Here, Brewers Home advises on the best way to start when turning your empty canvas into a home, and how to achieve an all-year-round space that suits all needs and occasions.
When Paul and Cathe Hazlewood decided to leave the agreeable urban living environment they had enjoyed for years in the centre of Oxford, looking for a new life in the country, they and Cathe’s brother…
Roy Austin designed and built a modern, contemporary, family eco-home to meet the needs of his young disabled son after the family relocated to Cornwall five years ago. After failing to find anything on the…
Stuart and Rosie Treasurer have radically transformed a 1960s bungalow in a leafy suburb in the Wirral, Merseyside, into a modern family home.
New research carried out by The National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA) has revealed that about 18,000 people have signed up to local authority custom and self-build registers to exercise their ‘Right to Build’.
BuildStore’s Rachel Pyne answers your questions on how to set a realistic budget and finance your next home-building project.
Vasco is launching the revolutionary designer radiator ONI onto the UK market his month. ONI is made of 8mm reinforced aluminium plate making it the thinnest Vasco radiator ever made. In addition to the progressive…
In possibly the only building of its kind in the UK, Sika Sarnafil single ply membrane has been used to waterproof a garden room with a live tree growing through it.
New season bathroom updates are made simple with these beautiful basins from the Pure Bathroom Collection.
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bathroom
Nestled in a half-acre garden plot in a Gloucestershire village surrounded by historic landmarks of Castles and Keeps, this house stands out for its contemporary design sophistication, efficiency and innovation. Boasting timber-frame construction and renewable…
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sustainability
bathstore, the UK's market-leading specialist bathroom retailer, has launched a new 2D to 3D Planner tool on its website, set to enhance the experience of planning and buying a bathroom. The new functionality allows users…
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bathroom
So, the decision has been made. You are going to build an extension, or even better, your dream home. Your head is full of plans and you are eagerly collecting ideas, creating a mood board.…
Developed by Eurocell to meet the security standards laid out by Approved Document Q of the Building Regulations, the Euroslide patio door suite enables house builders and developers to provide home buyers and owners with…
With the power to predict the future held exclusively in the hands of deities and delusionals, for the rest of us, it’s immensely hard to predict how our lives will look in 10 or 20…
Team Stairkraft is always willing to step up to the next level for their customers, offering an alternative to the mass-produced stairs you find in many homes.
Hanse Haus was founded over 85 years ago back in 1929, by Carpenter Herrmann Wandke, initially as a joinery workshop, which quickly grew to a regionwide house construction company. Since then, the firm has matured…
Leading British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has unveiled details of its new Uniflexplus+ semi-rigid ducting system which is ideal for the self-build market.
AGB is urging self-builders to declare their intention to local authorities, as a new law forces councils to help them find suitable land for planning permission.
Polyx Oil from Osmo UK is a premium wood finish guaranteed to keep wooden surfaces in top condition. Ideal for solid engineered or laminate wood floors, it is a high quality, water-repellent and tread-resistant wood…
Here, Hunton-based tree surgeon, Hunton Arborists, explains what a Tree Preservation Order is and what can be done if a TPO-protected tree is found on your self-build site.
Aidan Bell, Co-founder of EnviroBuild, explains how reclamation is becoming an increasingly possible option for self-build projects.
Home automation has become somewhat a 'buzzword' among today's self-builders; more and more we're testing the limits of what can be controlled while we're out of the house, and with that, discovering new ways to…
A property is very much a legacy and many of us are just custodians, but the opportunity to self-build or custom build remains the ultimate goal for many brave pioneers. They are faced with firstly…
Trevor Avery qualified as an architect in 1995 and progressed to associate level in a general practice. It became apparent to Trevor that the service offered to custom and self-build clients at that time could…
Wendy Thomas, Product Manager at ventilation manufacturer Nuaire, explains why fresh air is the key to a happy, healthy home.
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ventilation
As a nation, we spend as much as 90% of our time indoors and as a result, the quality of air in our homes and the health of our indoor climate is becoming increasingly important.
This renovated 17th century church in rural Wales may give some the chills, but thanks to modern energy-efficiency measures and a ground source heat pump from UK manufacturer Kensa Heat Pumps, its owners are toasty…
A new lease of life was given to this 300-year-old red brick barn in the Ashford district of Kent, thanks to a conversion project that has seen the clever infusion of natural light through a…
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lighting
Living in Dublin, John and Jodie McAllister wanted to create their dream home in the city they loved, making their idea of urban living in their own uniquely-designed home a reality. Choosing WeberHaus enabled them…
Sue Eakers had always wanted to build her own home. After fruitless years plot searching, by chance she came across the old school house in a conservation area in Bradninch, Devon, which had been granted…
David Brown, Managing Director at Folk2Folk, a peer-to-peer lending company, explains how peer-to-peer finance is supporting property developers.
Charlie Luxton first opened his eyes to the world of architecture at the age of 13. After contemplating a career in sculpting, architecture took over and Charlie took off to the Royal College of Art…
Luxury Vinyl flooring manufacturer, Moduleo, has supported DIY SOS for a third time, to help remodel the family home of a young boy with cerebral palsy.
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flooring
Innovation, sophisticated design, breadth and versatility of offering, and special solutions – these are the secrets of the success of the Showering Collection by Glass1989.
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bathroom
CRL is delighted to unveil the winners of its Venturous Builds campaign – an inspiring new web series that will showcase Britain’s inspiring self-builders and their construction achievements.
As consumer demand for natural products and materials continues to grow, Frontline Bathrooms introduces a stunning new take on the trend from stylish Spanish furniture manufacturer Royo.
John wanted some additional living space for his growing daughter. Having completely paid off the mortgage on his two-bedroomed single storey home in East Sussex, John did not anticipate there being any problem with raising…
EauZone Plus Ultra Bespoke brings together the semi-frameless styling and technical prowess of the EauZone Plus Collection with the tailored flexibility of bespoke-made design.
The roof of a busy hotel in the central of Manchester required general repairs and had failing waterproofing to the parapet walls.
Your garden is an important extension of your home. So we asked lawn care experts at Hayter, maker of the finest lawn mowers, and Toro, the global leader in turf care and maintenance, to share…
Charlton & Jenrick, a leading brand in the fireplace industry, offers some useful stove tips and ideas.
There is a growing trend amongst self-builders choosing to build eco-friendly structures without compromising on creative and bespoke design. Green Oak offers the opportunity to realise a luxury home whilst also meeting environmental credentials. Darren…
Leading wastewater management expert, Kingspan Klargester, is advising self-builders to get their drainage right or risk being prosecuted for causing pollution. Here, Kingspan Klargester’s Operations Director, Dave Vincent, explains how to get your drainage right.
German bathroom manufacturer, Pelipal, knows more than a thing or two about bathroom design. Whilst it undoubtedly has an almost endless array of beautiful ranges and ingenious solutions, it also knows a thing or two…
While there are many cladding finishes available, the warm tones, textures and variety of colours available make brick a firm favourite. John Mayes, Managing Director of Eurobrick Cladding Systems, explains how to choose the right…
In September, Colour Futures 2017 was launched revealing the trends and colour palettes that will be prevalent over the next year. These trends translate into a cohesive colour collection available at Dulux decorating centres, merchants…
Beautiful made-to-order wooden windows and doors by Lomax + Wood have been incorporated into the elegant design of a new-build property in rural Essex.
Overlooking splendid views, this Kent property named ‘The Shack’ is more than meets the eye.
The complexities of insurance can be intimidating for many in the construction industry and it is easy to see why. In this article, Steve Mansour, Group CEO of construction insurance specialist CRL, explains the ins…
If you want to create your own home, but don’t want to go down the solo self-build route then the custom build option may be the perfect fit, says BuildStore’s Tom Connor.
Located in the London Borough of Hillingdon, the prestigious Northwood was voted one of the top 20 wealthiest suburbs in the UK by The Daily Telegraph. Backing onto Northwood Golf Course, Kings Oak House is…
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doors
The new Woodland stove from Mendip Stoves is an award-winning design, voted ‘Best Stove Under 5kW’ at June’s Hearth & Home Show in Harrogate.
The new heated decoupling system from Warmup is a very fast solution for the installation of an electric underfloor heating system. The new innovative system makes installing underfloor heating handy, quick and easy.
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underfloor heating
Package homes, despite their escalating popularity across the globe, are still shrouded in mystery, clinging to their post war, boring box-home stereotype. However, a lot has changed since the 1950’s and self-build package homes are…
The Slimline range is an innovative collection of gas fires designed for cavity wall installations.
Building your dream home takes a considerable time and finances, therefore it’s paramount we ensure its longevity by investing in a proper fire protection.
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fire protection
Houses come in all different shapes, sizes and materials, so there’s plenty to think about when bringing your dream home to life, and if you’re trying to do it sustainably then there’s even more to…
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modular buildings
There are a variety of ways to design the interior of a home to suit the requirements of a client. All clients are different and will want to focus on specific styles including traditional, contemporary,…
i-build has collated some gate and fencing inspiration for those self-builders sitting on the fence when it comes to making decisions on how to enclose their self-build site.
Wanting to make the most of breathtaking views over the Devon coast for their client, the team at 100% Stainless Ltd called on the advantages of the TAPER-LOC system to ensure the perfect fit.
When Paul and Gill Regan bought a dated two-bed bungalow in Plymstock, Devon, they planned an extensive renovation. Aside from extending to add much needed space, a key part of their project included upgrading the…
Self-builders are becoming far more adventurous in terms of what they want from their flooring options, asking for more unique patterns, colours, shapes and textures. Cultural, global and social issues at a wider level tend…
Self-builders are becoming far more adventurous in terms of what they want from their flooring options, asking for more unique patterns, colours, shapes and textures. Cultural, global and social issues at a wider level tend…
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flooring
Acoustic and thermal insulation products are widely available from suppliers both big and small, but what should buyers look for when choosing a solution? Cellecta’s Ben Banks offers some tips on specifying the most suitable…
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insulation
Connected technology in the home is becoming increasingly popular and, to some, a necessity. Many electrical devices can now reach the internet and be operated and monitored via a smart device. As we add more…
When undertaking a self-build one of the most important aspects to consider are the foundations. Here, Swedish engineering company, Advanced Foundation Technology (AFT), discusses the use of a newly-launched foundation material to the UK, Groundshield.
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foundations
With a shared passion for restoring properties to their former glory, Charlotte Thomson and Joey Auger couldn’t have imagined embarking on a more unconventional project – converting a public convenience into a coastal retreat.
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self build
Often when we talk about the cover and premiums involved in self-build insurance we are asked why it’s more expensive than your everyday household insurance. Although these insurances are similar in what they do, they…
Keep on top of your finances and don’t underestimate the cost of your project if you want to successfully complete your new home, says BuildStore’s Rachel Pyne.
As the sister company of nationwide favourite Express Bi-folding Doors, Express in the Home has taken over 60 years of experience in the premium kitchen and interiors industry to create a handpicked collection of prestigious…
Designing one’s own home is a rare and exceptional challenge that presents the opportunity to create a living environment that acutely mirrors your personality, habits and aspirations. Before you get there however, you’ll undoubtedly be…
Self-builders wanting to get an accurate view on how much their dream home will cost can take advantage of a new time-saving service.
JB Kind has introduced the oak Cherwell door design, a new take on the popular boarded style. Exclusive to JB Kind, the Cherwell has joined their best-selling River Oak Cottage range and offers a stylish…
Underfloor heating in properties, especially in new builds and new developments is an increasing trend. The luxurious feeling of your toes warming up from the floor sounds appealing but maybe perceived too costly to consider…
We provide our self build customers with a unique one-stop shop service, not only for coordinating the manufacture and delivery of the timber frame structure, but also the supply of windows, external doors, insulation, plasterboard,…
However crowded the marketplace, real quality will always stand out according to Schueco UK who have increased the range of their Contemporary Living Collection of aluminium windows, doors and façades.
VELUX® launches campaign to help homeowners bring extra daylight in to their extensions.
Self-builders are being encouraged to make their homes as airtight as possible to maximise energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of their property. This makes providing effective ventilation more important than ever. Here, Robert…
Our client in Faringdon had a typical style galley kitchen in that it had wall hung cabinets, a garden facing sink and a door to the garden.
Whether you have a large country garden, small town garden or compact terrace, you'll want to make the most of your outdoor space this summer. So with that in mind, the design experts at Richard…
For centuries, clay bricks have been an integral part of the English architectural landscape and they continue to be the single most popular way of constructing a house. Graham Irving, Managing Director of Bovingdon Bricks,…
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bricks
Your staircase can be a statement feature of your home, so it’s worth taking time over the design and materials to ensure that it makes the desired impact. Often the first thing that visitors see…
A self-build project will be the biggest challenge you undertake, so it’s worth adding some hard core machinery and budgeting accordingly. Here, manufacturer of power tools, Makita, offers its top tips when it comes to…
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tools
With so many beautiful fixtures and fittings to choose from, deciding how to heat your home isn’t the most exciting part of a self-build project! But getting the heating and hot water system right could…
Choosing the right fenestration for your property is an important, long-term decision and there is a lot to consider. Here Gary Hutton, General Manager at Black Millwork, explains what self-builders need to know to make…
The Bennetts from London had selected Cambridgeshire as the location for their dream home and acquired the perfect plot of land on which to build. Their search for new-home inspiration led them to WeberHaus and…
About a quarter of all kitchens designed by ‘Kitchen Retailer of the Year’ Kitchens International now are large open-plan indoor/outdoor kitchens. The Great British Bake Off and numerous TV cooking programmes have not just inspired…
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kitchen
Although Etienne Patterson and his wife Katie had always harboured the ambition to build their own house, the trigger for doing so was his parents’ future.
When a 1970s bungalow with two acres of land came up for sale in the picturesque village of Pirbright, Surrey, Mike and Jenny Hobbs jumped at the chance of buying it.
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self build
Darren Lester, Founder of SpecifiedBy, the product specification search platform used by builders, contractors and architects, discusses the role of the project manager and questions who is best equipped to take on the job.
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project
If you’re looking for a self-build opportunity, securing a plot will be top of your list, but where should you start your search? BuildStore’s Raymond Connor investigates.
Homeowners in today’s unsure property market, post the Brexit vote, are finding ways to improve the value of their property to take advantage of still historically high property prices in the UK however many families…
An inspiring new web series that showcases Britain’s most extraordinary people and their construction achievements has been revealed by CRL.
The Myson KICKSPACE® plinth heater is a huge asset in providing warmth, while allowing scope for maximising space and design in the UK’s kitchens and bathrooms. Installed in the plinth beneath a kitchen base unit…
Ecohaus has secured the Sole UK Distribution rights for the incredible SOREG-Glide Frameless large scale glazing system. After 12 months Due Diligence, Burckhardt the SOREG-Glide manufacturer based in Hannover in Germany have entrusted their brand…
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glazing
H+H, the largest UK manufacturer of aircrete blocks, has launched a new website dedicated to the self-build sector.
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masonry
When you want the warmth and character of a wood burning stove but you also like the look of a modern flush-fit design, an inset stove offers the best of both worlds. With a large…
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heating
The Scandinavian log cabins and lodges at the picturesque Felmoor Park in Northumberland have been given a striking new finish thanks to Remmers wood coatings.
A loft conversion can offer an extra bedroom, bathroom or a home office. However, there could be height and access issues alongside planning and Building Regulations that need resolving. Even so, a loft conversion can…
So you’ve decided to build a water feature? It’s no small undertaking, but do it right and you can have your very own oasis of tranquility in your garden. There are many things to consider…
Here, i-build provides all you need to know about specifying internal doors for your property.
If you’re one of the many self-builders who wish they had planned for just a bit more space, or are currently finalising your plans, sanctuary could be much closer to your new home than you…
With flooding becoming more frequent, homeowners in high risk areas have more to lose when the downpours are at their worst. Andrew Gill, Marketing Manager at Brett Landscaping, suggests that incorporating sustainable drainage solutions (SuDS)…