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

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

What should I pay?

Contemporary Living in an Old Home: Part One

How do you blend modern living requirements – light, open plan, large rooms – with an old house? Michael Holmes explains the design and building implications. Part one looks at planning, design, cost and materials.

Heat Pumps: How Much Do They Cost?

Getting ‘free’ energy from the ground is all the rage in eco circles — but does this technology have anything to offer self-builders with a keen eye for practicality? Mark Brinkley investigates the costs of installation versus the payback time.

Buying Building Materials

Many self-builders are keen to take on at least part of the management of their project, and shouldering the responsibility of buying materials is well worth considering. Mark Brinkley explains what it takes to be successful in this role

Builder's Quotes: Comparing Quotes

Assuming you’re lucky enough to get quotes back from the building contractors you’ve contacted, how do you go about comparing what you’ve got? And how do you decide which quote to go with?

Builder's Quotes: Specification Documents

The key to a successful tendering process is ensuring that your builders have the right information to quote from. Michael Holmes looks at what is required for all different types of projects. Part two of a three-part series - specification documents.

Builder's Quotes: Quotes & Estimates

The idea of getting several prices for your project – the competitive tender process – is designed to encourage building contractors to keep their margins down, so you can find the best price, but how do you make sure the quotes you get for your building project are realistic, and how do you select which quote to go with?

What Will it Cost? - Internal Finishes

The internal finishes you choose for your home should be worked into your budget as early as possible - they can make up a large part of the final costs, depending on how hi-spec your design is. Mark Brinkley explains what you should expect to pay for flooring, walls, ceilings, internal joinery, kitchens, bathrooms and more.

What Will it Cost? - Constructing Walls

The cost of constructing the walls of your new home will depend on whether you opt for timber frame or masonry construction. Mark Brinkley examines the pros and cons of each of these methods to determine which is right for you.

What Will it Cost? - Roofing

Your choice of roof structure and covering will have a big effect on the overall cost of your house, explains Mark Brinkley. This feature gives a rough breakdown of the costs of roofing, plus advice on roof structure, roof shape, hips and gables and roofing jargon.

What Will it Cost? - External Joinery

Your choice of windows and doors plays a significant role in deciding how your house will look - and how much it will cost to build. As part of our build cost guides, Mark Brinkley offers his advice on costs for external joinery, including information on styles and materials.

What Will it Cost? - Insulation

Thermal insulation is the basic cornerstone of energy efficiency in modern house design, as Mark Brinkley explains. But how will your choice of insulation affect your budget? This feature includes a breakdwon of the different costs of different types of insulation.

What Will it Cost? - Constructing Floors

The cost of constructing the ground and upper floors of your new home will depend on whether you opt for timber or concrete; Mark Brinkley examines the options.

Halving Your Renovation Costs: The Details

Renovate each room in your home without spending a fortune

Renovation - What will it cost?

One of the biggest concerns for anyone undertaking a renovation or extension project is money. How much will the building work cost? Are there any hidden extras? And is the expense justified in terms of the value it will add to the property? Without a clearly worked out budget, it is impossible to answer these vital questions, or to make informed decisions.

From the publishers of Homebuilding & Renovating...

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