Self-build Forum
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Discussion Forum

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

Project management

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.

Save £1000s on your self-build...by negotiating

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:

Save £1000s on your self-build...by negotiating

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.

How to spot top tradesmen

From Bland to Grand: Planning & Costs

Transforming a drab post-war property into a modern home

From Bland to Grand: Planning and Costs

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

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.

Renovation - your step-by-step planner

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 20 most common renovation mistakes and how to avoid them

The Trades Explained: The Roofer

A complete guide to which trades do what and how much they should charge. In this part, David Snell examines the role of the Roofer

The Trades Explained - Roofers

The Trades Explained: The Carpenter

A complete guide to which trades do what and how much they should charge. In this part, David Snell examines the role of the Carpenter

The Trades Explained - Bricklayers

The Trades Explained: The Bricklayer

A complete guide to which trades do what and how much they should charge. In this part, David Snell examines the role of the Bricklayer.

The Trades Explained - 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.

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

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

Building Regulations