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Homebuilding & Renovating
PLANNING LOOPHOLES
If you get familiar with some of the lesser-known rules, they may just help you get approval for your project
7 min |
November 2024
Homebuilding & Renovating
Pastures greener
Having built their previous home themselves Paul and Johanna Suter decided a custom oak frame self-build in a verdant setting was the perfect choice for creating their family home
4 min |
November 2024
Homebuilding & Renovating
In perfect harmony
Susi Clark's long-held wish for creating a combined home and workspace came to fruition on a tricky sloping site
4 min |
November 2024
Homebuilding & Renovating
Back to black
Dramatic black finishes and industrial touches add impact to Charlotte and Sam Tisdall's extended end-terrace home
3 min |
August 2024
Homebuilding & Renovating
Change for good
A last-minute decision to build a kitchen extension instead of a general update turned out to be a wise move for the owners of this detached period property
4 min |
August 2024
Homebuilding & Renovating
High praise
After converting a run-down gospel hall into a unique 1930s-inspired home-complete with geodesic dome - Alice Deuchar and Daniel Schamroth pronounced it a resounding succes
3 min |
August 2024
Homebuilding & Renovating
Lifetime achievement
Replacing a tired 1960s bungalow with a bespoke prefabricated contemporary house allowed retired architect Helen Heslop Brunt and her husband Martin to fulfil a long-held dream
3 min |
August 2024
Homebuilding & Renovating
Self-build for beginners PART 13 PRE-CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
Make sure that your insurance, health and safety, build and cost schedules and all documents are all in place before kick-off
8 min |
August 2024
Homebuilding & Renovating
ECO LANDSCAPING
Creating a garden with green credentials isn't without its challenges, but there are plenty of ways you can reduce its impact on the environment, once you know how
7 min |
August 2024
Homebuilding & Renovating
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PASSIVHAUS VENTILATION?
Heat and energy expert David Hilton explains the benefits, options and costs of this ultimate heating standard
3 min |
August 2024
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 |