Book a 15-minute call with an expert to help you with your next self-build, extension or renovation project

A modern self build home with two storeys
(Image credit: David Valinsky)

No matter what stage of your project, there are bound to be times when you could benefit from impartial guidance from a true industry expert. Whether your query is big or small, our panel of experts are here to answer your burning questions to help you get your project back on track.

For a starting fee of just £1, you can sign up to our Homebuilding & Renovating Premium service and benefit from this face-to-face advice every month. An architect, a renovation expert and a self-build and extension guru are among the list of experts you can book your slot with this month.

Headshot of Homebuilding expert Michael Holmes, standing in front of an out of focus background
Michael Holmes

Michael is one of the UK’s leading property experts. He is Homebuilding & Renovating's Director of Content, Vice Chair of the National Custom and Self Build Association, presenter of multiple property TV shows and author of Renovating for Profit. 

He also runs an architectural design practice and has undertaken over 50 building projects.

headshot of female with long dark hair
Laura Crombie

Laura Crombie is Content Director for Homebuilding & Renovating and has been a homes journalist for more than 17 years.

She’s DIY-renovated three properties and written about decorating and design for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Metro. She’s currently renovating a four-bedroom detached house in Worcestershire.

Julian McIntosh headshot
Julian McIntosh

Founder of JMA Architects, Julian has appeared on the BBC and Netflix’s hit show, Your Home Made Perfect. As an architect, Julian specialises in creating home designs for families that focus on improving light, layout and flow and transforming unloved and outdated properties into contemporary light-filled homes.

Headshot of quantity surveyor Tim Phillips against out of focus background
Tim Phillips

Tim Phillips, an experienced quantity surveyor and estimator, is Homebuilding’s build cost expert, and has worked in the construction industry for over 35 years.

He also has a personal insight into the cost challenges of residential self-builds, renovations and extensions, being a serial renovator and managing his own property portfolio.

Teresa Conway
Deputy editor on Homebuilding & Renovating

Teresa was part of a team that launched Easy Gardens in 2018 and worked as the Editor on this magazine. She has extensive experience writing and editing content on gardens and landscaping on brands such as Homes & Gardens, Country Homes & Interiors and Living Etc magazine. She has developed close working relationships with top landscape architects and leading industry experts, and has been exposed to an array of rich content and expertise.

In 2020 Teresa bought her first home. She and her partner worked alongside architects and builders to transform the downstairs area of her two bedroom Victorian house in north London into a usable space for her family. Along the way she learned the stresses, woes and joys of home renovation, and is now looking to her next project, landscaping the back garden.