Small but mighty house extensions

Build a little but add a lot - these small but clever house extensions are an inspiring example of how much can be added by just expanding out slightly

HOW TO CHOOSE Guttering and fascias

As well as serving a practical purpose, rainwater goods can enhance your home's appeal. Here's our selection of the best materials and design options

How to downsize your home

Ready to live in a smaller abode? Scaling back need not mean sacrificing style or feeling cramped. Our guide shares some brilliant tips on how to downsize successfully

Stepping Out

Sarah Jenkins and Andy Rough added a new glazed kitchen extension to introduce some much-needed light and space to their Glaswegian basement flat

A small addition

Looking to downsize in a home she could futureproof, Catherine Chalmers reorganised and extended the layout of a 1950s bungalow

Restore and relax

Andy and Sue Perrin have carefully converted a tumbledown stone barn in Devon, reinstating character through careful design

Barn ambition

Nestled among the trees and the rolling Kent countryside, Astrid Zala's contemporary home took its inspiration from both natural and industrial elements

Angled extension

Challinor + Hitchcock Yoo architects designed this stunning addition to a historic house in Herefordshire to make the most of the views

HOW TO AVOID THE WRONG BUILDER FOR YOUR PROJECT

Not all builders are experienced in all kinds of construction. But what are the tell-tale signs to know and what can you do about rogue trades? Andy Stevens has the inside intel...

Designing a loft conversion

Utilising the space at the top of the house can make good sense. Here's how to achieve that perfect loft conversion

How to design gabion walls

Ideal for structural applications, gabion walls are a versatile option when it comes to constructing retaining walls, but they're equally viable for more decorative configurations. Architect Allan Corfield breaks down the detail

Hilltop haven

It took Jamie Adams and his wife Madeline Hutton 13 years to gain planning for their family home in the Hampshire countryside. But perseverance paid off and their modern take on a traditional home is teeming with sustainable features, inside and out

How to get one and a hall storeys right

Designing a house with one and a half storeys can be tricky, yet done well, this style of home can offer fantastic living spaces and also overcome certain planning issues

Into the light

David and Lisa Mason engaged Sheldon Peever Studio to redesign their dark, disconnected basement kitchen - and the results speak for themselves

Going up

Squashed into a post-war bungalow with their two daughters, Andrew McFadyen and Claire Heffeman chose to extend and renovate to give their home - and their family - a new lease of life

Hillside living

When the Ridgways bought a tiny house in a spectacular location they had no idea that it would turn into a massive self-build project involving the entire family

From a distance

With a little help from their trusted architect, Kerry and Andrew Scott converted their Grade II-listed barn in Oxfordshire while being locked down overseas

23 trends to look out for in 2023

What can we expect to see in the world of self-building and renovating in 2023? We put that question to a panel of design and construction experts and found some fascinating answers, with ways to build and retrofit homes to make them greener, more energy efficient and flexible being top of many people’s lists

Compact creation

A tricky site ina built-up urban environment gave rise to a unique design opportunity for James Davies, director at Paper House Project

How to insulate an early 20th century home

If you are living in a semi-detached home, how can you cut energy bills this winter by improving your home's ability to hold heat, and even generate your own energy?

What is a ground source heat pump borehole?

We dig into the detail and explain how borehole arrays work, are installed and how much the system might set you back

Snagging

Avoid multiple niggling repair jobs by ensuring your self-build is fit for purpose before accepting the project as complete with your contractors

Do energy-efficient appliances save you money?

Can replacing energy-hungry boilers and dishwashers with energy-efficient appliances noticeably reduce your energy bills? Jack Woodfield investigates

Ahead of the curve

David and Rosie Reid have self-built in Scotland taking inspiration from Passivhaus designs to create their new curved home -

Beginner's guide to self-build

There are many benefits to building your own house. It is an opportunity to create a unique home tailored around your lifestyle. It can be a route to creating a home that will adapt as your needs change, for instance accommodating wheelchair use. It also offers scope to build a property that is low maintenance and energy efficient.

THE ULTIMATE BUYER'S GUIDE TO Insulation

As a self-builder you're in an excellent position to envelop your home with the best insulation. Find out how to choose and buy the right insulation to design and build a warm, energy-efficient home

The family bathroom

Great family bathrooms work hard to cater for everyone. Here's how to design a practical room that's stylish, too

How to design a pet-friendly home

If you own a pet, creating a home that perfectly suits its needs, as well as yours, requires some careful thought according to Natasha Brinsmead

FOCUS ON UNDERFLOOR HEATING IN THE BATHROOM

If you're thinking about including UFH in your bathroom, Tim Pullen takes a look at the options, along with the installation and running costs to help you decide if it's the right choice for you

BUILD PREDICTIONS FOR 2023

If you're planning a self-build, extension or renovation in 2023, you may be pleased to learn that there's some good news amidst the bad, according to builder Andy Stevens