02
May
2017
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Research conducted by Wienerberger – a leading UK provider of building material solutions – has revealed that UK consumers are largely in the dark about solar power.
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Project Inspiration
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02
May
2017
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As an Architect, Michael Montgomery has always had the desire to design and build his own home, where each element could have a personalised touch. After inheriting a plot of land in Saintfield, Northern Ireland, Michael’s interests in low-cost building materials and low-energy technologies have been realised in the design…
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Sustainable Living
02
May
2017
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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,…
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Contracts and Legalities
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02
May
2017
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BuildStore’s Rachel Pyne discusses why renovation projects are so successful and explains the best way to fund your next venture.
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Viewpoint
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30
Mar
2017
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Self-builders put a lot of effort into securing their homes, but many forget to offer equal attention to outbuildings and sheds. Here, The Master Locksmith Association sheds light on garden security.
30
Mar
2017
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Tracy Alder and Andrew Laidler purchased a 16th century farmhouse in rural Northumberland with a view to carry out a complete renovation project and create a beautiful home for themselves and their 10-year-old son.
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i-nterior
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30
Mar
2017
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Choosing to build with oak is usually a matter of taste. We love it for its strength, raw beauty and warmth. There simply is nothing like a traditionally-designed oak framed house. If building your dream home is not quite on the agenda yet, there are many ways you can use…
30
Mar
2017
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When specifying smart home technology, there are many variables to consider. Even the most tech-savvy self-builder can miss opportunities or make potentially costly mistakes if they are not aware of the possible pitfalls.
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30
Mar
2017
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Forest of Dean Stone Firms has supplied a range of architectural and landscaping features for a private residence in the Wye Valley. The three-storey, Georgian house is now complemented by an orangery, portico and formal terrace crafted from Forest of Dean Pennant sandstone.
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30
Mar
2017
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The self-build market is increasingly turning to underfloor heating (UFH) over alternative radiator solutions. However, the practicalities of incorporating UFH systems into a self-build design project depend on several considerations. In this feature, Nigel Sanger, Technical Manager at JG Speedfit, a leading underfloor heating specialist, looks at how different floor…
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30
Mar
2017
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According to Helen Shaw, Marketing Manager at Roper Rhodes, good planning is key when it comes to designing the bathroom for any style of property.
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30
Mar
2017
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Crown Colour Specialist Kathryn Lloyd, a member of the Colour Influences Panel, passes on her knowledge and passion for colour to help you decide on the best scheme for each room in your home, referencing the Crown Paints Colour Influences spring and summer collection.
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Project Inspiration
30
Mar
2017
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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.
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Contracts and Legalities
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30
Mar
2017
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Architect and first-time self-builder, Damon Ball, has created a picturesque new home in the Vale of White Horse. Here, we uncover the ins and outs of how he budgeted and financed the development.
01
Mar
2017
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Clear Water Revival explains the ins and outs of swimming ponds and swimming pools.
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i-scape
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01
Mar
2017
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Jess Piddock, in-house Interior Designer at Domus, offers her top tips on tile trends for your self-build.
01
Mar
2017
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Once, conservatories had a bad reputation. They were the tacky white boxes that stifled you in summer, froze in winter and were a constant headache to keep clean and maintain. Not so in 2017, says Norman Hornigold, Sales Director of leading home improvement specialist, SEH BAC.
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i-build
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01
Mar
2017
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Andrew Wood, Managing Director of Andrew Wood Associates – a fresh-thinking architecture practice based in London – talks tenacity, timber frame and trends.
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01
Mar
2017
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A young, professional couple wanted to renovate and reconfigure their Victorian one-bedroom garden flat in Herne Hill, London. The couple appointed nimtim architects to create something beautiful as well as practical.
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01
Mar
2017
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Whether it is social or private housing, commercial properties or a self-build project, one of the continuing challenges in the construction industry is roofing defects. Here Russell Roof Tiles, one of the UK’s leading roof tile manufacturers, offers its advice to those self-builders striving to achieve best product finish first…
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Project Inspiration
01
Mar
2017
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We know that when it comes to building our own homes, there are a million and one considerations on the planning and construction side of things, but what about the security? Here Anthony Neary from safe.co.uk, a leading online security product retailer, explains how to factor in home security into…
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Project Inspiration
01
Mar
2017
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Charlotte Bird, self-build expert at Buildworks by Jewson, offers her advice on the top tools self-builders should have at their disposal – from absolute necessities to the best multi-purpose tool which no builder should be without.
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01
Mar
2017
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As experienced self-builders, Richard and Jo Collings had high standards for their final project – a four-bedroomed, energy-efficient house in a conservation area within rural Warwickshire.
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Rural Retreat
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01
Mar
2017
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As a homeowner undertaking project works, insurance is probably the last thing on your mind, but making sure you have the right cover in place is absolutely vital. Andrew Boldt, Managing Director of Insurance Tailors, explains more.
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Contracts and Legalities
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01
Mar
2017
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If you want to create your own bespoke home, custom-building could be for you, and the UK has a wealth of interesting new developments, says Tom Connor from Custom Build Homes.
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Viewpoint
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31
Jan
2017
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Malcolm Gough, Group Sales and Marketing Director at Natural Paving Products (UK), explains how to make the most of your outdoor space.
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i-scape
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31
Jan
2017
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Glasgow-based Natasha Marshall is a leading Textile Designer. Her design studio is best known for its contemporary graphic designs for fabrics and wallpapers, showcasing the best of British design and manufacturing. Here, she gives her top tips on selecting the right fabrics for your home.
31
Jan
2017
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With an abundance of skylight options available on the market, it may be proving difficult for some self-builders to select the correct one for their self-build. Here Steve Bromberg, General Manager at Express Bi-Folding Doors, offers his advice on selecting skylights and what designs are available.
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i-build
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31
Jan
2017
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Here Mark Dando, Specialist Rep for Timber and Timber Panel Products at Ridgeons Merchants, discusses the rise in popularity and benefits of timber frame construction.
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31
Jan
2017
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With the largest residential database in the world and a vibrant community empowered by technology, Houzz is leading the way as a platform for home renovation and design. Here, it reveals the findings from its latest renovation report.
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31
Jan
2017
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This article guides you through the suitability of different floor materials whether it is wood, vinyl, tiles or carpet for underfloor heating and their impact on the heat-up time and heat output of the system.
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Project Inspiration
31
Jan
2017
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Water source heat pump systems are becoming increasingly popular, but one lesser-known water source application is open loop systems. Open loop collectors take the form of two separate straight pipe collectors. These designs abstract and filter the water through the heat pump. This water is then discharged either back to…
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31
Jan
2017
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A VAT refund scheme allows DIY house-builders and people converting non-residential buildings into dwellings to reclaim VAT incurred on construction or conversion costs. This scheme is only available when the building will be used for a non-business purpose. Here, Constable VAT Consultancy offers its advice on claiming back your VAT.
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31
Jan
2017
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When in search of a comfortable, healthy, bespoke and energy-efficient home, Aberdeenshire couple Vic Kirwan and Teresa Green felt that a self-build was going to be the best way to achieve their criteria.
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Sustainable Living
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31
Jan
2017
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If you are an owner of a listed property or are thinking of buying one, you might have a number of questions but are unsure who to ask or where to turn for advice. Here, The Listed Property Owners’ Club (LPOC) experts answer some of the most frequently asked questions…
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Contracts and Legalities
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31
Jan
2017
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If you want a trouble-free route to creating your own bespoke home, follow these essential tips to ensure success, says BuildStore’s Rachel Pyne.
22
Dec
2016
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Here, we offer advice and inspiration to those of you who might like to consider a water feature or fountain as part of your exterior landscaping.
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i-scape
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21
Dec
2016
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Nick Bligh, Group Technical Manager at JELD-WEN, comments on which stair trends will be big for 2017.
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i-nterior
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22
Dec
2016
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Timber cladding has long been a popular choice among people seeking to create a traditional look on the exterior of their home, but wood offers a range of benefits that go beyond aesthetics. Howarth Timber explains more.
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i-build
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21
Dec
2016
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Conservatories make great additions to most houses, giving extra room for entertaining, playing, or relaxing in, however they’re often expensive to build and poorly insulated – so making good use of them during the great British winter can be a challenge.
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21
Dec
2016
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With three growing teenage boys and the desire to stay in the leafy suburb of Cobham, Surrey, Gavin and Nicky Rochussen were determined to create a home which accommodated the family’s requirements for more space without the need to move.
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21
Dec
2016
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Dan Smith, Managing Director of respected Kent installer DWL, explains what you need to know to choose high-performance windows that perfectly complement your property
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21
Dec
2016
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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.
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Project Inspiration
21
Dec
2016
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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 and sister-in-law decided to head for deepest Dorset.
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Project Inspiration
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21
Dec
2016
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Stuart and Rosie Treasurer have radically transformed a 1960s bungalow in a leafy suburb in the Wirral, Merseyside, into a modern family home.
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Sustainable Living
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21
Dec
2016
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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’.
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Contracts and Legalities
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21
Dec
2016
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BuildStore’s Rachel Pyne answers your questions on how to set a realistic budget and finance your next home-building project.
25
Nov
2016
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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.
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i-scape
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20
Nov
2016
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Aidan Bell, Co-founder of EnviroBuild, explains how reclamation is becoming an increasingly possible option for self-build projects.
24
Nov
2016
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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 improve our energy efficiency while making good savings on our bills. Paul Campbell, Founder of…
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