Price can be a sticking point for many end-users before taking the plunge to buy a FEIN power tool, especially after having used competitor machines for months or years beforehand. JP Schoonbrood, owner of an…
Whether you’re transforming the aesthetics of a run-down period property or self-building a contemporary majestic design of your own, each and every project deserves a well-designed lighting scheme.
Beginning a self-build project that would result in becoming neighbours, Roger and Angie Stretton alongside Martin and Sarah Smith embarked on a project to create two modern, energy-efficient family homes. Seeking reliable, high-quality ironmongery and…
With a roof making up 40% of a home’s overall design, selecting the right tile can have a huge impact on a project. Here, leading roofing manufacturer, Russell Roof Tiles, provides its top 10 tips…
When Perry and Christina Vann purchased an agricultural property in north-west England, they had grand plans to bring the building back to life, with all the latest mod cons. With panoramic pastoral views of rolling…
Imperial Bricks has supplied its handmade bricks for a unique self-build barn-style family home in Canon Pyon, Herefordshire. The village is in a rural setting and any new development had to be sympathetic with its…
Did you know about the legislation surrounding septic tanks that are causing costly problems for home-builders, developers and owners? No? According to Richard Leigh, Group Development Director at Lanes for Drains, you’re not alone.
This striking energy-efficient home is quietly nestled in the peaceful grounds of a Grade II Listed property in South Oxfordshire. A small stream curls around the front of the property, giving it a sense of…
Villa Geef is one of Damilano Studio Architects’ most recent residential projects. Nestled in the charming town of Sondrio, Italy, this exquisite build replaces an area that was once used as a break-out space for…
Having previously tackled an extension on Jeremy and Hannah Witt’s Victorian semi-detached home, Architect David Nossiter was delighted when the pair informed him of their next venture.
Here Steve Mansour, Chief Executive Officer at CRL, gives self-builders, home renovators and new-build homeowners an insight into the longevity of the average new-build home.
The contaminated land regime in the UK is set out in a number of documents which outline a framework – or process flow, if you like. Much like assessing a risk in health and safety,…
Architect and TV Presenter George Clarke knows a thing or two about the quirks of styling all kinds of period properties; from Victorian and Mid-Century to cutting-edge and contemporary. With this in mind, Hillarys, a…
The advance of autumn invariably means shorter days and longer nights – but in bathroom terms at least, there are still plenty of ways to see the light. Leading bathroom specialist Roper Rhodes offers an…
When you are choosing a pocket door solution remember that not all pocket doors are the same. You want to make sure that it will be easy to install, has a professional finish and will…
Choosing the right garage door for your self-build or renovation project is one of the most important decisions you can make. Whether you are going to use it as a place to store your car…
Remmers Epoxy OS Color New is a coloured Epoxy Self Smoothing resin system suitable for industrial and commercial applications. Its high mechanical strength coupled with excellent chemical resistance makes it ideal for industrial environments whilst…
The property based in Chelsfield, Orpington was having a kitchen-diner refurbishment and extension in a modern contemporary design. Dickens Developments – the contractor on site contacted ARP’s Area Sales Manager – David Capel, as they…
Buying flooring isn’t perhaps the most exciting purchase but get it right and it will completely transform any interior.
Fire pits are more than just beautiful features for gardens and landscapes, they are also vehicles for bringing people together. Here, modern fire pit designer and manufacturer, Paloform, explains what these heat-generating features can bring…
World-leading provider of sanitary fittings, GROHE, explains the importance of the design of a showerhead and how best to future-proof your shower room.
The re-emergence of ‘multi-generational’ living is one of the most significant growing trends in the UK, seeing a 46% increase in the last decade. With the staggering rise in house prices leading to ‘generation rent’,…
In January 2013, David Cameron, the then Conservative Prime Minister, under great pressure from various sides promised a referendum on whether the UK would stay in the European Union or leave. Fearful of not getting…
In the world of self-build, one of the challenges of selecting and specifying building materials is the sheer number of products on offer. A higher specification more often than not equates to a higher price…
The South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show, proudly sponsored by Everest, returns to Bath & West Showground, from 18 to 19th November.
Ensuring you have the correct ventilation for your property and lifestyle, whilst ensuring you meet Building Regulations, can appear daunting, says Callum Graham, Self-Build Estimator at Nuaire.
The clever use of Catnic’s SSR2 standing seam roofing and cladding system has created a stunning roof finish for a contemporary new-build extension in rural West Lothian.
Basement conversions are a great way to add space to properties where outdoor space for extensions is limited. This is the procedure that Simon Cassidy opted for when he sought to create extra living space…
Robert Griffiths and his wife Hilary had been living within their eight-acre development in the idyllic village Ashford-in-the-Water for nine years before they decided to restore the 1000-year-old corn mill sited on the estate.
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development
New YouGov research suggests a high level of anxiety around Japanese knotweed and alarming levels of misinformation.
Two months after acquiring planning permission for a three-bedroom detached premanufactured home, 23-year-old Holly Thomson reached out to i-build to discuss the challenging process she underwent when obtaining consent for her build.
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Your self-build home is finally complete, but now you face the arduous task of moving in. Adam Jones, Business Development Director at ArrowXL – a UK-leading two-man home delivery expert – shares his top tips…
Alex Hancock, Director at Wooden Windows, a newly launched specialist company, gives his expert advice on wooden vs uPVC and which windows are right for the property you are developing.
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windows
VELUX® has launched a new campaign aimed at educating homeowners on the benefits of replacing their old roof windows with VELUX roof windows to help them realise the potential of their homes.
Following the recent introduction of government ‘Part Q’ security standards, Accsys Technologies has produced a global security assessment for door and window designs manufactured using Accoya wood.
With flames almost indistinguishable from those of a real woodburning fire, the Gazco Reflex 75T boasts designs to suit both traditional and contemporary home styling.
The new Syntesis® Flush Collection from Eclisse is a range of architrave free pocket door systems, concealed frame hinged door systems and an ingenious skirting board adaptor that allows your skirting to be flush with…
With the trend for sustainable living reaching an all-time high, more of us are switching onto the benefits of growing our own produce and, as a result, many are taking the allotmenteering route.
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allotments
Will Gough, Commercial Manager for Spaceslide, explains how clever storage could boost your property’s value.
Here, the Passivhaus Trust explains why self-builders and the Passivhaus standard are made for each other.
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passivhaus
The Northern Homebuilding & Renovating Show, proudly sponsored by Everest, returns to Harrogate Convention Centre, from 3rd to 5th November.
Produced by the team at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC), the UK’s only permanent visitor centre for self-builders and home-improvers, the Big Green Home Show returns in October.
Reflecting the growth of the UK’s self-build mortgage market, the Mansfield Building Society has announced the launch of a new advanced stage payment mortgage product in partnership with self-build specialist, BuildStore Mortgage Services.
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finance
Greater prefabrication offers more control over quality, productivity and predictability – making off-site construction a great choice for self-builders. Here Andrew Carpenter, Chief Executive of the Structural Timber Association, shares with i-build the reasons why…
When the homeowners of a west London Edwardian semi-detached house sought to revitalise their home, they turned to Holloways of Ludlow to complete the extensive renovation. The renovation comprised a full refurbishment with ground floor…
From simple organic pattern features to soft geometric abstracts, Lorna Williams – Head of Product Design and Creative Branding at Amtico – discusses the prevailing aesthetically-led, yet functional, trends and future innovations from the world…
Situated in a heavily wooded site, ‘the Quest’ is a replacement self-build in Swanage, Dorset. Overlooking the picturesque Durlston Country Park, the sloping site – home to protected mature trees – played a key role…
The project for the refurbishment of a charming circa 16th-century farmhouse situated on the crest of a marvellous hill in the heart of Siena’s Chianti region in Tuscany, Italy, overlooking vineyards and woodland was the…
The Internet of Things (IoT) is not a new topic. In fact, it has been a discussion point for decades and the first smart appliance, a toaster, was actually connected to the internet back in…
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construction
You have found the site or renovation project of your dreams and are keen to get started. The last thing you need are delays with processing your planning application. Here Sarah Chilcott, Managing Director at…
The last 12 months have heralded the return of colour within interiors, with homeowners becoming increasingly confident in their decorating choices and embracing more dramatic, vivid hues. While the delicate neutrals and Scandi greys remain…
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paints
In recent years, Schueco’s focus has been on designing highly insulated glazed systems where the framing becomes ever more minimal, allowing the area of uninterrupted glass to become proportionately larger and thus visually more impressive.
The Grade II Listed building located in Manchester City Centre is being refurbished by Quadriga Contracts Ltd as part of the NOMA regeneration scheme to provide Grade A office space, retail and leisure facilities.
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Pocket doors are increasing in popularity in the UK but there are still quite a few people, builders included, who are not that familiar with pocket doors, and others who don’t realise how versatile they…
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doors
Supremely versatile and eternally appealing, bespoke wooden window frames will add the wow factor to your new home.
Imagine a world where every detail of your dream home comes to life around you. Where you can perfectly craft each and every aspect to your taste. Welcome to the WeberHaus World of Living.
Introduced in the 19th century as an ornamental plant, this species’ spread across the country has been astonishing. Now thought to be present in every 10km² of the UK, this plant is a common sight…
Art – the right piece of carefully selected fine art – has the power to transform a house into a home, to add life and character to blank walls and empty inner spaces. But if…
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art
Here, experienced home extensions building expert, Ryan Abell – Director and Site Manager at Abell Building Services – shares his checklist for keeping track of a kitchen extension project from start to finish.
In 2001, young Architect Nicolas Tye bought a barn conversion in Bedfordshire, then took 12 months out to renovate it. 16 years on, Nicolas Tye Architects (NTA) is a prosperous practice with 20 staff –…
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rooflights
With building materials prices ever rising and constructors’ margins being squeezed, the quality and suitability of timber materials for self-build projects has never been more critical, writes Jim Coulson, Director at TFT Woodexperts.
With its brands AXOR and hansgrohe, the Hansgrohe Group brings form and function to water with taps, showerheads and shower systems. Here, i-build reflects on the trendsetting themes that the brand sets for bathroom design.
Here, Mrs Holst talks to i-build about the restoration of her home, an old powerhouse dating back to the 1900s, and explains why she opted for a rechargeable lithium-ion battery to power her restoration.
Natural daylighting within bespoke homes is a common request from many self-builders. The inclusion of large expanses of glazing brings many beneficial elements for self-builders and home renovators; from reduced energy bills and enhanced wellbeing…
When Paul Withey took on his fourth barn conversion project in the rural area of Attleborough, he thought he’d be restricted to an oil boiler for his four-bedroom barn’s heating and hot water. However, after…
Derry and Susan Young have built a stunning five-bedroom property in the picturesque Scottish Highlands featuring a ground source heat pump and solar thermal to provide 100% of the property’s heating and hot water needs.
If you’re planning a self-build, whether a first-timer or an experienced hand, you’ll need funding in place to drive your home-building project through its various stages, and the chances are that at least part of…
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legalities
The Passivhaus standard is one of the fastest-growing energy standards in the world, and often dubbed the gold standard of energy efficiency and indoor comfort. There are currently over 65,000 Passivhaus buildings worldwide. Here, the…
ESSE has unveiled a stylish, new flueless gas fire design called 'the Oval'. This striking rounded design joins the more angular shapes that the company already offers, and ESSE believes it will be just as…
British kitchen manufacturer Mereway has extended its market leading Town & Country collection with a new painted woodgrain kitchen, Bridgwater. This latest door builds on the popularity of the painted shaker door but has a…
Indian Sandstone continues to increase in popularity with British homeowners; however issues can occur before, during and after installation.
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sandstone
‘Eco’ or ‘sustainable’ homes have become popular in recent years. As many have become increasingly environmentally-minded and health conscious, and the cost of fuel in various forms as skyrocketed, there has been a growing desire…
Quietly nestled in the peaceful grounds of a Grade II listed property in South Oxfordshire is this striking energy-efficient property, home to the Barrett family. As a new home builder himself, James Barrett recognised the…
BSW Timber has just unveiled a brand new range of garden fence panels that has been introduced to complement its existing fencing components.
When it comes to getting your outdoor spaces ready for the months ahead, whether you’ve got acres of lawn or just a small patch, there’s no excuse for not being well equipped.
Here Dan Cook, Designer at luxury bathroom company C.P. Hart, explains how to achieve that spa-like feel in your self-build’s bathroom.
Whether you’re using render to revitalise tired walls, or to encapsulate that fresh finish – it needs to be cared for. Here, Dr Ross Savage, Head of R&D at K Rend, talks i-build through a…
A rise in self-build projects in rural parts of the UK has made finding the right wastewater treatment option for individual projects more important than ever before. Here Matthew Rolph, Managing Director at GRAF UK,…
When Hazel Park, Lighting Designer at John Cullen Lighting, was approached to explore a lighting scheme for an architect’s London home, she knew the result would be extraordinary. Here, Hazel talks i-build through the outstanding…
There’s a lot to be said for using locally-sourced natural stone when it comes to adding a touch of authentic class to a self-build project.
Everyone has to start somewhere. As a reader of i-build, you are clearly an ambassador for the self-build industry and innovative approaches to building, but for some self-builders renewable technology like ground source heat pumps…
Three stone ruins standing strong on a hillside located on the northern edge of Penryn, Cornwall, was all the inspiration that Dan Thompson required for the design and build of a sympathetic barn conversion.
The idea of self-building one’s very own home is highly admired within the UK; with the idea of a dwelling suited to homeowners’ needs, inclusive of all amenities that have been tailored to personal specifications,…
Did you know it is vital that appropriate cover is obtained for listed homes as general insurance providers may only provide enough cover for a minimal ‘standard’ rebuild, leaving you to finance the shortfall should…
A new market report, that is the largest of its kind, has revealed that the self- and custom-build industry is growing at a rate of 6.25% year on year, marking its third consecutive annual spike.…
‘You pays your money and you takes your choice,’ an age-old adage, but never more true than today. Although it may be tempting to take shortcuts when having to buy a new piece of equipment,…
Quietly nestled in the peaceful grounds of a Grade II listed property in South Oxfordshire is this striking energy-efficient property, home to the Barrett family.
The kitchen remains the heart of any home but due to a cultural shift in lifestyle it is becoming more important that it is a multifunctional space. As such, many people opt for semi-glazed kitchen…
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kitchen
Water softeners are becoming increasingly popular as more people understand the benefits of them in hard water areas. From a cleaner home to descaled pipes and appliances that result in cheaper bills, it’s no surprise…
Red Wharf Bay Sailing & Watersports Club is set in an area of outstanding beauty at Traeth Bychan on the Isle of Anglesey, North Wales. The member’s clubhouse has been sited here for over 50…
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protection
Roof window manufacturer VELUX® has added three more sizes to its world’s first curved glass rooflight range.
Polyurethane foam can be used as a high performing insulant in self-build projects to meet or exceed today's standards. When used for airtightness or stabilisation under the roof or within the cavity it outperforms most…
Combination Bathroom Furniture from Hudson Reed offers a unique range of space saving storage solutions for the smaller bathroom. The range is designed to be flexible, so you can create the look you want that…
With roads across the country getting busier and the lack of choice when it comes to building plots, many self-builders are having to face the fact that affordable property and building plots will sometimes come…
Oak is an affordable luxury that adds vitality, warmth and ambience to any development. Few people can resist the charms of oak, but aesthetics aren’t the only reason to use it, says Kat Hamilton from…
There is nothing quite like being able to touch and feel an appliance to determine its quality and find out more about its functionality and performance, says Luke Shipway, Product Manager at Caple.
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kitchen
L-Ments, an innovative prefabricated roof system that enables the installation of a fully insulated pitched roof in a matter of hours, has been specified for an eco-house in one of Britain’s leading tourist spots.
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. Here, i-build talks to Jason about his…
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architect
James Gray and wife Claudia set out to transform 30 acres of farmland in north Essex into a unique timber home for the entire family. Energy efficiency was a key driver within their brief, so…
John Nicholls has been designing and selling kitchens through its Banbury showroom for over 40 years, so the company understands that the kitchen is the heart of the home.
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kitchen
The Maryville Passivhaus is a continuation of research by Joseph Thurrott Architects into the reinterpretation of Scottish rural vernacular buildings to meet modern, low-energy demands. The owners, Ian and Mary Sweetland, have had a far…
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passivhaus
A traditional Scottish village in Stirlingshire may not seem like the obvious location for a contemporary Passivhaus project. For chartered Architect, Mhairi Grant and her Architectural Designer partner, Martin McCrae, however, the development of their…
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…