i-build - The self-build magazine

Energy efficiency is at the core of an Essex family's barn conversion

James Gray and wife Claudia set out to transform 30 acres of farmland in north Essex...

A stirling example of Passivhaus best practice

A traditional Scottish village in Stirlingshire may not seem like the obvious location for a contemporary Passivhaus project...

Self-builder Ian Sweetland talks to i-build about his far from straightforward project

The Maryville Passivhaus is a continuation of research by Joseph Thurrott Architects...

Guidance and inspiration for those self-builders in search of kitchen appliances

There is nothing quite like being able to touch and feel an appliance to determine...

Self-build advice from top architecture practice

Jason Pledger started his career as a Junior Architectural Assistant at a practice in Truro, Cornwall, in 1991, and today holds the title Design Director at Laurence Associates...

Video Gallery

UK Construction Week trailer

Every architect's dream - A closer look at our Sustain…

LoPro™Max - the ultimate UFH system for renovations

Close to home - A closer look at our Rural Retreat Jun…

Reynaers Hi-Finity - An infinite view, without boundar…

DOW Styrofoam Spray Foam Insulation - A two-component …

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Case Studies

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Why build with oak?
30 Jun, 2017 0 Comments
Oak is an affordable luxury that adds vitality, warmth and ambience to any development. Few people can resist the charms of oak,...

Project Inspiration

Listing Gridding

Contracts and Legalities

30

Jun

Building warranties for barn conversions

If you are a self-builder about to undertake a project involving the conversion of a barn, you need to consider the cost of and difficulty in obtaining a building warranty (Latent Defect Insurance), says Rosita Mendonca from BuildSafe – a leading building warranty insurance provider.

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30

May

Guidance on locating and acquiring land for self-building

Self-build projects account for 7 to 10% of new housing in England each year (around 12,000 homes); a figure dwarfed by 80% in Austria and 60% in France. Barriers to self-build in England include; lack of available financing, planning and regulation processes as well as land supply and procurement. In this article Sarah Chilcott, MD of Planning Portal,...

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02

May

What is Community Infrastructure Levy?

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a planning charge introduced by the Planning Act 2008 as a tool for local authorities in England and Wales. Monies from CIL can help local authorities deliver infrastructure to support the development of their area, such as travel improvements and schools. Here, Sarah Chilcott, Managing Director of Planning...

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30

Mar

Why insurance should be top of the pile

There are a number of considerations to take into account before undertaking piling work, but it’s also important to realise that it could have an impact on your self-build insurance. Andrew Reardon, Senior Selfbuild Account Handler at self-build insurance policy expert ProAktive Selfbuild, explains more.