Inspiration and advice for your building project
Everything you need to know about building or renovating your own home - from finding a plot to fitting a skirting board. If you're new to the idea, check out our Beginner's section. We've also got leading expert advice on project success, planning permission, technical guides, DIY projects and much more.
A basement is often the best way to increase space without impacting on the house’s...
One question facing self-builders is whether to go for a wet or dry system of wall covering. The...
There is more than one way to build a house or extension. This means that, if you’re looking...
How ‘Green’ Are They? Green roofs are, without doubt, one of the more visible signals...
The requirement to contribute to local affordable housing used to be targeted at big developers. No...
This regularly updated article features the current self build mortgage rates being offered by a wide range of building societies. All data is sourced from moneyfacts.co.uk
When it comes to home improvements, many of us are comfortable undertaking tasks such as painting or wallpapering. Some people draw the line at installing floor tiles, opting for a professional to do the job instead. In reality, tiling needn’t be...
An in depth guide to solar power. Includes advice on thermal, PV, PVT and more.
How do you claim your money — and maximise your savings? We explain the reclaiming process.
Is subsidence necessarily terminal for an old house? Natasha Brinsmead investigates how to spot the signs, how to treat it and what the long term implications may be.
Unused attic space can become valuable living accommodation quite easily — and at surprisingly low cost. James Hatter explains all you need to know.
I have a 3 acres of flat land, made up of two paddocks and grassed land, with good sea views down a valley, 15 mins walk to a beach in Devon. All the land sits to the left hand side of my property and 150 foot driveway - running up to within 20...
I want to build a SIP home in livable stages such as:
Stage 1: Lay foundation, Build Sip Structure 1 and live in it for 12 months.
Stage 2: Lay next foundation, take down SIP dividing wall from stage 1 and join/build SIP structure 2...
A friend of mine has just had a quote through for a small extension that comes in at around £3,000/m2 - it's a for a small utility room extension that can't be any bigger than 5m2 in new space. Builder initially quoted £14,000 but went...
I have just recieved a quotation for an electricity connection to my new self build, the price seems a little high for what they actually have to do . (7,000 pounds)
The connection will be a single phase supply off the main line which...
For a complete beginner with no skills, other than organising, what is the cheapest form of self-building? Blockwork, timber frame, hay bale, you name it — I’d be interested to know which construction route is the most cost-effective for me?
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