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

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

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

Pre-Start Essentials: Mortgages

There are three unglamorous but essential things you will need to sort out before self-building or renovating. Jason Orme examines mortgages

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.

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

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? Michael Holmes explains. Part one of a three part series.

What Will it Cost? - Internal Finishes

What should you budget for internal finishes?

What Will it Cost? - Constructing Walls

How much you spend on walls will depend on the materials you choose.

What Will it Cost? - Roofing

How will your roofing choices affect your budget?

What Will it Cost? - External Joinery

How much should you pay for windows and doors?

What Will it Cost? - Insulation

How will your choice of insulation affect your budget?

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.