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Renovation Projects
A radically remodelled upside down bungalow in a suburban setting.

Houseplan

Houseplan for a new 2 storey home in the style of a traditional long house with 3 bedrooms

planning your project

Practical advice from the UK’s leading self-build experts to help you bring in your project on time, on budget.

FINANCE

A range of features that examine all aspects of financing your renovation or conversion project.

How to Cut Costs without Sacrificing Quality
Uncertain economic times like these offer great opportunities for self-builders and renovators. But it is well worth reassessing your project to see where you can save financially without compromising on the overall quality. Michael Holmes explains how.

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DESIGN ADVICE

Fresh ideas to help you create the perfect interiors for your home. Also, how to overcome any potential site design problems.

Design Masterclass: Barn Conversions
Converting a barn is a chance to create a unique home in a rural location — so why do so many people get it wrong? Michael Holmes explains the key design issues, how to please the planners, and how to avoid the common mistakes.

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PLANNING ADVICE

Reduce the risks before you start your project by taking a look at planning advice articles.

Renovations: General Checks
If you are looking for a house to do up, this simple checklist will help you spot potential — and the warning signs of problems that could be expensive to put right. In this part, Michael Holmes looks at the simple things you can do without a lawyer.

Essential checks for renovation properties

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WHAT SHOULD I PAY?

Compare and contrast and a look at average costs for your project. Compare and contrast and a look at average costs for your project. Plus comprehensive guides to what to expect when budgeting for your renovation, conversion or extension.

Budgeting for Internal Finishes
The internal finishes you choose for your home, such as wall and floor finishes, second fix carpentry, internal joinery, kitchens and bathrooms, should be worked into your budget as early as possible. Mark Brinkley explains.

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SPECIFICATION ADVICE

A complete buyer's guide to everything from lighting to fireplaces and flooring to range cookers. Find the right products and systems for your project.

How to Build Quality into Your Home
Can you build ‘quality’ into your project? There are two ways of answering this question. The obvious one is to specify lots of expensive materials; but the other side of the quality issue – and the one we seek to address here – concerns standards.

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PRACTICAL ADVICE

Easy-to-follow step-by-step guides to everything from 'How to strip paint' to 'Restoring old beams'.

Subsidence Solutions
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.

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PROJECT MANAGEMENT

From spotting and solving problems during your project to expert advice on avoiding the pitfalls before you begin.

The 20 most common renovation mistakes and how to avoid them
Renovating an old property can be a great way to get your dream home and climb the housing ladder, but it can also be a minefield for the unwary, warns Michael Holmes.

From the publishers of Homebuilding & Renovating...

Real Homes

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