benefits, and increase your build’s sustainability as well as cost-efficiency When it comes to water-saving in the home, one of the main... View Article