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Homebuilding & Renovating Show
The National H&R Show 18-21 March 2010 at the NEC in Birmingham

Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Houseplan

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

Houseplan

Planning advice

Building in the Countryside: Planning Permission

Claire Lloyd explains how to go about getting the good life by building or renovating a home in the countryside. Replacements dwellings, conversions and Agricultural Occupancy could all provide a new countryside home.

This ‘exemplar’ design by Future Systems is sited within a Kent Conservation Area

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.

Renovations: General Checks

Renovations: Assessing the Potential

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 tells you how to make sure you can get what you want out of the property.

Renovations: Assessing the Potential

Renovations: Assessing the Structure

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 working out what needs replacing or repairing.

Renovations: Assessing the Structure

A Guide to the New Permitted Development Rules

The rules on Permitted Development (PD) – what you can do to your house without needing planning approval – have recently changed. David Snell assesses whether it’s for better or worse.

An extended 1930s bungalow

Using Permitted Development Effectively

The rules on Permitted Development (PD) – what you can do to your house without needing planning approval – have recently changed. David Snell looks at how self-builders and renovators can use them to their advantage.

Using Permitted Development Effectively

From Bland to Grand: Planning & Costs

Transforming a drab post-war property into a modern home

From Bland to Grand: Planning and Costs

Contemporary Living in an Old Home: Part One

We reveal the design and planning implications of transforming your period home for modern life, and how to achieve harmony between old and new

Contemporary Living in an Old Home

Contemporary Living in an Old Home: Part Two

We reveal the design and planning implications of transforming your period home for modern life, and how to achieve harmony between old and new

Contemporary Interiors

Contemporary Living in an Old Home: Case Studies

We reveal the design and planning implications of transforming your period home for modern life, and how to achieve harmony between old and new

Contemporary Extensions

Extending Your Home: Part One

A comprehensive guide to planning an extension that will maximise both your living space and the resale value of your home

Extending Your Home: Part One

Extending Your Home: Part Two

A comprehensive guide to planning an extension that will maximise both your living space and the resale value of your home

Phillips - Extension

Creating New Spaces From Old

However much charm and period character your renovation project has, it is likely that for it to work well for you, some changes to its layout will need to be made. Natasha Brinsmead explains the best ways to create new spaces from old

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10 Conversion Problems....Solved!

The idea of turning an old building into a new home is appealing, but not without its problems. Developer and conversions expert Michael Brinsmead lists the top 10 factors to look out for when considering buying a property to convert.

How to get planning approval for conversions

How to Find the Right Renovation Architect

Period properties can all too easily be damaged or devalued by unsympathetic work. Brenda Greysmith explains how to find and work with suitable specialist architects and surveyors.

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How to Spot the Best Conversion Opportunities

Converting commercial buildings can be an affordable way to get large living space in an urban location. But how do you identify the right opportunity? Alex Hendry investigates.

How to get planning approval for conversions

Planning Permission: Case Studies

Three real-life planning case studies

Planning Permission: Case Studies

Understanding Planning Permission

An expert's guide to getting over the key stumbling blocks 

Understanding Planning Permission

Changes to planning permission

Scheme announced by the government is good news for those wanting to extend their home

Building Regulations

Planning Approval for Conversions

Converting old buildings into residential use is a particularly controversial planning issue. Planning consultant Ken Dijksman reveals the essential rules of engagement.

How to get planning approval for conversions

20 Things You Need to Know Before Extending Your Home

Thinking of extending your home? Make sure you know where you stand with the planners, design and the law, says Michael Holmes.

Extending your home

20 Things You Can Do - No Planning Required

The best way to avoid the hassle of planning is to undertake projects that don’t need it at all, as our planning expert Ken Dijksman reveals.

Rooflights

Design Problems and Their Solutions

How to overcome any potential site problems

Design Problems

Extending Cottages

Period cottages are bursting with charm, but they don’t always fit in with our modern lifestyles. Natasha Brinsmead looks at the various ways in which they can be altered and extended whilst still retaining their appeal

Extending Cottages

How to get the most from your House Designer - Part One

There are many different ways in which to design your self-build project, but how do you know which route is best for you? David Snell, who doesn’t hold a great lot of respect for architects,explains, starting with deciding on a design and choosing your design route.

Getting the most from your house designer