How to Achieve Self-build Success

Self-building needs a mix of many qualities, but are you cut out for the challenge ahead?

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Estimating Service -NEW from Homebuilding & Renovating. Find out how much your self-build is going to cost!

 

My Building Project - Estimating Service

Design Ideas for Sloping Sites
A look at the design implications of building your own home on a sloping site

Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2011

Structure

Our Homebuilding and Renovating magazine team of self-build and renovation experts offer advice on build structure, including information on foundations, groundworks, package suppliers, timber frame, kit homes and structural insulated panels.

Creating shadow gaps around doors
We are building a new home and are keen to have shadow gaps rather than skirting. How will this tie in with the architrave around the doors? Are we able to plaster right up to the internal door frame and do away with architraves? Read more...

Vapour barriers and timber frames
My husband and I are about to embark on building a timber frame cedar-clad house. The one issue we have concerns the vapour barriers and breather membranes. Read more...

Setting out your own foundations is ambitious
I’m about to begin my second self-build. This time I hope to excavate my own strip foundation trenches. I would also like to set up the level boards using a laser level. What type of laser is the most suitable for ensuring the trenches are reasonably level? Read more...

Hire Carpenters to extend in timber
I hope to extend my terraced house using timber frame and SIPs (structural insulated panels). I’ve found plentiful information on using this build system for new homes, but not for extensions. Can you advise? Read more...

Should we rebuild?
We’ve bought a 1970s bungalow. Our architect suggested tearing down the front wall, leaving the rear and side walls, and using SIPs (structural insulated panels). But should we rebuild instead? Read more...

Can I build in timber frame?
I hope to self-build on a plot situated 50m above the beach. My architect – endorsed by the local Building Control – recommended timber frame, but my structural engineer has voiced concerns over using this construction system in close proximity to the coast. What would you advise? Read more...

Finding Technical Information on Building Materials
Can you advise me on where I can find such useful information as the safe working loads for RSJs (rolled steel joints) — and the typical weights of various types of building materials?
Read more

Concealing Beams in Open Plan Spaces
We’re looking to extend our detached house with a ‘bolt-on’ two storey extension. We would like to create an open plan living space, but it will have to support the bedrooms above. Could the first floor be supported without obscuring the open plan space with pillars?
Read more

Can I tie my insulated concrete formwork extension in with my existing building?
I plan to build an extension and was going to build in blockwork, but then heard about insulated concrete formwork (ICF). Can I tie this construction system into an existing building?
Read more

Do structural insulated panels (SIPs) have the lifespan of brick and block?
I originally thought I’d build my new home in brick and block, but I’m now considering SIPs (structural insulated panels). Do SIPs have the lifespan of the former? I’ve been told they don’t.
Read more

 

 

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