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planning your project

Practical advice from the UK’s leading self-build experts to help you bring in your project on time, on budget.

FINANCE

An archive of Finance features taken from Homebuilding & Renovating magazine including financial advice on all aspects of your self-build project, from initial funding to budgeting to VAT returns.

How to Stick to Your Budget
If you’re worried about keeping your project on budget, a quantity surveyor – or at the very least close attention to cost estimating – is essential, says Jason Orme. Plus four secrets to budget control and advice on quantity surveyors.

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If you're new to self-build take a look at the Beginner's Guide which includes The H&R Average Build Cost Guide.

DESIGN ADVICE

Fresh ideas to help you create the perfect home for your needs. Also, how to overcome any potential site design problems and an in-depth look at different design styles.

Organic Architecture
Organic house design, which incorporates natural materials, landscaping and healthy, sustainable ideals, might be the answer for those who like modern architecture without the hard edges. Michael Holmes explains why it’s the next big thing.

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PLANNING ADVICE

Advice on planning your project including finance, making full use of your space, choosing the right materials, creating a schedule and all you need to know about tax and VAT.

The New Building Regulations
Currently in ‘consultation’, changes to the Building Regulations will place a greater emphasis on CO2 emissions than ever before. But not in the way you might have thought. Tim Pullen reports.

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WHAT SHOULD I PAY?

Compare and contrast and a look at average costs for your project. Plus comprehensive guides to what to expect when budgeting for your self-build.

Detailed Cost Breakdowns
Self-builder David Snell's series on project costs starts with the cost of finding and buying a plot and goes on to cover every aspect of self-build, from foundations to drainage to roofing an more, with a detailed cost breakdown for each stage, including VAT reclaims.

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SPECIFICATION ADVICE

A complete buyer's guide to everything from lighting to home security and flooring to kitchens.Compare different sytems to decide which one is right for your project.

Choosing Insulation
In our series examining key self-build decisions, Mark Brinkley demystifies the baffling process of specifying insulation with a brief look at under floor insulation, cavity wall insulation, insulated wall systems, roof insulation and more.

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PRACTICAL ADVICE

Easy-to-follow step-by-step guides to everything from 'How to fit a wireless burglar alarm' to 'How to fit a plasterboard ceiling'. Plus expert advice from seasoned self-build experts.

How to Self-build in the Countryside
Claire Lloyd explains how to go about getting the good life by building or renovating a home in the countryside, and why the practical issues of living off mains may not be the big drawback you might imagine.

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PROJECT MANAGEMENT

From spotting and solving problems during your project to expert advice on avoiding the pitfalls before you begin. As well as deciding which type of project management is right for you.

20 Essential Rules for Self-build Success
You’ll get lots of well-meaning advice when you start your project. But here’s our collection of the little gems that really will make things easier. Including advice on budget, plots, finding tradesmen, sourcing materials and more.

From the publishers of Homebuilding & Renovating...

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