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Homebuilding & Renovating
HOW MUCH DOES EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION COST?
It's touted as an affordable home insulation method, but is external wall insulation worth the outlay and what are the lifetime costs? We look at the figures...
7 min |
August 2024
Homebuilding & Renovating
Open-plan kitchen DAVID HOCKNEY EXTENSIONS
From structural considerations and zoning to layout ideas and lighting, our practical guide to creating your new space has it covered
10+ min |
August 2024
Homebuilding & Renovating
RENOVATING A GEORGIAN HOME
Known for their elegant architectural features, Georgian homes need to be restored sensitively to make them fit for modern life
10+ min |
August 2024
Homebuilding & Renovating
PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT APPROVE EXCLUSIONS
How to understand whether your project qualifies for Permitted Development and if you are able to use this planning route
5 min |
August 2024
Homebuilding & Renovating
14 tips to finding your perfect plot
Finding a plot for a self-build isn't always easy, as the chances are you will be up against stiff competition from builders, land finders and other potential self-builders, but knowing where to start and putting in the legwork will set you in good stead to find your ideal location.
7 min |
August 2024
Homebuilding & Renovating
WHY I CHOSE...TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
Hiring a professional to help in an area you're not confident with can be invaluable. Ben Adam-Smith did just that by employing an interior designer to inject character into his and his wife Kay's self-build
3 min |
August 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
HOW TO PREVENT YOUR HOME OVERHEATING
With UK summers getting hotter, what steps can be taken to prevent overheating in homes? We outline what you can do to have a comfortable property all year round
7 min |
August 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
Multifunctional home office
How to create a hybrid space that's suitable for both work and home life
3 min |
August 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
Build a new garage for less
Taking on a self-build or renovation project? Then factor in a garage from the beginning you can benefit from economies of scale and efficiency tactics, says Tim Phillips
4 min |
August 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
The golden rules of house design
Designing a house is hugely exciting, but knowing where to start can also feel daunting. With the help of some top architectural experts, we bring you the golden rules that will ensure you create the home of your dreams
10+ min |
August 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
THE HEALTHY HOME
PART THREE: BOOSTING BIODIVERSITY IN OUR HOMES
3 min |
August 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
Victorian overhauls
A carefully conceived extension could be the key to unlocking the potential of your period property without compromising its character. Let our selection of innovative schemes be your inspiration...
4 min |
August 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
Bird's eve view
Peter and Romney Lelliott opted for an upside-down new build, enabling them to enjoy far-reaching country views from the elevated living space of their contemporary new home
3 min |
August 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
A collage to treasure
Kirstin Eriksson has transformed her Cotswold property by taking it from a neglected cottage to a perfect family home packed full of clever design ideas
4 min |
August 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
Hidden, paradise
With hard work and a lot of initiative, Minnie and James Vosper lovingly brought their run-down home into the 21st century
5 min |
August 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
Desirable downsize
To create a home that was tailor-made for their needs and lifestyle, Steve and Susanne Clarke built a stunning oak frame home in their very own garden
5 min |
August 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
13 steps to interior design success
It's the final flourish which brings together your self-build, renovation or extension, but a successful interior design scheme starts at the very beginning of your project, says Claire Lloyd, who shares some of the secrets to creating cohesive interiors
10+ min |
June 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
Knocking down and replacing a house
Demolishing and rebuilding on the same site may or may not need a planning application, so before you start navigating this potentially tricky route, take planning consultant Simon Rix’s advice
5 min |
July 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON LANDSCAPING
To get the most out of your time and money the landscaping aspect of a build should be planned in from the start. Quantity surveyor Tim Phillips lays the groundwork…
9 min |
July 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
OLD HOUSE, NEW HOME RENOVATING AN EDWARDIAN HOME
Natasha Brinsmead explains how to update and renovate an Edwardian property, focusing on the 10 most common design features
7 min |
July 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
Creating an indoor/outdoor space
Encourage your home to be at one with the great outdoors by linking up your inner and outer spaces
3 min |
July 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
THE ART OF MATCHING MATERIALS
When you take on an extension and opt to match materials like-for-like, it can be a challenge. Chartered surveyor Ian Rock shares his advice on how best to source exactly what you need
7 min |
July 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
Sliding doors
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing sliding doors. We shed light on what you need to know before you buy
10 min |
July 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
Amazing double-height spaces
From gorgeous oak-frame spaces to minimalist modern rooms, these beautiful lofty spaces will set your imagination soaring
4 min |
July 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
A woodland Symphony
Musicians Katerina Nazarova and Tim Hugh built their own sustainable home in a truly wild setting
6 min |
July 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
HOW GREEN IS YOUR HOME? Is a wind Lurbine right for your home?
If you’re thinking of resorting to wind power to bring down your bills, check out our expert Tim Pullen’s ultimate guide to wind turbines
9 min |
July 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
Futureproof forever home
Designed to maximise views of the stunning Fenlands scenery, this highly efficient new build benefits from minimal heating bills
1 min |
July 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
12 ways to get the best from trades
If you want to keep your build on track and to budget, you’ll need to know how to best engage with different trades to create a harmonious site and a successful project. Michelle Guy offers some words of advice…
7 min |
July 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
DIY self-builds
Discover the different ways these self-builders saved tens of thousands of pounds on their bespoke home building projects
4 min |
July 2023
Homebuilding & Renovating
Doubling up
Emma and Richard Daw took pleasure in painstakingly restoring and extending a former shepherd's shelter on the north Norfolk coastline
4 min |