Project management

Getting Started: Building Regulations

The Building Regulations are a complex set of documents to grasp — so let H&R explain how they will affect your project.

How to Make Your Site Safe

While health and safety on large building sites is stringently regulated, self-builders have been known to take things less seriously — at their peril. Mark Brinkley lists the key issues.

How to Find a Great Builder

There aren’t any guarantees when it comes to builders — but you need to give yourself the best chance of ending up with the kind of builder you should be finding. By Jason Orme.

6 Key Stages to a Stress Free Project

Despite what you might think from watching self-build TV programmes, building projects don’t have to be dramas. Jason Orme explains how to bring yours in on time, on budget.

How to Cope With an Extension Project - Part One

The dream is a home transformed — but the reality is having to live on site with builders and lots of mess for months. Jason Orme explains what to expect from an extension project, and how to make life easier.

How to Cope With an Extension Project - Part Two

The dream is a home transformed — but the reality is having to live on site with builders and lots of mess for months. Jason Orme explains what to expect from an extension project, and how to make life easier.

How Fast Can You Build a House?

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.

Save £1,000s on Your Self-build…by Negotiating

Negotiation is a powerful tool. Self-builders accustomed to it will pay a lot less on their project than those who don’t feel confident enough to try. Melanie Griffiths explains the process.

How to Negotiate - Expert Advice

The level of discount you can expect from any supplier will depend largely on their mark-up on the product, but there is almost always room for negotiation. Here are our tips:

How to spot a top tradesman

A short video of top tips from trading standards agency TrustMark on how to avoid being taken for a ride by rogue tradesmen.

From Bland to Grand: Planning & Costs

Transforming a drab post-war property into a modern home doesn't have to cost the earth, and depending on the changes you want to make, you may not even need planning permission.

Extending Your Home: Part One

An appropriately designed extension will maximise both your living space and the resale value of your home, but who should draw up the plans, who should undertake the buiilding work and how much will it all cost? Clive Fewins answers all these questions and more.

Extending Your Home: Part Two

An appropriately designed extension will maximise both your living space and the resale value of your home, but who should draw up the plans, who should undertake the buiilding work and how much will it all cost? Clive Fewins answers all these questions and more.

Renovation: Your Step-by-step Planner

Taking a considered step-by-step approach to your renovation project will ensure you get the best out of your property and prevent work from having to be done twice, says Michael Holmes.

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.

The Trades Explained: The Roofer

Who does what, and when? It might seem obvious, but when you’re running a building project, you’ll need to know exactly what to expect of each of the trades you employ — and how much you should be paying. David Snell continues the investigation by looking at roofers.

The Trades Explained: The Carpenter

Who does what, and when? It might seem obvious, but when you’re running a building project, you’ll need to know exactly what to expect of each of the trades you employ — and how much you should be paying. David Snell continues the investigation by looking at Carpenters.

The Trades Explained: The Bricklayer

Who does what, and when? It might seem obvious, but when you’re running a building project, you’ll need to know exactly what to expect of each of the trades you employ — and how much you should be paying. In this part, David Snell looks at Bricklayers.

Money Pit or Gold Mine? How to survey old houses for renovation - Part 1

You’ve seen an old house you like the look of and think it has potential, but how can you tell if you’ve spotted a renovation bargain or a wreck riddled with hidden problems? Michael Holmes explains.

Be Your Own Builder

You can save £1,000s on your self-build or renovation project by taking over the main contractor’s role and managing it yourself — but what does it really entail, and is it for you? Jason Orme investigates

From the publishers of Homebuilding & Renovating...

Real Homes

Period Living