Putting experience into practice

A few previously unencountered bumps in the road on John and Sue’s fifth project were no match for these seasoned self-builders TEXT Jayne Dowle IMAGES CillaCam Photography As a veteran self-builder, John Askew has plenty of advice to share. When... View Article

Making a visual splash

From innovative fixtures to minimalist, seamless designs and natural colour palettes, Hayley Bowman of Frontline Bathrooms explores likely trends for 2025 in the bathroom to help inspire your choices As we near the end of the year, we start to... View Article

A total transformation

Building projects are not normally renowned for being ‘joyous adventures’ but David and Suzanne say their experience in Fife has been exactly that TEXT Nik Hunter IMAGES Robert Perry The couple’s self-build adventures commenced in August 2021 when the couple... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

Navigating a few significant bumps in the road hasn’t deterred Sally and Nick from persevering with a conversion from a Class Q to a full planning permission in Devon, knowing that dream can now become a reality People ask why... View Article

Ask the Expert: The comfort factor from underfloor heating

Andrew Curry of Schlüter-Systems discusses the benefits and installation options for underfloor heating systems, and how to create a cosy and energy-efficient heating solution What are the key benefits of using underfloor heating systems compared to traditional heating methods? It... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Bedrooms

For many of us our bedroom remains the important sanctuary – the ultimate space to switch off at the end of a busy day. Whether you’re creating your own relaxing retreat, a functional yet fun kids’ room or a peaceful... View Article

Offsite timber systems are on the menu

The Structural Timber Association talks through timber-based offsite technology and how it can provide self-builders with the ultimate solution in terms of accuracy, control and cost-effectiveness Any structural method created in a factory away from the building site comes under... View Article

Navigating the world of wastewater

Sequencing Batch Reactor technology should be the way forward for wastewater management, says David Stagg of Graf UK The world of wastewater treatment has become a dynamic, complex, and challenging one. Nutrient neutrality that requires reductions in nitrates and phosphates,... View Article

Having the vision

Alissa and David Talbot transformed their cramped London maisonette into a beautiful and practical home to house their growing family TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Joe Whitmore/Carta Nova It was the summer of 2021 and Alissa and David were living in... View Article

More brands, more stands, more fun

27-29th September Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre Screwfix LIVE, the “omnichannel” retailer’s flagship event dedicated to trade and DIY enthusiasts, is coming back to Farnborough in September. The free-to-enter show is returning to Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre... View Article

Passivhaus comforts, ‘automatically’

Tyron Cosway of Loxone looks at the role building automation can play in maximising the comfort and liveability of low energy Passivhaus designs As the demand for sustainable living solutions rises, the concept of Passivhaus design has garnered significant attention... View Article

Scandi style

Paul Berry and his Swedish partner Pernilla have built a Scandinavian-inspired contemporary family home in Surrey with copious natural light TEXT Debbie Jeffery IMAGES Jonathan Reid “We were actually living in New York when we first started our self-build project,”... View Article

Futureproofing homes forever

For many customers, the ability to continuing to live in the same house as they age is a huge driver. Vaila Morrison of Stannah discusses the home lift types available to fully futureproof your home In the 1980s, people moved... View Article

To the Manar born

France’s loss was Scotland’s gain when a couple decided to abandon ideas to renovate a French chateau and took on Manar House in Inverurie instead TEXT Nik Hunter IMAGES Elliot Roberts Christina and Dean Horspool have always had big ideas,... View Article

Integrating aesthetics and sustainability

Dan Redfern of Marley predicts that integrating renewable technology on the roof will a key solution for self-builders seeking the balance between sustainable yet still aesthetically pleasing homes Of the 200,000 new homes being built in the UK, around 10%... View Article

A calculated risk

Despite the risks associated with buying a dated bungalow in the South Downs National Park over 200 miles away from his home, Philip Westcott was prepared to take the chance thanks to the advice of his building-savvy son TEXT Jayne... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

Completing a full home renovation a few years ago gave Wayne and Kandi the urge to take on a bigger project, but spending three years and counting living in two caravans with their four children and dog hasn’t been plain... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Living Rooms

Being the space where most of us head to at the end of a busy day, the living room is one of the key spaces where you’re going to relax and enjoy the home you’ve created. Find inspiration for how... View Article

A fusion of function & art

Far more than a functional necessity, Best Heating’s John Lawless explores how ‘designer’ radiators can allow you to combine creativity with common-sense heating functionality Home is where the heart is, and every element within it should resonate with a homeowner’s... View Article