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

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

The best bricks for your build

Jason Hughes of Imperial Bricks has tips on choosing bricks for your self-build Many self-build projects may be on hold while we work through the COVID-19 crisis, with homebuilders and renovators using the time to research the right products for... 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... 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

Balustrading best practice

Dominic Meakins of Demon Designs explores the different factors to be aware of when specifying glass or appointing a glass contractor for your self-build, in particular when it comes to getting glass balustrades right Stunning, unique features can be achieved... View Article

Passive impressive

LISTEN HERE 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... View Article

Hope for the best

LISTEN HERE Nicki Hogg’s self-build saw her and her partner go from surprise auction to acquiring a desirable south Devon plot in Hope Cove for their forever home Text & Images: Ewen Macdonald It was a chance visit to a... View Article

Open House London

LISTEN HERE Despite having no initial plans to alter their traditional Victorian family home in Greenwich, David and Nicola Fleming ended up reinventing it, building two highly contemporary extensions which dramatically improve look and layout Text: Debbie Jeffery Images: Joseph... View Article

A different view

LISTEN HERE Despite a distinct lack of windows and character in general, Philippa Neilson-Factor and husband Tony took a punt on reinventing an uninspiring Essex bungalow with potential for an amazing outlook Text Karen Wilson Images ODC Door & Glass... View Article

Storage solutions for awkward spaces

Megan Baker, head of design at My Fitted Bedroom, discusses how to make the most of awkward bedroom spaces, for maximum storage Bedrooms come in all different shapes and sizes, with awkward spaces being a common problem for many homeowners.... View Article

Reclaiming control

Rob Lea had always wanted to design and build his own home, and convert an old barn, so when the opportunity came to do both – using reclaimed materials – he jumped at the chance TEXT Roseanne Field IMAGES Rob... View Article

Daring to be different

Ex-headteacher Joan Morters opted for a timber-built passive house system and a roof shaped like butterfly wings for her retirement home TEXT JESS UNWIN IMAGES JESS UNWIN & JOAN MORTERS Former teacher Joan Morters’ self-build story is an inspiring lesson... View Article

Recycled retreat

Almost everything was recycled or reinvented in Sally and John Medforth’s rural retreat TEXT Heather Dixon   IMAGES Dave Burton When Sally and John Medforth bought a hillside farm in Yorkshire it came with a series of dilapidated 18th century... View Article

A family affair

Many parents would feel sceptical about letting their child design their future home. But for one couple in Liverpool, handing over the reins to their daughter turned out to be the best decision they made TEXT ANNA REYNOLDS IMAGES FAMILY’S... View Article

Making the most of MMC

Oliver Rehm of kit house provider Baufritz discusses the increasing move towards offsite ‘modern methods of construction’ (MMC), why self-builders should consider it, and what offsite manufacturers can do to help them on their journey What is your assessment of... View Article

Right as rain

LISTEN HERE Sally Moores of Yeoman Rainguard outlines the choices of metal rainwater system available to self-builders, and how to decide which is best for your project With an abundant choice of rainwater systems on the market there is certainly... View Article