04
Sep
2017
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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.
04
Sep
2017
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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 – and that barn conversion is its award-winning headquarters.
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04
Sep
2017
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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.
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04
Sep
2017
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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.
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Project Inspiration
04
Sep
2017
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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.
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04
Sep
2017
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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 to opening up to stunning surrounding views.
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Project Inspiration
01
Sep
2017
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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 investing his time into researching renewable heating solutions, he found the solution to be a…
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Sustainable Living
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01
Sep
2017
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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.
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Rural Retreat
01
Sep
2017
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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 that funding will come in the form of a mortgage, says Rachel Pyne, Operations Director…
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01
Sep
2017
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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 Passivhaus Trust explains why all self-builders should be striving for the Passivhaus standard.
27
Jul
2017
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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.
27
Jul
2017
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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.
27
Jul
2017
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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 few simple steps you can take to enhance your render’s lifespan.
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27
Jul
2017
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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, takes a look at the viable options for homes disconnected from the mains sewage network.
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27
Jul
2017
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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 project.
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Project Inspiration
27
Jul
2017
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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.
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Project Inspiration
27
Jul
2017
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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 remain an enigma. Here, Kensa talks through the ins and outs of ground source heat…
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27
Jul
2017
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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, gaining traction across the nation. The notion is so widespread that many self-builders are undertaking…
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Rural Retreat
27
Jul
2017
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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 the worst happen?
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Contracts and Legalities
27
Jul
2017
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The self-build boom
Written by Rebecca Kemp (Editor)
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. At its current pace, the sector is estimated to reach 16,500 housing completions by 2020.
27
Jul
2017
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‘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, quality does cost money and we all know that.
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30
Jun
2017
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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 with the compromise of a busy road nearby.
30
Jun
2017
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Why build with oak?
Written by Rebecca Kemp (Editor)
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 Oakmasters.
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30
Jun
2017
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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.
30
Jun
2017
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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.
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30
Jun
2017
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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 career as an architect and reports on his recent self-build projects.
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30
Jun
2017
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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 the implementation of high-performing floor insulation, Celotex FI5000, was used.
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30
Jun
2017
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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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30
Jun
2017
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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 new home, ‘Ostro’, provided the perfect opportunity to realise their ambitions for moving out of…
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30
Jun
2017
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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 Mendonca from BuildSafe – a leading building warranty insurance provider.
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30
Jun
2017
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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.
30
Jun
2017
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Selecting furniture for any room within the home can be an exciting task, but it can also seem quite tricky as there are so many elements to consider. Here Zoe Hartridge, Senior Designer at New i.D Interiors, offers her advice on where to start for a self-build project.
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Project Inspiration
30
May
2017
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Anthony Neary, Managing Director at safe.co.uk, advises on the best placement for security cameras.
30
May
2017
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Here Niall Deiraniya, General Manager at DRU Fires UK, explains how to create an impressive contemporary fireplace without a chimney.
30
May
2017
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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 outdoor living starts with making sure you have the right measurements.
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i-build
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30
May
2017
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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 be considered when designing a wider home integration project.
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30
May
2017
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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 forever.
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30
May
2017
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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.
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Project Inspiration
30
May
2017
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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 of construction can help combat these pressures and provide both short- and long-term financial benefits.
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30
May
2017
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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 mowers, and Toro, a global leader in turf care and maintenance, have shared some tips…
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30
May
2017
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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, an available plot of land allowed him to amend elements in the design of his…
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Sustainable Living
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30
May
2017
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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 at BuildStore.
30
May
2017
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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 of available financing, planning and regulation processes as well as land supply and procurement. In…
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Contracts and Legalities
02
May
2017
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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.
02
May
2017
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Here Michelle Taylor, Product Manager for Myson, explains the benefits of opting for underfloor heating in a self-build project.
02
May
2017
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Yeoman Rainguard advises on choosing the right rainwater system for your self-build project.
02
May
2017
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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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02
May
2017
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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 leading garage door manufacturers Hörmann, has your questions answered.
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Project Inspiration
02
May
2017
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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 important.
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02
May
2017
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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 Environment Services, explains further.
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