How to Achieve Self-build Success
Self-building needs a mix of many qualities, but are you cut out for the challenge ahead?
How to Achieve Self-build Success
Self-building needs a mix of many qualities, but are you cut out for the challenge ahead?
Estimating Service -NEW from Homebuilding & Renovating. Find out how much your self-build is going to cost!
Design Ideas for Sloping Sites
A look at the design implications of building your own home on a sloping site
I couldn't resist not joining the dozens of commentators looking ahead to what the next year will bring. Looking at our little world of self-build and renovation, here goes:
1. A huge upsurge in interest in renewables. The introduction of attractive Feed-in Tariffs - essentially getting paid to export energy back to the grid - in April 2010 will instantly transform the financial viability of many renewables, in particular PV solar power.
2. In terms of house design, I'm thinking that the key trend not just for 2010 but for the next decade will be flexible living. The ideal home for the next generation includes independent annexes for elderly relatives and teenage children, more ground floor living accommodation and plenty of renewable energy supply. A home for life in the truest sense of the word.
You can see more on our views - on video - here
Jason Orme has been the Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating for many years and has written on property and self-build matters for, amongst others, The Independent and The Telegraph. He self-built in 2004 and is looking for another plot.