What is Self-build?
A general guide to self-build for those wondering what it’s all about

Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2011

Why Self-build?
Design and cost savings are key reasons why people self-build...

FAQs for Beginners
What is life like as a self-builder, and what are the practicalities?

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Specification advice

Sliding Doors - Advertisement Feature

With so many options on the market today in glazing, it is not only a difficult choice in which company to work with, but also what type of glazing to have. This advertisement feature from IDSystems shows how sliding doors can be used to great effect in a home.

Hot Water Systems

Self-builders often put a lot of thought into space heating yet overlook the crucial storage and delivery of hot water. Mark Brinkley reviews the options

A Guide to Blockwork

While timber frame enjoys a lot of hype in the self-build market, masonry has not yet had its day. Mark Brinkley weighs up the options

Cold Bridging: A Hot Topic

The new Regs place more emphasis on eliminating cold bridging then ever before. So, what is it and how can we avoid it? Mark Brinkley explains

Solar PV: From Specification to Installation

When a Solar PV system is being installed there are only three goals: outstanding system performance, aesthetic appeal and a watertight finish. As everyone’s property is unique, the only way to achieve these goals is by understanding the obstacles at the very start of the process. Richard Swords explains

Bi-Fold Doors – Easi When You Know How: Advertisement feature from Origin Easifold Doors

Bi-fold doors were traditionally the preserve of the luxury end of the market and although they retain this exclusivity to some degree, technical innovations mean they have become more accessible to homeowners with aspirations but not necessarily the budget to match.

How it Works: Boilers

Knowing which type of boiler is right for your home can be a confusing issue. Melanie Griffiths offers an overview of boilers and advice on buying the right one

Windows

The most important decision facing window buyers is which material to choose. Mark Brinkley considers the options and looks at style and glazing

Internal Finishing: The Options

What’s the best way to finish internal walls and ceilings? Mark Brinkley looks at the main options, their cost — and how to make the right decision for your home.

Do Homes Need Sprinklers?

While undoubtedly they make our homes safer, the cost of sprinkler systems means they are dismissed by most self-builders. Mark Brinkley explains why they deserve a second thought.

The End of the Cavity Wall?

With the latest Part L changes the strictest to date, Mark Brinkley examines what it takes to get a masonry cavity wall up to standard and looks at the impact on other systems

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs): How Do They Work?

We all know the benefits of SIPs, but do you really understand how they work, and the structural issues that using them raises? Jason Orme explains

One of the UK's First Passivhauses

Mark Brinkley visits one of the UK's first Passivhaus self-builds in Yorkshire

PassivHaus: The Green Standard?

More and more UK self-builders are setting out to meet a German standard for eco homes. But what does PassivHaus mean, what makes a PassivHaus so special and, frankly, why bother? Mark Brinkley and Tim Pullen investigate.

Oak Frame: Frame Types

A rare material that excites traditionalists and modernists alike for its superb quality and character, it’s not surprising self-builders love it so much. Here, we look at the four main types of oak frame structure, including cruck frame, box frame, post and truss frame and aisled frame.

Choices for Chimneys & Flues

In our series examining key self-build decisions, Mark Brinkley examines chimney and flue options for new and old homes. Chimneys are expensive to build, and stoves or fires are quite unnecessary in a modern, centrally heated home, but some self-builders still long for a focal-point fireplace.

Your Guide to Off-Mains Drainage

It’s not a particularly appetising topic, but if you can’t connect to the mains, then you will have to arrange an effective long-term drainage solution for your plot. David Snell investigates.

Passive Ventilation: A Better Idea?

With increasing demands that we build airtight, ventilation has become a key component. Tim Pullen explores ‘passive’ systems.

Retrofitting – A Practical Solution: Advertisement Feature

Any property, no matter how old, can be made more energy efficient, and one of the most effective ways of achieving this is called “retrofitting” – upgrading with home improvements that make a real difference. This advertisement feature from Everest explains the concept.