The importance of good quality lighting and the positive influence it has on spaces and individuals is appreciated more and more by the wider public. But how do you ensure good quality lighting is achieved in your project, even when a design professional might not be present?

Carl Bailey, Regional Technical Manager for Elevate (formerly Firestone Building Products), explains how to create a green roof that lasts.

Technological advances in glass have led to the extraordinary evolution of residential design, harnessing greater apertures for thermally-broken glazing that invites the outside and inside. Moreover, homes needing modernisation or refurbishment in coastal environments will predominantly prioritise the ‘framing’ of picturesque vistas above building ephemera. High-performance oversized structural glazing helps…

Looking Glass Lodge is a beautifully-designed, ultra-modern lodge hidden in dense, charming woodland in East Sussex’s village of Fairlight, not too far from the county’s rugged, picturesque coastline.

Give your home the wow factor with an eye-catching colour choice. Just like landscaping and hardscaping your driveway, colour coordinating your garage door colours with your home can make a big first impression and set the right tone for creating kerb appeal.

23 Jan 2023
In this two-part article, we talk to Unplugged, a digital detox experience brand that embraces the idea of off-grid cabin living, about the benefits of taking the plunge into this quiet, more minimal way of life for those interested in a permanent shift in lifestyle. While on the next page,…

Robert Hirschfield Architects has completed a full renovation and restoration of a large Arts and Crafts period home in London's Hampstead Garden suburb.

20 Dec 2022
The experts from Wire Fence are here to help you gain a better understanding of the tips and tricks regarding some popular gabion projects, so you have every detail you need on hand to start your garden makeover.

Winter is here, but unfortunately, so too are rising energy costs. Darren Whelpton-Smith from online building materials retailer Plumbing Superstore, part of CMO Group, looks at some of the heating options available to help self-builders save money and energy on their next project.

Tiles are a fantastic option for many self-build projects, with the right choice offering the ideal combination of practicality and style. As we fast approach the New Year, Gemma Haynes, Specification Manager at leading commercial tile supplier CTD Architectural Tiles, takes a look at the five latest floor and wall…

It’s a great feeling to turn that dusty, dark old loft into your favourite room in the house. You might have a growing family and need an extra bedroom. It could be a home office, so you have the space and peace to build your business. Or maybe you just…

Living in the countryside can be much better for your health than living in a city centre. Less petrol and diesel fumes, bigger gardens, country walks with the family dog, and growing your own fruits and kitchen vegetables. But what are your choices of heating systems living in a rural…

Something that is commonly confused is the difference between timber framing and post and beam construction. Here Vermont Timber Works explains more.

10 Jun 2019
It is well established and understood by self builders, architects and developers that well designed and attractive garage doors add to the overall feel and value of a property.

A self-build project in the stunning countryside of North East England has benefitted from Isover’s Metac, chosen for its excellent thermal and acoustic properties, as well as being the perfect fit for the architectural design of the property.

10 Jun 2019
The relationship between handmade bricks and mortar is very similar to that of the referee in a football match. Mortar, like a referee, is absolutely essential to a successful outcome – but the less you notice it, the better. The bricks, like the footballers, are the stars. This is a…

Rex Nye, who owns online builders’ merchants NYEs Building Supplies, provides his top tips for making sure you’re getting the best from your garden.

To create a new-look bathroom, on a budget, there are a few simple updates which can create a big impact. Bathroom and tile retailer, Easy Bathrooms, has outlined a handful of ideas to bring this space back to life – without breaking the bank.

Stacy Eden, Partner, Head of Property and Construction at national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm, Crowe, explains how will this impact on the property industry.

10 Jun 2019
CB Homes has recently won a top industry accolade for its stunning lakeside development in Cheshire, on the site of a derelict country restaurant. The project, The Mill Pool, is a residential development of two adjacent properties, nestled beside a former mill pond in rural Cheshire.

Whether you’re working on an old or a new building, read on to discover why Simon Ayres of Lime Green believes lime has the answers. Simon gave up building to focus on manufacturing lime because he believes its more relevant now than ever.

If you’re looking to replace your windows, picking windows for your self-build project or plan to have a rooflight installed, it can be difficult deciding whether to choose double or triple glazing. Each carries their own benefits, so it’s more down to personal preference, as opposed to a right or…

12 May 2019
The Dulux Colour of the Year for 2019 is Spiced Honey – a rich natural tone that fills the space between caramel and mocha with a warm and understated earthiness.

Loxone has put together a list of 10 top tips to accommodate smart home technology into your self-build project.

Bi-fold doors run along a simple track and are hinged to fold open. They are a popular choice for external back doors in both new-builds and period properties.

Clay roof tiles remain as popular as ever, adding a beautiful finishing touch to the roof of any home. Roof Stores’ clay roof tile guide will tell you everything you need to know about clay tiles. From durability and weight, through to cost, read on for a comprehensive insight into…

12 May 2019
This light-filled house, an hour and a half from Montreal, is literally hanging from a cliff as its name, Dans l’Escarpement, implies in French. It is located on land pertaining to an estate started over a hundred years ago and known for its remarkable landscapes and pristine lakes.

12 May 2019
When London-based architecture studio, Loud. Architecture & Interior Design, was approached to transform a run-down property in Stoke Newington, its Founder Kate Clare jumped at the chance to not only bring the property’s construction and design into the 21st Century, but to also pay homage to Hackney’s industrial history.

The latest self-build market report from AMA Research, highlights the strong disconnect between the number of available sites and where people want to build.

There’s a steep learning curve when you’re building or carrying out a large renovation project. Homebuilding & Renovating Show specialists who have lived through it describe the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

29 Mar 2019
For Jude Hesselgrave, home is not just where her heart is, it’s also where her roots lie. After renting in London and then buying and renovating a house near Brighton with her partner, Roger Page, they rented their property out and made the move to Horam, East Sussex in 2009…

When decorating your self-build bathroom, picking the right scheme to create a calm and relaxing environment might feel like a difficult task.

Deciding on the windows and doors is an important part of a building project. The decision not only affects the look of the property, but also impacts on the thermal efficiency.

28 Mar 2019
Perhaps one result of aircrete’s popularity as an above-ground masonry material has been a lack of awareness of its suitability for use below DPC level. In the British construction industry, using aircrete as a foundation material is viewed as unconventional. The reality is that aircrete provides a simplified and cost-effective…

28 Mar 2019
In 2016, new legislation came into force which meant that councils now have a duty to grant planning permission to appropriate serviced plots as part of the ‘Right to Build’ entitlement. This was part of the government’s solution to tackling housing shortages across the country – the objective was to…

28 Mar 2019
Steve Elliott’s aim was to convert a dilapidated 16th century apple storage barn and some outbuildings from agricultural use to a residential haven for his family.

Choosing a kitchen is no easy task. Whether you’re in the midst of a complete renovation or simply updating an old style, the finer details of the process can complicate matters and it helps to be as well prepared as possible. This is especially true when procuring your worktops.

Here Jacksons Fencing explains how you can save money by installing pressure treated fencing vs untreated fencing and why treated timber is not as susceptible to insect and rot attack, wind damage or harsh weather conditions.

Here is a step-by-step self-builder’s timeline for building an oak-framed house so you know what to expect throughout the journey.

The Environment Agency (EA) introduced new rules regarding the discharge of treated sewage by systems installed and in use on or after 1st January 2015.

25 Feb 2019
Bisca refurbished the staircase in a multi-storey Victorian property, transforming the entrance hall in the process.

A leaky, broken or damaged roof can be a costly and timely expense to UK homeowners. A simple routine check of your roof could save you a lot of money in the long run. In a recent survey by roofing expert, Roof Stores, results show that the British public really…

News that the UK is aiming to ban gas grid connections to new-build homes from 2025 serves as a clear indication that the development of sustainable eco homes of the future should, in fact be the homes of today. Here, Stephanie Gregory, Marketing Manager at the Kensa Group explains more.

Mike and Pawana Spencer-Nairn left Jersey in the Channel Islands and moved to the UK in 2005 to realise a remarkable Scottish Highland experience in the wilderness. They created Eagle Brae, a sustainable ecotourism business with self-built bespoke log cabins – a true celebration of local craftsmanship. Due to their…

Finding the right light fittings to use in your bathroom can be a tricky matter, especially if your electrician or quick internet search points towards IP44-rated fittings. Whilst there are areas where IP44-rated fittings are essential or highly recommended, often a standard fitting (IP20) will suffice – giving you much…

Flood resistance and flood resilience measures are both important aspects of protecting your property against flooding, but what is the difference and what do they entail?

Many people dream of increasing the size of their property, but do you need planning permission to extend? Here Gareth Boyd, Director at 2020 Architects, explains everything you need to consider.

Burglaries are reported to increase during the winter months, leaving many UK homes vulnerable to opportunistic thieves at this time of year.

Fixed air conditioners have become common in many homes in the UK. They keep you comfortable throughout the day and can significantly aid sleeping at night through hot spells. The energy savings are thought so important that the Government has now introduced a scheme where it charges 5% VAT instead…

The glow of a real woodburner and the soaring flames of a gas stove are ever popular, but owning one does not suit everyone’s lifestyle.

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