May 2010

The recent introduction of generous financial incentives for homeowners to generate their own energy is the most significant step this country has ever taken towards encouraging the use of renewables. From solar panels to heat pump installations, what was once a mainly philanthropic venture on the part of the homeowner has now become plain common sense.

In this issue we take a major look at the scheme — called Feed-in Tariffs. Reading the article, I’m reminded that while newspapers and other media outlets might cover the facts of a story like this, it’s only the expertise and experience brought to it by experts like our writer Tim Pullen that can bring out the interesting analysis, interpretation and foibles in depth.

As anyone who has been through an extension knows, the dream of a much-improved home is often tempered by the realities of living on site with building work for months on end. Our article How to Cope With a House Extension aims to present the best ways to minimise the disturbance and examines new systems that can radically reduce build times and, therefore, disruption.

Enjoy the issue.

Jason Orme, Editor

Inside the May 2010 issue of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine...

Homes

As Good as it Gets - A new home combines modern convenience and old world charm
A Labour of Love - Four years of intensive DIY results in a charming barn-style self-build
Eternal Life - After the resurrection of an old church, a modern extension is added
Clearing the Decks - A draughty riverside house makes way for a striking self-build
Return to Grace - A clever renovation makes the most of space and period features
Portfolio - A Glimpse of More Projects Across the UK

ALSO: Creating a life time home - The pick of the best radiators - Coping with an extension project - Feed-in Tariffs explained - How to save on material costs - The pors and cons of replacement dwellings

PLUS: Buyers guides, expert advice and opinions, build cost guide and much, much more...

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Full Contents:

Design

Before & After: A Tired Bungalow Gains a Storey
How to Achieve Character in Your New Home
The Latest Bathroom Basins
Design Masterclass: Creating a Lifetime Home - How to create a home flexible enough for every stage of your life
Stone Flooring: A Complete Buyer’s Guide
Radiators: A Pick of the Best
H&R’s Self-build Product Innovation Awards 2010 - We reveal the products of the future

Advice

Smart Homes: Wired or Wireless?
How to Cope with an Extension Project
Get Paid for Going Green: Feed-in Tariffs Explained - Which renewables should you invest in? The real guide to the rates
Make the Most of Your Brickwork
Cut Costs, Not Quality - Where to save on material costs, without compromising on quality
Toilets: Explained
Replacing an Existing House - The pros, cons, costs and practicalities of replacement dwellings
Build Costs: Electrics
Solutions: Our Experts Answer Your Questions
Getting Started: Do You Need an Architect?

Regulars

Upfront: News, Competitions and Books
In My View - The land beneath your self-build has its own story
Looking Back: Living in an Eco Self-build

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