Life on the edge
Jane Ramsay and Neil Manfield’s self-built home is a love letter to a happy childhood in west Wales. TEXT Alexandra Pratt IMAGES Martin Gardner Perched on a cliff above the... View Article
Latest Articles
South West homeowners lose nearly £500 million to rogue builders
New FMB research reveals constituency-by-constituency scale of the crisis of rogue builders, with Gloucester, Plymouth and Bournemouth among the hardest hit Homeowners across the South West have lost nearly £500... View Article
Rare Self-Build Opportunity Launches in Sapcote as Red Kite Meadows Opens
located off Orchard Lea Close. Created for those looking to design and build a home tailored to their own lifestyle, Red Kite Meadows offers a unique alternative to traditional new-build... View Article
Patio and driveway drainage issues homeowners should know about
Drainage issues are rising as outdoor projects surge, with pooling water and failing paving becoming common. Many homeowners discover too late that surface water management is a structural decision, not... View Article
FMB warns young homeowners are ditching traditional builder checks for online reviews leaving them vulnerable to cowboy builders
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is warning a ‘digital first approach’ to hiring builders could leave younger homeowners more exposed to rogue builders. New research from the FMB and... View Article
Solarlux cero II sliding doors bring accessibility and natural light to a bungalow in Uphall
At Houston Barns in Uphall, West Lothian, a dated and dark bungalow was transformed into a light-filled, highly accessible modern home with panoramic views. Step-free access and easy door operation... View Article
The most common mistakes when planning a garden deck – and how to avoid them
A well-designed deck can transform the way homeowners use their outdoor space, creating a place to relax, dine, entertain or just enjoy spending more time outside. But getting it right... View Article
Two-Thirds of UK Tradespeople Say Homeowners Ignore Their Advice on Energy-Saving Upgrades
Homeowners prioritise heat pumps (32%) and solar panels (28%) for energy-saving, according to tradespeople. Insulation is the most overlooked upgrade, with nearly a quarter (24%) of tradespeople saying homeowners are... View Article
Consumer Confidence in Builders Costs UK Economy £11.2bn a Year
A lack of consumer confidence is holding back domestic building projects, as one in five households are put off from hiring builders costing the economy £11.2 billion each year. New... View Article
Renovation Nation: MyBuilder report shows shifting priorities for UK homeowners
Brand new report from leading tradesperson platform predicts property trends for 2026 Millions of British homeowners are choosing to invest in their current homes, rather than moving house, according to... View Article
Wall panels vs tiles
Amanda Mills at Saniflo looks at how wall panels compare with traditional tiling in terms of installation time, maintenance and long-term performance. Tiles have long been the default choice for... View Article
1930s home transformed into relaxed & textural retreat
When Demi Keenan, founder of Demi Keenan Interiors, was first introduced to this 1930s red-brick home in Marldon, South Devon, she immediately recognised its potential. Known for her keen eye... View Article
Product & Supplier News
Building Around Nature: A Forever Home Designed for Life
For many self-builders, the dream begins with finding the perfect plot. For Anna and Edward, that dream started with an ancient oak tree. Located in Woolverstone, Suffolk, their one-and-a-half-acre site... View Article
Cedral fibre cement cladding will protect and add ‘wow’ factor
What to choose for the exterior of the dream home you are building or renovating? Why Cedral fibre cement cladding will protect and add a ‘wow’ factor. Together with the roof and... View Article
West Fraser and Kirkwood Timber Frame strengthen partnership to support UK offsite construction growth
A strong and reliable supply chain is essential to the continued growth of offsite construction in the UK, and the collaboration between West Fraser and Kirkwood Timber Frame Ltd is... View Article
Expertly made, timeless timber kitchens
The most successful projects mix contemporary architectural interiors with classical accents, balancing the clean lines of modern design with textural and detailed pieces. Kitchens and homeware brand Neptune has four... View Article
Industry leaders host ‘Live Site’ SIPs CPD event in Leeds
SIPS@Clays and Kingspan Insulation host hands-on Kingspan TEK CPD part 2 – Live Site Application for industry professionals on the benefits of building with SIPs. A group of 33 architects... View Article
New look column radiators from Stelrad
Leading radiator manufacturer, Stelrad Radiators has introduced an Italian-designed new look, improved range of its popular Column radiators – in both its vertical and horizontal column radiator ranges. The most... View Article
Why precision engineering matters in high-performance bifold doors
With contemporary architecture prioritising expansive spans of glazing and minimal framing, bifold doors must be designed and engineered to ensure structural integrity and thermal performance, as well as luxury aesthetics... View Article
Why brushed wood flooring could be the best decision you make for your home
When you are building your own home, every material choice feels significant. You have the freedom to specify exactly what goes into each room, and the responsibility that comes with... View Article
Specialist Self Build VAT Reclaim Service
Claim It Back VAT Refunds are a family run company based in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire that specialise in VAT reclaims for self-build clients who have decided to create their dream home,... View Article
Bjelin marks 10 years as Woodura production grows
Bjelin is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, marking a decade of growth, innovation and international expansion. In the last year, the company has experienced a 40% increase in Woodura flooring growth,... View Article
Not all garage doors are the same
Looking for a new roller garage door? Make sure you choose one that offers good looks and style together with the quality, safety, and security that you would expect. Hörmann’s RollMatic... View Article
Heat pumps could save UK homeowners up to 70% on heating costs amid ongoing energy crisis
Peter Beighton, Managing Director of heat pump specialist Trianco, addresses current energy costs As UK households continue to face rising energy bills, new analysis highlights how switching to an air‑source... View Article