Clearly beautiful

Tanzeela Yasin of IQ Glass explains the aesthetic benefits of including frameless glass balustrades in your project, but also the safety considerations that you need to take into account. Frameless glass balustrades are becoming a popular glazing feature across many... View Article

Looking beneath the surface

David Sherry from Dreadnought Tiles explains the importance of looking beyond the marketing when choosing traditional clay plain tiles. The use of traditional building materials is widely recognised as a vital part of preserving the unique character of our old... View Article

The building blocks of driveway success

Lee Dunderdale of Bradstone spells out everything you need to know about block paving a drive, from planning, design and excavation through to the key aspects of installation, and finishing touches For those who have embarked upon a self-build or... View Article

The lap of luxury

Paul Bailey of Grohe UK offers tips to self-builders on how to add a luxurious feel to your bathroom, whether you’re working to a tight budget, or you are ready to ‘splash some cash’ The term ‘luxury bathroom’ is no... View Article

Windows of opportunity

The Browns had never considered building their own home, but the chance to create a ‘Glasshouse’ with views of the Forth Bridge and Edinburgh Castle was too good to miss. Roseanne Field reports Alan and Lucy Brown had been looking... View Article

Make room outside

David Coleman of Oak Timber Structures explains why the inclusion of an oak gazebo in the garden can add huge value to a property for the long term, and discusses the considerations to bear in mind With fewer people moving... View Article

Taking an alternative route to drainage

When building or renovating a home with no connection to mains drainage for the disposal of sewage, alternative options have to be considered. Burnham Environmental Services’ Mark Newbery explains further The UK currently has four different environmental regulators for surface... View Article

Debunking underfloor heating myths

According to Nigel Sanger of JG Speedfit, many self-builders and property developers are still cautious about installing underfloor heating (UFH) due to rumour and hearsay. Here he dispels the four most common myths Demand for underfloor heating (UFH) is rising,... View Article

A home for life

Mike Lord of Stiltz explains why more and more self-builders are choosing to future-proof their homes by including a ‘homelift’ Building your dream home can be a fantastically rewarding process. This is why, according to studies by the National Custom... View Article

Number 41 takes shape

Andy and Sarah Ball have made great strides on their sustainable Derby build since they last reported in Selfbuilder + Homemaker. Sarah updates on the recent progress. When you left Number 41 the last time round, the one tonne steel... View Article

Tackling timber humidity risk

Niall Crosson of Ecological Building Systems and Michael Foerster of pro clima discuss the need to ensure that unforeseen moisture trapped during timber builds can be released, avoiding damage over time Timber construction is undergoing something of a renaissance in... View Article

Perfect porcelain

The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse’s Chris Grainger discusses the compelling benefits of porcelain floor tiles, from efficiency, cost and maintenance, to the ability to create a precise visual result Choosing flooring for your new home is a big decision. While... View Article

The open and shut case for bi-folds

Homeowners are increasingly looking for glazed extensions, light-filled rooms and the additional space needed for versatile living. Steve Bromberg of Express Bi-folding Doors discusses why aluminium glazing products are the answer for opening up conservatory build plans Providing that it’s... View Article

Shingles made simple

Daniel Redfern of manufacturer Marley Eternit says that installing a timber shingle roof is not as hard as you might think, and offers a step-by-step guide From summer houses and self- builds, through to holiday homes and heritage projects, the... View Article

Three in a row

Despite settling down in their previous self-build home in a Herefordshire village, the opportunity to build a new one next door was too good to resist for Mark and Sharon Young. Roseanne Field reports Alane in the small Herefordshire village... View Article

The joys of going bespoke

Jon Sillitoe of Burlanes Interiors discusses why self-builders should consider investing in a bespoke kitchen, explaining how it worked out for a family in Chelmsford. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, where the family congregates to eat, cook... View Article

Upcycled & Unique

Natalie Lockwood, interior designer and owner of studio and blog Little Mill House, discusses the current upcycling trend, and how you can embrace it to bring a distinctive look and a greener interior. Upcycling has become as mainstream in recent... View Article

The simplicity of SIPs

Paul Newman of Kingspan Timber Solutions explains the simple and compelling concept behind SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels), and why you should consider them in the construction of your new home. Masonry, SIPs, timber frame, ICF, straw bale, oak frame –... View Article