It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a self-builder. Jason Orme unravels the issues of choosing a suitable construction system for your new home Read more...

You can save £1,000s on your self-build or renovation project by taking over the main contractor’s role — but what does it really entail, and is it for you? Jason Orme investigates Read more...

Welcome to the ultimate beginner’s guide to building your own home. Jason Orme explains all the key terms and what you need to know in order to get started Read more...

Construction costs for a new home vary depending on the specification of your house, its size, the number of storeys and your own level of involvement, either in managing the build or in undertaking some of the building work. Read more...

Providing you have a regular income and a reasonable credit history you should have no problem borrowing to build your own home or undertake a renovation/conversion project. Read more...

When you have carried out your design and are satisfied that it meets both your requirements and those of your local authority, it is time to put forward applications for planning approval. Read more...

With climate change finally being recognised as an issue that will affect us all, now is the time to start making adjustments to our lifestyles. Even the smallest change could make a difference to our environmental impact. Read more...

There are many ways in which individuals can make use of small-scale domestic renewable energy systems. When considering the options and deciding which is best for your home, It is important first to distinguish between renewable technologies that generate electricity to help power your appliances and lighting, and those that provide the main energy use of the house: heat. Read more...

There are many ways in which individuals can make use of small-scale domestic renewable energy systems. When considering the options and deciding which is best for your home, It is important first to distinguish between renewable technologies that generate electricity to help power your appliances and lighting, and those that provide the main energy use of the house: heat Read more...

We reveal the most common errors made by self-builders and how you can avoid them Read more...