Build a house

Preliminaries
Preparation is the key to self-building, and this section looks at all the preliminaries you need to consider, including budget and finance, planning permission, design and materials.

Structure
This section looks at the substructure, including groundworks and foundations, and the superstructure, which is the outer skin of the house. It also looks at the variety of building methods available, including brick and blockwork and timber frame.

External Finishes
The exterior of your house is what the world sees, so it's important to get it right. This section looks at your external finish options, such as cladding, renders, brick and stone work. It also looks at the different types of windows and doors available.

Roofing & Roof Structure
A look at different types of roof structure and roof coverings, including trusses and beams, roof tiles, flat roofs, grass roofs and curved roofs.

Insulation
Insulation is a very important part of any house. Not only does it determine how much heat your house retains, it can also have an effect on your overall energy costs. This section examines all the insulation options.

Heating & Plumbing
Choosing a heating and plumbing system for your self-build can be a complicated process, especially in these eco-conscious times. This section examine the options available.

Mechanical & Electrical
A look at electrical systems for your home, including automated systems and security.

Plastering
Interior finishes are just as important as exterior finishes. This section examines different plastering techniques and effects.