How to Achieve Self-build Success

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

Win an amplified indoor aerial from One For All

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

Design exteriors

Our Homebuilding and Renovating magazine team of self-build and renovation experts offer their knowledge on all aspects of exterior design, including advice on landscaping, cladding and render, to help you make the most of your outdoor space and ensure it is just as much of a feature as the interiors of your home.

Adding a big pond is a large problem
We contacted the local planning department, hoping to create a pond under the Government’s ‘Million Pond Project’, but were advised that the site is ‘open countryside’ and the pond will result in agricultural land being taken out of production. As such, any application will be refused unless we prove the pond is essential for agriculture or supports a rural diversification strategy. The current planning consent includes a stable adjoining the house; could we reapply to turn this into a holiday let, and stock the pond for private fishing for the guests? Read more...

Can I improve my home's exterior?
I am going to purchase a house that is covered in ugly, modern bricks. I want to keep the brick effect, but wondered if I can change the appearance through decorative paint techniques? Read more...

What should I use to seal decking?
I hope to specify decking for my patio as part of a remodelling project I’m undertaking. What should I use to seal the decking?
Read more

 

 

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Alternatively, if you can't find the answer to your query here, you could try our archive of How to guides or why not ask other members of the online community in the Homebuilding Discussion Forum.