Features

The idea of lifetime home design has already entered the Building Regulations and by 2013 the standards will change to ensure all new homes are ‘inclusive’. But as a self-builder you can go further by considering these design ideas. Part two looks at materials, walk-in showers, sustainable design and much more.

The idea of lifetime home design has already entered the Building Regulations and by 2013 the standards will change to ensure all new homes are ‘inclusive’. But as a self-builder you can go further by considering these design ideas. Part one looks at orientation, planning, access, storage space and much more.

From children flying the nest to the inevitability of old age, your family’s living requirements will be constantly evolving. Michael Holmes shows how a few simple alterations to your design could create the only home you’ll ever need.

Getting a good design is critical to the success of your self-build project — but just who is best qualified for the task? We look at the benefits of using an architect versus making your own design using a CAD software package.

Advice on from self-build expert Mark Brinkley on the implications of building on a plot with existing foundations; including information on how this would be classed in terms of VAT reclaims and whether it is possible to change the floor plan.

An instructional video from Bricky.com on how to hand mix the perfect mortar. Plus step-by-step guides on how to mix cement using a mixer and some handy tips for working with mortar.

A step-by-step guide to wall and ceiling repairs from Wickes DIY

The kitchen is probably the most used room in the house. It is where the day starts and ends and is generally a hive of activity when the family is at home. It is therefore very important that this room is well organised and the use of space is carefully planned.

This leaflet from Wickes DIY is all about planning to make your kitchen safe, pleasant and relaxing to work in. It will also help to ensure that you have a kitchen to be proud of and which will add value to your home

Wickes DIY stock a wide range of drainage products, whether it's to replace old drainage systems in the event of collapse, or install new during home improvements. The purpose of this leaflet is to provide you with basic details on what you may find underground.

How to deal with different types of materials that have been used over recent years i.e. clay, ductile iron, cast iron and PVCu, showing you how to join new to old. Providing you with a basic understanding of the regulations governing and testing, of underground drainage. Whilst trying to help you avoid some of the pitfalls.

Plastering is a traditional skill which presents challenges for tradesmen as well as for DIYers. The Wickes DIY Unique Plastering System has been devised to provide advanced products with enhanced features, which would not only benefit the serious plasterer, but also enable successful use by the confident DIYer.

A vast amount of expensive heat escapes from your home through the loft. Department of the Environment figures show that up to 26% of heat loss escapes through this route but this is not the whole story. During the summer, a lot of excess heat enters your home through the roof.

This Good Idea leaflet from Wickes DIY shows you ways to carry out worthwhile insulation of the loft, tanks, pipes and under suspended timber floors.

You’ll get lots of well-meaning advice when you start your project.
But here’s our collection of the little gems that really will make things easier. Part two includes advice on DIY, design, structure, VAT savings and more.

In our series examining build costs, serial self-builder David Snell looks at on-site drainage — with a complete cost breakdown and advice on how to reduce costs. Plus we reveal our benchmark house.

You’ll get lots of well-meaning advice when you start your project. But here’s our collection of the little gems that really will make things easier. Part one looks at budget, plots, finding tradesmen, sourcing materials and more.

In certain areas, a sloping site is the norm and in fact adds to the appeal for that region — as with slopes come views. But they don’t come cheaply and the greater the slope on the land, the more it’s going to cost to build on it.

If you are planning on having a fire or stove, you’ll need to understand the inner workings of a chimney. With the help of a detailed diagram, we guide you through the chimney, from flue to hearth.

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.

Many people think that combined heat and power units are the future of home energy generation — problem is, they’ve been saying that for a while. Tim Pullen reports on the latest developments in combined heat and power.

In our series examining key self-build decisions, Mark Brinkley demystifies the baffling process of specifying insulation with a brief look at under floor insulation, cavity wall insulation, insulated wall systems, roof insulation and more.

Do German builders simply have a better work ethic than ours, or is there something more valuable we can learn from their famous efficiency? Mark Brinkley reports.

Your internal doors are the very first point of contact on entering a room: you see them close up, you touch them, plus they form the background of any interior scheme, and as such their importance should never be overlooked.

It is surprising how many people go to great lengths to build themselves a fantastic home, stylishly furnished and decorated, then go and ruin it all by choosing mismatched finishing touches, including door handles and knobs.

A neglected Victorian home gains character and cosy interiors thanks to an eco makeover.

What works for one family will not necessarily work for another when it comes to kitchens, but there are certainly several design rules that make sense when it comes to creating a great family kitchen area.

Timber frame is the fastest growing construction method in the UK. This advertisment feature from Kingspan Potton explains how to choose the best timber frame for your project.

Electrical safety information from Wickes DIY

Whether building a wall in the garden, laying a patio, adding an extension, converting a garage into an office or simply making a concrete path, one question is certain to crop up. "How much do I need?" It is probably one of the most important questions and one that tends to cause the most confusion when trying to work out the answer. Brought to you by Wickes DIY

Storms can and do cause expensive damage to your property both in and outside. With the effects of GlobalWarming these storms could become more violent, more common and affect more people throughout the country.

Expert advice from Homebuilding & Renovating Editor Jason Orme about which construction route is the cheapest and most cost-effective.

Aladdin Auto Vents eliminate the need to carry out the regular chore of bleeding radiators. This advertisement feature from Heatandplumb.com explains how they work.