Our February edition is always an advice-packed magazine. Not only do we bring you our regular dose of ideas and advice, but this issue also includes our Best of Self Build & Renovation guide, which details all the shortlisted and winning projects, products, services and suppliers from this year’s Build It Awards. As chair of the judging panel, I’m proud (and a little exhausted!) to say that we spend many weeks independently scrutinising all of the entries – so you know that the contenders are companies worth shortlisting for your own build.
Back to the magazine, and you may have noticed something a little different about us this month. Yes, we’re bigger and better than ever, now representing the best of two leading UK self build and renovation titles to become Build It incorporating SelfBuild & Design magazine! It’s a hugely exciting time, and we’re primed and ready to make sure we deliver all the content and inspiration you need to make a success of your project. Find out more about the merger and how you can help us continue the great work of both magazines by turning to page 21.
I hope you’ll agree we’re starting off on the right foot. As part of the feature on page 21, SelfBuild & Design launch editor Gerald Coles lets us in on why he thinks joining forces will benefit all our readers. And, of course ,we have our usual dose of practical content – from our guide to key the steps to your dream home (page 66) through to advice on front door options and costs (page 73), renovation mistakes to avoid (page 93), buying materials (page 103), and insulation options for your build (page 108). We also have tips from a self build couple who are on site with their project as I type (page 78) and, new to Build It’s pages, a taster of the plots available on leading land finding website PlotBrowser.com – all with planning in place (page 121)!
CHRIS BATESM ITH, EDITOR
EDITOR’S FAVOU R ITE FEATURES
MEET THE TEAM
EMILY BATESMITH
is Build It’s deputy editor and supplements editor. This month she sets out the 10 key steps to make a success of your self build (page 66). self-build.co.uk/emily
GEORGINA
CROTHERS
is Build It’s editorial assistant. Every month she finds the latest news and products to inspire your project (page 11). On page 73 she looks at front door options and costs.
SANDER TEL
is Build It’s digital editorial assistant. He’s put together lots of practical and inspiring content for you at self-build. co.uk and via our social media channels @BuildItMagazine
MARTIN GAINE
is a former council case officer turned planning consultant. He’s a regular expert at the Build It Live events. Read more from Martin online at self-build.co.uk/martin
JULIA RIDDLE
is a planning consultant with over 14 years of experience, specialising in self build. On page 112 she looks at the planning benefits of demolish and rebuild.
NIGEL GRIFFITHS
is a sustainability consultant and Build It’s eco expert. This month he explores the best insulation options for eco builds (page 108). Read more online at self-build.co.uk/nigel
ALAN TIERNEY
is a historic buildings expert and conservation specialist. He’s currently taking on his own heritage renovation. You can follow his progress online at self-build.co.uk/alan
JULIAN OWEN
is Build It’s design doctor and a self build architect with his own practice. On page 98 he looks at blending traditional architecture with modern living. self-build.co.uk/julian
OPINDER LIDDAR
is a Build It Award-winning architect and director of Lapd Architects. He also designed Build It’s Self Build Education House. Read more at self-build.co.uk/opinder
PEFC Certified
As part of our sustainability commitments, Build It magazine is printed on paper from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources. www.pefc.co.uk