A healthy building is one that is bright, warm, draught-free, soundproof and free from air pollutants. For occupant health, there is a myriad of benefits of healthy homes as poorly ventilated homes with a lack of daylight can contribute to asthma, allergies and even sleep disorders. This is particularly worrying…

As self-builders adopt an increasingly sustainable ethos when designing and building their own homes, Simon Orrells of Frame Technologies considers why issues surrounding climate change and the zero-carbon agenda cannot be ignored.

Good organisation is always an important part of any project, but as winter approaches, industries that involve outdoor construction have an altogether different and challenging task on their hands. When the first frosts bite, even the most thought-out of projects can experience kinks in productivity. As such, those planning outdoor…

Historic buildings account for more than a quarter of our existing building stock, and a surprisingly large number of ‘self-build’ properties are converted historic buildings, writes Melissa Osborne, Principal Building Surveyor at Trident Building Consultancy.

There are many considerations when embarking on your self-build journey, but one of the most important is deciding on the build method and making sure you have all the relevant evidence to make an informed decision. This may appear straightforward, but there are several considerations that may influence lenders, warranty…

Mark Stevenson, Managing Director of Potton, shares his comments on how to value a building plot and provides a formula for the valuation method.

Building a home is a real bucket list event for a lot of people, yet so few make it a reality. In the UK, self-build can prove a complex process for the uninitiated, which often dissuades people from giving it proper consideration. Paul Smith, Founder of MyPlot, reflects on the…

John M Staves, CEng FIStructE, Fellow and Vice President of the Institution of Structural Engineers discusses why you must consult a structural engineer before renovating or extending.

Deciding to undertake a self-build project is a significant moment, however, translating grand ideas into a workable plan isn’t always as straightforward as it might seem. Here, Karen Curtin, Managing Director of Graven Hill, the UK’s largest self and custom build community, offers four key considerations that should be made…

Basement conversions are becoming a popular method to add floorspace and value to a property. However, the decision to tackle one should not be taken lightly.