Worktop specialist, Maxtop Quartz, continues a reign of customer satisfaction with a recent installation in a home bathroom renovation.
Traditional wood flooring is becoming slightly less popular among homeowners. Those looking to achieve a distinctive design in their self-build are beginning to explore alternatives that offer a variety of unique benefits. One that proves…
Self-builders and roof window installers across the UK and Ireland can claim rewards, redeemable at top brand retailers and restaurants, every time they buy any VELUX® roof windows, flat roof windows and sun tunnels in…
Buying flooring isn’t perhaps the most exciting purchase but get it right and it will completely transform any interior.
Anthony Neary, Managing Director at safe.co.uk, advises on the best placement for security cameras.
Here Niall Deiraniya, General Manager at DRU Fires UK, explains how to create an impressive contemporary fireplace without a chimney.
If you are planning any sort of home renovation, extension or just updating your home, bi-fold doors can certainly add that touch of elegance and luxury. But, creating that wow factor and easy access to…
Exclusively for i-build, Matt Nimmons, Managing Director of CEDIA EMEA, provides self-builders with the latest advice on how to install smart home installations that can stand the test of time and what elements need to…
Stefan Weisshuhn, Architect and Head of WeberHaus UK – premium, prefabricated homes specialist – explains how the design and build of your own home should be future-proofed to remain perfect for you and your lifestyle…
After moving house in September 2015, Thomas Oliver and Erika Harris purchased a three-bedroom property in Oxford and planned to adapt the house for their growing family.
Speed and accuracy are crucial to a successful self-build project. When building to a strict budget and deadline, delays can be stressful, costly and can ultimately jeopardise completion. Sourcing and adopting appropriate materials and methods…
When those blustery winds of winter first kick in, it can be tempting to shut the door on your lawn only to return when spring blooms. Lawn care experts at Hayter, maker of the finest…
When David Smith’s parents built within the grounds of their garden, David realised he had a similar opportunity on his hands.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Many of us look back and say “in hindsight, I would have done things differently”. However, few get the chance to rectify their mistakes. Luckily for second-time self-builder Henry Martin,…
If you want to own a unique and attractive property that suits your family’s needs and is worth more than you paid to construct it, then self-building could be ideal for you, says Rachel Pyne…
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…
tp24, innovators of LED lighting solutions have recently launched their unique G30 Abstract range of linear LED light fittings, which is a system based lighting solution offering advanced simplicity and design flexibility unlike any other.
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lighting
When choosing a garage door for your self-build project, there are several options and things to consider. To help you decide on what style is right for you, Mark Lester, training manager at the UK’s…
Time-saving and flexibility have become imperative in today’s busy lifestyles. WeberHaus is a pioneer in pre-fabricated connected homes, and has the smart home solutions to make your home living as comfortable and relaxed as possible.…
An oak framed swimming pool house is certainly a mark of luxury, but have you thought that it could be just the thing to create that wow factor for your property? Here are a few…
The exterior of this iconic building was suffering with high levels of damage, including salt ingress and excessive cracking to the render and brickwork.
Cellecta, the UK’s leading manufacturer of Acoustic & Thermal Insulation have launched their latest product range to an ever-expanding Acoustic range with the introduction of RUBBERfon® ULTRATOP & IMPACT.
Outdoor kitchens are increasingly being seen in the design of high-end homes, both in the city on urban roof terraces as well as in the leafier parts of town.
Here Michelle Taylor, Product Manager for Myson, explains the benefits of opting for underfloor heating in a self-build project.
Yeoman Rainguard advises on choosing the right rainwater system for your self-build project.
A new look in glass-walled balconies is coming this spring, with the release of a leading-edge system designed by Surrey balustrade specialist, Balconette.
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balustrade
When choosing a garage door for a self-build project, there are several options to consider. To help you decide on what style is right for you, Mark Lester, Training Manager at one of the UK’s…
Sanjit Bahra, Founder of DesignPlusLight, is an award-winning lighting specialist with over 19 years’ experience in architectural lighting design. With a passion for lighting, Sanjit offers his view on why lighting your home is so…
Ground investigation for foundation design is crucial to avoid potential future problems which may result from differential settlement in weak ground or soil shrinking and swelling due to tree root activity. Here environmental consultant, Soil…
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foundations
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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renewable technology
Marzouk Al-Bader has always been passionate about architecture and design and it has been his lifelong dream to design and build his own home. Inspired by the landscape of his surroundings, Marzouk has created his…
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,…
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…
BuildStore’s Rachel Pyne discusses why renovation projects are so successful and explains the best way to fund your next venture.
Sustainable building products and Passivhaus project supplier, Ecological Building Systems, will bring together experts from across Europe on Thursday 11th May 2017 to hold the UK’s first ever masterclass in Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) design…
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sustainability
With 2016 already feeling like a distant memory, Hanse Haus’ Head of UK Sales, Oliver Grimshaw, takes a closer look at what’s in store for custom and self-builders in 2017.
Underfloor heating has never been more affordable and unlike bulky radiators it is completely hidden from sight and more energy efficient, giving you the space to create luxurious heat without compromising interior design.
Elmley National Nature Reserve is owned and managed by a farming family and is unique as the only National Nature Reserve farmer owned and managed by a farming family.
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energy
Buying flooring isn't perhaps the most exciting purchase but get it right and it will completely transform any interior.
We are very excited to launch our new handle website which offers door jewellery for the contemporary home.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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…
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,…
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.
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…
As former owner of the white iconic Mini Cooper S from classic heist movie The Italian Job, the last place you’d expect Bramley-based Electrical Engineer Mike Dodsworth to be living is a former police station.
When a north London family required an extensive redevelopment for their Edwardian detached home, they called on the help of Robert Hirschfield Architects to dramatically reorder the rooms and create a rear extension to meet…
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…
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insurance
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.
Grand Designs Live, proudly sponsored by Anglian Home Improvements, is set to return to London ExCeL from 29 April – 7 May 2017. This unique event promises to break down the conventional limitations to home-building…
CRL is working with Bellis Homes on the conversion of a Grade II listed former convent into 11 luxury apartments and detached house in North Barnet.
Underfloor heating and smart controller specialist, Warmup will be exhibiting at the ISH 2017 – the world’s biggest showcase for innovative bathroom design and energy efficient heating. Taking place in Frankfurt, Germany from 14th -…
With the winter residing, spring and summer around the corner it will soon be time to throw off the scarfs and get outside with a nice glass of wine after work.
Last month saw the completion of the new oak framed gallery at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens - the biggest purpose built art gallery in Cornwall since Tate St Ives.
There was plenty of hype about composite decking last year, with everyone from timber merchants, design magazines and radio presenters waxing lyrical about the growing trend to hit the UK decking market but what actually…
The New Matki Hinge Panel. For Matki Wet Room Panels and retrofittable on any 8mm Wet Room Panel.
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wetroom
Solarlux, the world’s leading manufacturer of bi-folding doors with experience at the cutting edge of glazing innovation and design, is about to R.evolutionise the industry.
With the cost of energy rising and utility bills increasing, trying to reduce heat loss in homes across the UK has become more important than ever. Architects and specifiers are continuously looking for new products…
Whether at home or in the office, we spend a lot of time indoors and emissions from construction materials, paints or solvents can all negatively affect our health. So why not open your door to…
Clear Water Revival explains the ins and outs of swimming ponds and swimming pools.
Jess Piddock, in-house Interior Designer at Domus, offers her top tips on tile trends for your self-build.
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…
Andrew Wood, Managing Director of Andrew Wood Associates – a fresh-thinking architecture practice based in London – talks tenacity, timber frame and trends.
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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renovation
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…
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…
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…
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tools
In search of something different, Steph and Hugh Craigie utilised their industry experience to navigate their way through planning restrictions and conceptualise a contemporary family home in Aberdeen.
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.
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,…
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home insurance
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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custom build
Malcolm Gough, Group Sales and Marketing Director at Natural Paving Products (UK), explains how to make the most of your outdoor space.
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…
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,…
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.
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…
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renovation
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.
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…
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water management
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…
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finance
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.
As the owner of home technology company, Clever Association, Richard Jones knows all too well the increasing trend towards ‘smart’ living. Therefore, when Richard was faced with the opportunity to renovate a tired Victorian property,…
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,…
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.
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selfbuild
Multi-Tight 2K is a new, flexible, mineral based waterproofing product which has all the performance properties of older technology polymer-modified thick bitumen emulsions, whilst being “bitumen free”.
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waterproofing
A timber frame manufacturer, serving both the self-build and wider development sectors, includes high performance Magply boards within its standard details and brochures, to ensure its customers can be offered fail-safe fire resistance wherever the…
Thanks to an evolutionary new heat pump launched this January, self-builders and renovators are now able to enjoy the benefits of ground source heat pumps with added 15% efficiency improvements, which translates to quicker payback…
Architectural glazing specialists DWL have done it all – they’ve made and installed sensational doors, windows and conservatories for everything from the edgiest of new-builds to the most traditional historic properties. But what if you…
The project was to expansively extend and refurbish an existing property in Hurst Green, Brightlingsea. The scheme was challenging and Specialised Fixings called on the expertise of ARP to offer their skills and experience to…
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refurbishment
The company, which I established following the success of Westbury Garden Rooms, has seen steady growth over the last two decades, and the appointment of window industry guru, John Mumford, as co-Director in 2012 has…
The National Self Build & Renovation Centre is the UK’s only permanent visitor centre for self & custom home-builders and renovators. A unique and inspiring resource, it is designed to provide you with the knowledge…
Completing a planning application for a self-build can feel like taking a trip into the vast unknown and is often approached with a certain degree of trepidation. It’s no surprise, as very few are likely…
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planning
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.
Nick Bligh, Group Technical Manager at JELD-WEN, comments on which stair trends will be big for 2017.
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…
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…
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…
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
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…