Estimate Your Own Build Costs
An introduction to DIY estimating, for both renovations and self-builds

Using Quantity Surveyors
How and when to use a quantity surveyor for your build project

Remodelling Postwar Homes
Bland mid-20th century homes could be the perfect canvas for your dream home

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Project management

Homeowners Urged to Avoid taking Risks by Sainsbury's Home Insurance

In the following video Michael Holmes, Editor of ‘Real Homes’ Magazine, advises on what you can, and should never, save money on when it comes to renovating and how to ensure you identify and select qualified tradesmen

Micheal Holmes explains which areas of renovating you can save money on, and which areas you should not try to. He also looks at how to identify good tradesmen.

Project Manager: "Don't Forget the Grey Areas"

David Snell takes a look at the jobs no one has responsibility for

A look at the jobs on site that no one specific person has responsibility for including keeping the site tidy, leadwork, snagging, window cleaning and internal and external mastic.

Project Manager: Landscaping

If you’re running a building project, you need to know what each stage entails. David Snell looks at the variety of tasks that need to be undertaken for both the hard and soft landscaping surrounding a self-build

A look at how to project manage landscaping including a look at the jobs involved, the tools and materials neccessary and what it costs.

Project Manager: Decorating & Tiling

If you’re running a building project, you need to know what each stage entails. David Snell looks at the variety of tasks decorators and tilers undertake at the finishing stages of a building project

Project Manager: Plastering

If you’re running a building project, you need to know what each stage entails. David Snell looks at the variety of tasks plasterers undertake when finishing off the walls, ceilings and floors

Project Manager: Brickwork

If you’re running a building project, you need to know what each stage entails. David Snell looks at the variety of tasks bricklayers – and stonemasons – undertake on a building project

The 10 Experts Every Project Needs: Part 2

Every single new house requires the skills of a whole team of experts. Melanie Griffiths lists the top ten people a building project can't do without, plus how to find them and what to pay. In part 2, Melanie covers solicitors, designers and structural engineers.

The 10 Experts Every Project Needs: Part 1

Every single new house requires the skills of a whole team of experts. Melanie Griffiths lists the top ten people a building project can't do without, plus how to find them and what to pay. In part 1, Melanie covers builders, project managers and electricians.

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

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

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.