Welcome

As I write, we’re about to head into our first Build

MEET THE TEAM

EMILY SMITH is Build It’s deputy editor and supplements

inspiration

Fletcher Crane Architects is behind this dramatic addition

PROJECT OF THE MONTH

This compact cabin is situated in the Kent Downs area

need to know

Creating your forever home

product news

Great shopping ideas for your custom home project

interiors notebook

Ornate details and golden flourishes alongside pastel hues will help to create a luxury feel in your home

Vote for Britain’s Best Self Build or Renovation Project

The Build It Awards are back and we need your help to crown the nation’s best home of 2020 from our judges’ shortlist of six amazing projects

Hybrid oak and timber frame ideal for family home

When Caroline and James Sharp learned of a local building

Wow factor metal extension to grade II listed barn

Debbie and Laurence Osborne loved the 18th century

Self building with friends creates two dream homes

Having made the most of their weekend getaway close

Rural barn converted into modern eco house

OWNER Miranda Tufnell

No hurdle too big for this contemporary build

OWNERS Howard & Angela Payne

1970s property transformed into stylish high tech home

OWNERS David & Jade Oliver

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO finding land

The first step in your self build journey is tracking down a viable building site. Keep yourself ahead of the competition with Build It’s top plot hunting tips

Land FOR SALE

It’s FREE to subscribe to PlotSearch - the UK’s premier

In Focus

A SELECTION OF MEMBERS

Specify

Shortlist the right products & services

focus on:

We speak to Robert Wood, qualified project manager and managing director of Simply Extend, about new PD rights to extend your home upwards - and what you need to consider before you build an extra storey

Rural reretat

Sue Drawbridge and Antony Wright have self built a cedar-clad eco home in a picturesque countryside setting

Cedar cladding…

The house is clad in sustainable cedar, which will

LET THERE BE light

Experienced renovator Kjersti Rogneflaten Woolley took this dated property and turned it into a bright, open space, perfect for her minimalist lifestyle

Glazed walls…

These industrial-look wall partitions replace a dated

Key to success

Simon and Maggie Kirkman opted for a prefabricated house package to deliver their high-quality, future-proof home at the iconic Graven Hill self build development

Getting the detail right…

One stipulation of Dan-Wood builds is that, in order

Beginner’s guide to Basement extensions

If you’re outgrowing your home, the best solution for adding space could be to extend down - Emily Smith investigates what’s involved

CHOOSING front doors

Anamika Talwaria looks at the key considerations when specifying the entrance for your home

Wow-factor staircases

Floating treads, spiral designs, glass balustrades: here’s a hand-picked selection of our favourites to offer inspiration for the steps to your home

3 STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL timber self build

Get your project offon the right footing with the Structural Timber Association’s guide to selecting the best design, build system and supplier for your new home

Planning your heating system

Your central heating has an important role to play in creating a year-round comfortable living environment. Here’s where to start

Heating controls

The more control you have over your heating and hot

Sustainable home heating

A Kensa ground source heat pump delivers efficient heating and hot water for this self build project

Eco-heating options

Air and ground source heat pumps, solar thermal, biomass - which renewable tech will be the right fit for your project?

Heritage home revamp benefits from heat pump

A new NIBE air source heat pump has been installed to bring green heating to an 18th century thatched cottage

Choosing a boiler

Find out why you should consider a boiler-fired heating setup for your self build or renovation

Radiators vs underfloor heating

Your chosen heat emitter will have a big role to play in the overall efficiency of your home’s central heating system. So how do you go about choosing the right solution?

9 of the best stoves & fires

Be inspired by this selection of stylish woodburner, multifuel and gas models, each one working wonders to create a cosy home ambience

Heating options for extensions

Looking for an efficient, value-for-money system to ensure your new addition delivers a comfortable living environment all year round? Here’s what you need to know

How to Assess a Barn Conversion

Build It’s heritage buildings expert Alan Tierney presents the key ways to establish if a barn could become your dream home

Raising finances

Mike Hardwick sets out the basics of securing a projectfriendly self build mortgage

Self build & custom build mortgages

Looking to fund your bespoke home project? Each month we round up the best deals from leading lenders and update you on what you need to know to secure the right finance

Getting roofs right

The roof can make or break how a house looks, and what it’s like to live in. Architect Julian Owen shares his insider secrets to help you get the best design for your project

Finding good electricians

Track down the right tradesperson for your project with Tim Doherty’s in-depth guide

Gaining planning consent: What it really costs

From nationally-set application fees to land surveys, design work and more, Mike Dade breaks down the various charges you should budget for when seeking planning permission for your new home

Home extension cost calculator

Want to add space and value to your home? Our ready reckoner, powered by the Build It Estimating Service, will help you gauge what size and style of extension will deliver the best result for your budget

Ask the EXPERTS

Essential advice on your problems with building, budgeting, DIY & planning from the most experienced names in the self build industry