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Build It is packed full of inspiring case studies, build advice, cost and finance guidance, expert Q&As and planning tips. If you're planning to build your own home, renovate or convert an existing building, Build It magazine is essential reading!

08/07/2024

Good lighting design is often sensed rather than being immediately tangible. It stabilises our mood, improves our wellbeing and creates comfortable surroundings – whether we’re active or relaxing. This is why a well-planned lighting design scheme is so important when creating or improving your home.

So where should you start when putting together a lighting scheme for your self build or renovation? From the different kinds of lighting to smart home technology and how to create a design based on the specific room, over on Build It's website you can find our complete guide to creating a successful lighting plan. Click here to read: https://ow.ly/iSur50SwNaY

📷: This fantastic living room scheme by Brilliant Lighting makes use of strategically-positioned spotlights to enhance the home’s interior stone walls.

05/07/2024

Timber frame has long been a popular system for self builders, due to its speed of build, quality, and thermal and environmental benefits. Plus, it offers a complete build solution – providing all the walls, floors and roof with one engineer and one point of contact. This gives programme certainty and budget control, which is key in the current market, as it avoids the risk of cost overrun.

So, how does a structural timber package work and where should you start with a project? Over on our website, Frame Technologies’ Simon Orrells takes a look at how you can maximise the benefits of a structural timber building system. Click here now to read: https://ow.ly/b6Ki50StFqB

📷: Featuring the TechVantage T timber frame system from Frame Technologies, The Cedar House is a striking, low-energy home in the Suffolk countryside. It was crowned Best Self Build Project at the 2023 Build It Awards.

04/07/2024

Nestled into the Dartmoor National Park, this oak frame extension, designed by VESP Architects, involved transforming a redundant milking parlour into a comfortable, habitable space. The practice demolished half of the parlour and, adopting the same footprint, built outwards to create a rear extension with a striking green oak frame. The newly-converted space contains a bright, lofty kitchen-living-dining area, with the oak beams left exposed throughout as a nod to the building’s agricultural roots.

Looking for more inspiration? At the link in our profile you can find an impressive collection of 16 oak frame extension ideas, packed with eye-catching design details and plenty of character: https://ow.ly/r72p50StB6h

📷: George Fielding

03/07/2024

How will the UK general election on the 4th July impact the future of housebuilding and self & custom build? With the election almost upon us, we look at how the major parties intend to deliver more, better-quality homes: https://ow.ly/8STH50SuKpR

03/07/2024

In the winter months, we spend a great deal of time trying to keep heat inside our homes, but there are some months where we want to do the opposite as our houses can become hot, stuffy and difficult to keep cool.

Overheating can occur in buildings when the sun shines on the facade; heat will pass into the walls, as well as through openings, such as windows and doors, which are less well insulated. Unless that heat is rapidly removed, the building will overheat. This can have several negative consequences, including discomfort and decreased productivity for the occupants. So, how can you prevent this from the outset?

Over on our website, eco heating expert Nigel Griffiths discusses installing and retrofitting air conditioning, alongside other options for combatting hot summers. Click here to read: https://ow.ly/HfwX50StAY1

📷: Solar glass with a protective coating can ensure excess heat is prevented from passing through windows into your home. Solar control glass from IQ Glass has been specified for the big windows, sliding glass doors and gable end glazing on this modern house in Cambridgeshire.

02/07/2024

Aesthetics, functionality and location will all influence the type of window opening you choose for your project. Period houses and heritage-style new builds tend to have well-defined rules when it comes to glazing and use either sliding sash or casement window opening styles. So, which type is right for you?

From casement configurations to tilt-and-turn and sash, over on our website, we take a look at each window opening type’s key characteristics to help you make the right decision. Click here now to read: https://www.self-build.co.uk/window-opening-styles-configurations/

📷: This Build It Award-winning timber alu-clad design from Norrsken High Performance Windows & Doors is a practical and stylish casement option, manufactured to operate smoothly throughout the entire lifecycle of the product.

01/07/2024

Prefab homes offer a whole host of benefits to both budding and seasoned self builders. Speed of delivery, cost certainty and build precision are just a few, but what design opportunities are there when constructing your new off-site manufactured self build home?

Over on our website, we take a look at a collection of off-site manufactured prefab homes and asked the experts to highlight both the benefits and what’s possible. Click here now to read: https://ow.ly/agFA50SsCZG

📷: The homeowners of this new contemporary prefab home in Oxfordshire chose Facit Homes’ turnkey package, as they knew it would give them a stress-free route to self building their own home. Photo: Martin Gardner.

28/06/2024

A conservation area not only protects the community’s charm but also the properties within it – such as by preventing the installation of inappropriate, poor-quality new windows that could erode a period home’s traditional character.

Over on our website, Jo Trotman, marketing manager from The Residence Collection, looks at the options for replacing windows within protected areas.

Click here now to read the guide: https://ow.ly/4Q0F50SqGam

📷: This protected house was upgraded thanks to new windows from The Residence Collection’s R9 range.

27/06/2024

Self building will guarantee you a bespoke property that ticks all your boxes – both in terms of the design and lifestyle it offers. Taking a project from concept to completion may feel daunting, but over 13,000 of us do it every year – and there’s no reason you can’t be one of them!

The self build process is extremely rewarding, and once the final project is complete, you’ll have a brand-new, tailor-made property to enjoy for years to come – what’s not to be excited about?

So where to start when building your own house from scratch? From finding land to planning permission and self build costs to structural systems, over on our website, we’ve set out the 10 steps to follow to build a new home that meets your needs. Click here to read: https://ow.ly/fStX50So6hu

📷: Sarah and Matt Switzer partnered with Welsh Oak Frame to create their dream self build home in the Essex countryside. The mortgage company wouldn’t allow timber cladding on the oak build, so the couple decided to render the main part of the property and used painted cedar planks on the side section and rear. Photo: Nikhilesh Haval

26/06/2024

Say hello to Build It’s August issue and Complete Guide to Self Build 2024. This bumper issue covers everything you need to know about creating your dream home, taking you step-by-step through the journey to completing a high-quality, value-for-money bespoke self build.

From finding land & winning planning to build costs, design & architecture, project management, structural systems, cladding, eco heating, flooring, kitchens, landscaping and more... Build It magazine's annual Self Build Special Edition is your essential guide.

Click here to find out more about our August 2024 issue and subscribe to Build It magazine today: https://ow.ly/jbgo50SpcNU

📷: The 2023 Build It Award-winning Best Timber Frame Home, designed by AR Design Studio. Photo: Martin Gardner

25/06/2024

When collecting kitchen design ideas, many homeowners begin their search with a word or two: slick and contemporary, clean and light, classic and comfortable, homely, industrial, natural or statement – all provide a good starting point.

When deciding what’s right for you and your kitchen, though, it’s wise to take cues from a property’s architecture, too: what period is the house? Is it afforded lots of light? What kitchen style and materials would be in keeping? Are there features that need to be incorporated, such as structural beams, columns, chimney breasts, glazing or archways, for instance. From cabinet doors to the worktops, each element contributes to the final design and adds their own unique touch.

To help get your project started, over on our website you can find our complete guide to designing and planning a kitchen, complete with a rundown off the different kitchen styles and their benefits – click here now to read: https://ow.ly/hFa850So63g

📷: This bespoke pea green deVOL Kitchens Shaker kitchen features reclaimed Iroko wood countertops – sourced by the client herself. They’ve been sanded and re-oiled, making a functional yet homely addition.

24/06/2024

“As an architect in London, I see a lot of Victorian houses, so it is refreshing to be in a different kind of space,” says Louise Glynn, who is one half of architectural practice Studio 29. Having lived in a small Victorian flat conversion for some time, by 2019, Louise was ready for a change of scene. Her search for a new home began in areas within easy reach of central London.

Louise fell in love with her new home at first sight. Formerly a Victorian seal fur factory, the 40m² property may be tiny, but it is striking. The build was just a white box when she uncovered it, but is now a large, light-filled space with a wall of Crittall steel-framed glazing on the front elevation. Inside, it is largely open plan, with a mezzanine sleeping area open to the living areas below and two service rooms – the kitchen and bathroom.

The home features a neutral, simplistic interior scheme, with materials such as birch plywood, perforated metal and exposed plaster. Combined with folding doors and clever storage solutions, Louise’s design decisions have maximised the limited space on offer.

Click here now to read the full story: https://ow.ly/IToe50So5S9

Words: Alexandra Pratt 📷: Tarry+ Perry / Studio 29

21/06/2024

In 2019, Fiona Henderson was looking at retirement and decided she wanted a new home where she could live more comfortably than her current property. Ruling out a move to a different area, Fiona decided to go down the route of self building a new home that would meet all of her needs. She worked closely with Eoghain Fiddes of Fiddes Architects to develop the home’s design, which sailed through the planning process.

The single-storey, open-plan timber frame home has a barn-like appearance, helping it to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding countryside. The exterior has been finished with Russwood’s high-performance Thermopine cladding with a corrugated steel roof and Pigmento Red standing seam zinc entrance for an extra layer of interest. The project cost a total of £545,000 as Fiona already owned the land.

Are you wondering what you’ll be able to self build for your budget? From modest homes built for under £100k to wow-factor luxury schemes, over on our website, we take a look at what your money can really get you – click here to see: https://ow.ly/FTh850Sm9KQ

📷: David Barbour

20/06/2024

If you’re self building, extending or renovating and looking to enhance your home’s connection to the outdoors, chances are you’re weighing up the glazed door options and asked yourself ‘how much do bifold doors cost?’. One of the most popular configurations of glazed door, bifolds work on a concertina principle where the panels fold and stack against each other. It’s possible to open up to 95% of the aperture, making bifolds great for offering easy access to the garden and extending your living space to your patio.

Over on our website, you can find out how much bifold doors cost in the UK and the different factors that will influence their price, such as glazing specification and frame material. Click here to read: https://ow.ly/L30A50Sm9j4

📷: The Sunflex SF75 eco bifolds won the 2023 Build It Award for Best Glazed Doors thanks to the system’s outstanding thermal performance.

19/06/2024

On the hunt for garden room ideas to help maximise your home's outdoor area? Garden rooms can add character to your home and its surroundings whilst offering multiple uses and functions. Perhaps you may have started working from home post-pandemic and discovered your lack of quiet space, or maybe you're in need of another bedroom to accommodate guests and building a house extension isn't an option. A garden room can offer you this space.

From beautiful oak frame structures to sleek contemporary studios, over on our website you can find a hand-picked selection of clever and unique garden room ideas. Click here to see: https://ow.ly/QuEW50SlQa1

📷: This five-bay garden structure in Buckinghamshire created an outdoor bar, kitchen and entertainment space – a perfect finish for a remodelled garden. The structure was designed by DP Architects and Carpenter Oak Ltd supplied the oak frame.

18/06/2024

If you’re undertaking a renovation project, chances are you’re looking to improve the home’s energy efficiency and incorporate features such as solar panels and heat pumps, alongside upgrading the build’s insulation. To set you off on the right foot, over on our website architect Opinder Liddar shares the top 10 upgrades to make during your home renovation. Click here now read: https://ow.ly/n3Y850SkR1g

📷: Mike Tuck Studio have transformed this typical four-bedroom Victorian terraced property with a rear extension and dormer loft conversion. Lime plaster was used on the internal walls in an unpainted paddle-brushed finish for a natural, breathable interior scheme. Photo: Luca Piffaretti.

17/06/2024

Looking for cladding ideas for your self build, renovation or extension project? Weathered Siberian larch cladding makes a statement in this project, designed by Millar + Howard Workshop. To add interest, cladding boards of different sizes and laying patterns were used, and a slatted larch screen was installed over the upstairs bathroom window for privacy.

It’s wise to think about your cladding choice from the outset of a project to ensure you can fully consider its relation to windows, doors and the size of walls. Do you want your home’s exterior to stand out or become an architectural feature? Or does the house need to blend into the landscape?

From timber to brick, metal, stone and more, over on our website you can find our complete guide to cladding materials, and how best to use them to achieve a high-quality facade. Click here now to read the article: https://ow.ly/garJ50ShR5S

📷: Charlotte Ferrier

14/06/2024

After 14 months of ups and downs, Geoff and Julie Bolam successfully transformed a neglected Victorian church into a wow-factor house – which involved restructuring the interior layout and embracing contemporary details. The couple were keen to retain much of the church’s original character, however, so they reached out to architect James Mackintosh to help them craft a functional yet sensitive design.

“James suggested placing the bedroom in the school room, which was already a separate space, with an open-plan kitchen/living area in the nave and a mezzanine above,” says Geoff.

“We wanted both bedrooms to be private and acoustically separate, so the design ticked a lot of boxes.” The mezzanine allowed Geoff and Julie to get an extra bedroom into the space by utilising the ceiling height. The builders installed the unique, pod-like mezzanine with futureproofing in mind. The structure sits on two RSJs and two steel columns that are clad in timber. “To install the pod, we simply removed a few internal stones to make way for the RSJs,” says Geoff. “So, if a future owner wants to remove it, they can.”

To find out more about this spectacular church conversion project, click here now and read the full story: https://ow.ly/Hz7850SiNnv

📷: Simon Maxwell

13/06/2024

Sliding patio doors are perfect for those looking to create a light-filled interior that has a strong connection with the garden – but how much do these glazed doors cost in the UK? If you’re self building, extending or renovating your own home, chances are you’re looking for good-quality products that support your ambitions in terms of energy performance, aesthetics, durability, security and more. So, you’ll need to bear these factors in mind when choosing and pricing up the right option.

Find out what makes a good quality sliding door system, and what you should budget to install it with our complete guide to materials, glazing specification and more – click here to read now: https://ow.ly/wRf750ShQII

📷: A three-panel set of IDSystems’ theEDGE2.0 ultra-slim sliders in RAL anthracite grey have been installed into an extension and renovation in South London, designed by Selencky Parsons Architects. Photo: Siobhan Doran Photography

12/06/2024

Designed by Roar Architects, the form of this unique curved extension is emphasised and framed by the classic brickwork. The selected bricks are a sympathetic update to the traditional finish of the existing Victorian terrace. Khaki green window frames add a stylish, contemporary touch to complete the addition that harmonises old with new.

Wondering what you need to consider when choosing bricks for your self build, extension or renovation project? Masonry is a timeless and reliable option that lends itself to a range of designs, so over on Build It’s website we take a look at the key tips for specifying the best finish for you – click here now to read: https://ow.ly/p9AL50Sf7fG

11/06/2024

A dramatic location was paramount for John Ritchie when it came to searching for a self build site. When he found his dream spot – a piece of grazing land in Skye surrounded by impressive mountain and coastal vistas – he reached out to local company Dualchas Architects. Ground stability problems were unearthed during construction and the house had to be tucked into the hillside, inadvertently creating an upside-down scheme that draws on an innovative use of glass. Contemporary details, such as a zinc roof, mixed with traditional elements, give a fresh interpretation to the area’s croft-style houses.

Looking for more homes that embrace an upside-down layout, with the living areas on the upper floors? Over on our website we take a look at 16 real-life self build homes to show what’s possible. Click here to see: https://ow.ly/RPTS50Sf6Vg

📷: Alistair Nicholls

10/06/2024

Understanding how much it could cost to build a house in 2024, and the big triggers that could impact on your total self build budget, is key to a successful project that’s completed on time and to your specifications.

Most self builders have a limited pool of funds and will be using a specialist mortgage to enable their schemes. So, setting a viable budget and sticking as close to it as possible is vital if you’re going to achieve the house you want at a price you can afford.

So, to ensure you’re on the right track, over on our website we’re taking a look at the different factors that will impact how much it costs to self build a house, and how you can develop a realistic budget for your project. Click here to read: https://ow.ly/10IY50S9n1A

📷: Kast Architects took home the Award for Best Self Build Under £300k at the 2023 Build It Awards. The architects masterminded this sensitive reimagining of a traditional stone dwelling nestled into a valley overlooking the north Cornish coastline. “We worked with our clients to carefully design and select key areas of the project where the budget would be best spent. We looked to specify materials that were left in their raw state and didn’t require much, if any additional decoration,” says Adam Collier, director at KAST Architects. Photo: Photo: Doon Williams

08/06/2024

Thanks to self builder Pauline Mace and Simon Orrells from for chatting about this amazing eco project with our Homes Editor at the show today - lots of inspiration for visitors! Plenty more seminars & workshops to come this weekend 👷‍♀️💡

07/06/2024

Mike Tuck Studio have transformed this typical four-bedroom Victorian terraced property with a rear extension and dormer loft conversion. The new additions feature a distinctive, deep rust-coloured corrugated cement board facade, making a contemporary statement set against the traditional period home.

Thinking about upgrading your home with a loft conversion? Over on our website, we’re taking a look at the top 10 questions to ask yourself for a loft conversion project that meets your budget, design preferences and Building Regulations. Click here now to read: https://ow.ly/JAr650S9m0z

📷: Luca Piffaretti

06/06/2024

Ever wanted to ask our experts a question? Build It Magazine’s panel of specialists will be on hand at Build It Live Bicester this weekend, the 8th-9th June, offering free one-to-one appointments.

All you have to do is visit the Ask Our Experts lounge to book your consultation. Slots are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure yours – and don’t forget to bring your plans!

Don’t miss out – click here to find out more about Build It Live and redeem two free tickets worth £24 using the code EXPERTS at checkout: https://builditlive.co.uk/bicester-ticket-offer-experts/

05/06/2024

Brent and Linda Walker’s new energy efficient home in the Colinsburgh conservation area of Fife, Scotland, is the culmination of a long held ambition that goes way back to the early 1990s and their previous life in Yorkshire. “We renovated our home in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, in 1993. This gave us a real flavour and taste for self building, which has been a dream of ours ever since,” says Brent.

The couple were looking to relocate to Fife, where Linda is originally from and where the couple have spent many holidays over the years. Linda’s brother mentioned one small plot within a walled garden in the village of Colinsburgh that had been on the market for a long time, but he didn’t think it had much potential. “The site he found was perfect for our project,” says Brent. “It was south facing with incredible views.”

The couple approached Fife Architects, who helped them draw up a sympathetic yet contemporary scheme for the plot. The design that emerged was a low-energy, three-bedroom home split over two levels, with the main elevation enjoying south-facing views over the countryside. The home received the green light from planning authorities within four months, and then the build was underway. Inside, a double-height ceiling above the open-plan room downstairs creates a sense of volume, with the gallery landing overlooking the space. The upstairs lounge also has views over the downstairs, but stays separate thanks to a full-height glazed panel that follows the apex of the roof.

To find out more about this impressive self build project, click here and read the full story: https://ow.ly/cNq850S9inX

Words: Caroline Ednie, 📷: David Barbour

04/06/2024

The first step to creating a bespoke home is finding a suitable plot of land – and there’s a lot to consider when tracking down the perfect site. For example, how much land do you need? Does the plot’s planning permission fit your project goals, and if not, can you change it? Plus plenty more. This weekend (8-9th June) at Build It Live Bicester, make sure you visit the Land Zone, brought to you by PlotBrowser – the online portal dedicated to real building plots.

Here, you’ll be able to discover the various routes to finding the right plot for your build. The Land Zone will offer valuable tips for finding land, and you’ll be able to browse live listings currently for sale, in order to secure your very own piece of land.

Don’t miss out – click here to find out more about Build It Live and redeem two free tickets worth £24 using the code LANDZONE at checkout: https://ow.ly/phCt50S6PFG

📷: While living in a tiny cabin on the family farm, Freddie and Katie Pack saved up to build a stunning contemporary and efficient house on a farmland plot a few fields away. The barn-style home is clad in a mix of timber cladding, blending well with the local vernacular. Photo: Richard Gadsby.

03/06/2024

Designed by C7 Architects, Lowri Horstead’s new home has been constructed using timber frame, with SIPs panels and composite slate tiles forming the roof. The exterior walls were rendered to achieve a crisp, clean finish – with areas of Siberian larch timber cladding for added interest. A spacious vaulted area houses the kitchen, dining and sitting area, alongside a practical walk-in larder and a separate utility room.

Wondering which house rendering option is right for your project? Render is a popular way to finish the exterior of your home – working across a variety of project styles, from heritage homes to contemporary new builds. Over on our website, we take a look at the key considerations to note when specifying an option for your home – click here now to read: https://ow.ly/Gke550S6Nbf

📷: Katy Donaldson

01/06/2024

Thinking about creating an ultra-efficient self build home with a very low heating demand and minimal bills? At Build It Live Bicester on the 8-9th June, you’ll be able to chat about your project plans with a whole host of amazing suppliers and find out about how their products can help you achieve a successful scheme – from high-quality structural systems to heat pumps, insulation materials and plenty more.

Don’t miss out – click here to find out more about Build It Live and redeem two free tickets worth £24 using the code ECOHOME at checkout: https://builditlive.co.uk/bicester-ticket-offer-eco-home/

📷: After finding the perfect plot in the Suffolk countryside, the couple enlisted Cocoon Architects to bring their ideas for an eco home to life, and Frame Technologies to erect the efficient timber frame shell. The couple chose Frame Technologies’ Tech Vantage T system, which comprises two 90mm studs sandwiched with glass wool insulation for ultimate efficiency. Photo: Matthew Smith

31/05/2024

Self builders Susan and John Shearer knocked down their old holiday cottage in Cairngorms National Park and replaced it with an ultra-energy-efficient build packed with architectural wow factor.

The home’s standout design feature is the striking curved glazed gables, which were specially made by Nordan, who have a small bespoke manufacturing unit in Norway. The windows are triple glazed for maximum energy efficiency and are weather protected by generous eaves, but also covered in aluminium facings externally for minimum maintenance. They were all specified to be fixed rather than openable, which eliminates potential problems with draughts coming through the seal component.

Click here to read the story and find out more about this spectacular self build project: https://ow.ly/W7OT50S1TtO

📷: David Barbour

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Building an oak frame house was never in doubt for Graham and Diane Roberts, who were downsizing from a large house in the USA and relocating to retire in Wales where they’re both originally from. “Oak frame was on the cards from the beginning,” says Graham. The project began when the couple, who decided to join forces with their daughter, Lucie, spotted a grade II listed pub online with incredible views of the Black Mountains and Wye Valley. “There was potential for Lucie to convert the pub into a house while the car park at the back looked big enough for us to build our home. We bought the property in late 2015.” The couple teamed up with Welsh Oak Frame, who were able to successfully bring their project ideas to life while satisfying the site’s tricky planning stipulations. “Welsh Oak had the capability of doing the structural calculations, detailed design work and manufacture all under one roof, which we thought was terrific,” says Graham. With this help, the Roberts devoted their energy to designing and building an exquisite one-bedroom timber-clad oak frame home with high-quality materials. An unexpected planning decision gave them the opportunity to create three-bay garage with a guest apartment above, too. To read more about this couple’s self build journey, complete with costs and key learning pointers, click here and see the story: https://ow.ly/lTUH50RSHsI Words: Jane Crittenden, 📷: Nikhilesh Haval #selfbuild #renovation #conversion #extension

As fans of property shows, Geoff and Julie Bolam loved watching others complete projects, but undertaking their own wasn’t exactly planned. The couple were living in High Wycombe and commuting to London for work. For escapism, they owned a holiday home in an idyllic Cotswolds village near the town of Chipping Campden. “As we approached retirement, we decided to relocate there and make it our permanent home,” explains Geoff. “We would have been happy to buy a place that didn’t need any work,” says Geoff. “But when some friends suggested we renovate the pretty but neglected village church that had come up for sale, we decided to look into it.” That weekend, Geoff did a recce of the building and immediately saw its potential. Constructed from Cotswold stone in 1866, the Old Mission Church had originally been a school but was soon licensed for religious services. They enlisted James Mackintosh Architects to help them transform the building into an amazing home. The process involved stripping back and replacing the roof, removing the floor to counteract rising damp problems and replacing with a breathable, limecrete flooring, repointing the walls and creating a striking mezzanine bedroom. The completed project, however, is truly breathtaking. To find out more about this couple’s church restoration story, including costs and key learning points, click here: https://ow.ly/ITPy50Robyy Words: Jennifer Grimble, 📷: Simon Maxwell #selfbuild #renovation #conversion #extension

Our May 2024 issue hits the newsstands this week and bundled with it is our 2024 Extensions Bible. These two are full of practical expert advice, guidance and the latest real-life projects and products you need to ensure your dream home building, renovation or extension project is a success. This month you’ll find out how Graham and Dianne Roberts partnered with Welsh Oak Frame to create a stunning oak home with bright, open spaces and fantastic mountain views. Elsewhere, we’re taking a look at the different ways you can maximise natural light around the home, the key considerations for renovating a Victorian terrace, how much glazed sliding doors really cost, and whether you can actually build a zero-bills home – plus plenty more. Our Extensions Bible, refreshed for 2024, contains everything you need to know to plan, design and build a new addition that complements your home. With guides on costs, planning permission, structural considerations and plenty of real-life ideas, this is your go-to resource for an extension project. Click here to find out more about our May 2024 issue and subscribe to Build It magazine today: https://www.self-build.co.uk/latest-issue/ Issue 📷: Arco2 Architecture Ltd. Extensions Bible 📷: Turner Architects/Adam Scott Images #selfbuild #renovation #conversion #extension

Building their own home had been a dream of Stephen and Ann Smith’s for several years. Although, just as it does for many self builders, finding the right plot took some time. It wasn’t until their daughter suggested they visit a site she had discovered online that their search finally came to an end. “It was in a little village in the Cotswolds, and despite the bleak and wintry January day on which we went to view it, I just loved it,” says Stephen. It included a barn, stable and three metal lockups and came with planning permission for a small house, but Stephen and Ann were looking for something that could host their extended family. So, the couple reached out to the architect who had drawn up the original plans to create a design with a bigger floorplan, taking it from around 170m² to 230m². The sympathetic, four-bedroom 1.5-storey self build boasts a charming Cotswold stone exterior, which resembles an old agricultural barn in order to adhere to planning restrictions. The property is heated via a ground source heat pump and equipped with underfloor heating on both storeys for maximum efficiency. On the ground floor is a porcelain-tiled, large open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, as well as a boot room and oak internal doors throughout. Click here to see more of this fantastic self build and read the couple’s full story: https://www.self-build.co.uk/home/sympathetic-barn-style-self-build-home-in-gloucestershire/ Words: Victoria Jenkins, 📷: Simon Maxwell #selfbuild #renovation #conversion #extension

Find out how Frame Technologies designed and delivered the timber frame for this fantastic self build in Sheffield

Timber frame proved the ideal building method for this fantastic Build It Award-winning self build in Sheffield. A structural timber package from Frame Technologies delivered the energy efficient home the owners' wanted at a cost-effective price, when other options were coming in over budget. Designed in collaboration with Hem Architects, The Hen House is a stunning, distinctive home nestled into a sloping plot. From the front, the home appears to be single storey – it’s true scale can only be seen from the rear. Inside, the broken-plan layout embraces timber details and overhead light to maximise the feeling of space. Frame Technologies created the home’s superstructure using their Tech-Vantage E timber frame system, which was precision engineered to suit the clients’ brief and manufactured offsite in their factory. Adopting a fabric-first approach ensures the home can achieve the desired levels of efficiency and maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year. The Tech-Vantage E system consists of a 140mm panel with 100mm rigid polyurethane insulation inside. The thickness of the insulation can vary from 20mm to 120mm, depending on your project’s goals. “The owners are delighted with the final building and that we helped them achieve their dream of constructing a new, sustainable home that’s fit for future generations,” says Simon Orrells, managing director of Frame Technologies. Looking for a timber frame supplier for your home building project? Frame Technologies can help turn your vision into a high-performance, striking new home. With over 20 years’ experience in the UK timber industry, they design, manufacture and install bespoke timber frames for self builders looking to create outstanding, efficient houses. Read more about this impressive home and see Frame Technologies’ projects and services by visiting their Hub on Build It’s Company Directory – click here to see: https://ow.ly/SGP350QJjhM AD #selfbuild #extension

Loft Conversion Ideas: 18 Amazing Projects to Inspire Your Attic Renovation

Loft conversions are an excellent, cost-effective and smart way to make the most out of an often-unused space without building outside of the property’s footprint. They make great additions to compact homes where space to extend is limited and the additional usable storey means boosting your property's value, too. Looking for loft conversion or extension ideas? Over on Build It’s website, you can find an amazing collection of 18 real-life, unique projects that have skilfully maximised a loft space to create light-filled living spaces. Click here to see: https://ow.ly/qmWR50QG9kj 📷: Paul Archer Design, Fraher & Findlay Architects, YARD Architects, Gresford Architects #selfbuild #renovation #conversion #extension

Best of Self Build & Renovation 2023: Award-Winning Products & Services

The Build It Awards recognises the best in the self build industry – awarding leading products, services and building materials that can help you create a high-quality, high-performance home to your exact specifications. At our 2023 Awards, we celebrated categories ranging from glazed doors to roofing materials and heating systems to self build mortgage lenders. Every entry is scrutinised in depth and the winners have an expert-backed Build It Awards seal of approval that should give you, the self builder, real confidence when specifying architects, designers, products and services for your home building project. Over on Build It’s website, we give you the run-down on our 2023 Build It Award-winning products and services. Click here now to read about our worthy winners: https://www.self-build.co.uk/best-of-self-build-renovation-2023-award-winning-products-services/ #selfbuild #renovation #conversion #extension

Best of Self Build & Renovation 2023: Award-Winning Homes, Architects & Designers

At the Build It Awards on the 24th November 2023, we celebrated and awarded the year’s best self builds, renovations and extension projects from throughout the UK. The winners showcase innovation, skill and a dedication to creating amazing, bespoke homes. Every entry is scrutinised in depth and the winners have an expert-backed Build It Awards seal of approval that should give you, the self builder, real confidence when specifying architects, designers, products and services for your home building project. But what makes each winner so special? Over on Build It’s website, we give you the run-down on our 2023 Build It Award-winning homes, architects and designers, with 14 awards going to projects from extensions and brick builds through to eco houses and ICF homes. Click here now to read about our awe-inspiring, winning projects: https://www.self-build.co.uk/winners #selfbuild #renovation #conversion #extension

Barn-Style Timber Frame Home in Aberdeenshire

In 2019, Fiona Henderson was looking at retirement and decided she wanted a new home where she could live more comfortably than her current property. As lovely as it was, she wanted somewhere that would be easier to manage in the long term. Ruling out a move to a different area, Fiona decided to go down the route of self building a new home that would meet all of her needs. she already owned a five-acre plot of land, located up the hill from her previous home in Aberdeenshire. It was here, surrounded by open areas of woodland, that she envisaged the site for her new home. Fiona worked closely with Eoghain Fiddes of Fiddes Architects to develop the home’s design, which sailed through the planning process. The single-storey, open-plan timber frame home has a barn-like appearance, helping it to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding countryside. The exterior has been finished with Russwood’s high-performance Thermopine cladding with a corrugated steel roof and Pigmento Red standing seam zinc entrance for an extra layer of interest. To see more of this fantastic self build and to find out how Fiona created her perfect forever home, click here: https://www.self-build.co.uk/home/barn-style-timber-frame-home-in-aberdeenshire/ Words: Caroline Ednie 📷: David Barbour #selfbuild #renovation #conversion #extension

18th-Century Georgian House Upgraded with a Modern Extension

This stunning home is the culmination of 10 years of work to create a stylish and efficient space for art collector, David, and his wife Jenny. The dwelling – designed by Alison Brooks Architects – sits at the highest point in Gloucestershire with views out over the Wye Valley. Alison Brooks Architects’ clever and unique design features a strikingly contemporary extension – the west wing. Larger than the original house, the new two-storey addition is set back, partially embedded into the hillside. It was designed to be completely different in form from the original building, with dark tones and a cladding pattern that was inspired by the nearby Forest of Dean. Click here to read more about this amazing project: https://www.self-build.co.uk/home/18th-century-georgian-house-upgraded-with-a-modern-extension/ 📷: Paul Riddle #selfbuild #renovation #conversion #extension

Contemporary Church Conversion in the Scottish Borders

When Christine Hamilton was mulling over the idea of renovating a family-owned former church hall in her hometown of Kelso in the Scottish Borders, her initial thought was to reroof and update the property so she could rent it out for extra income. But her plans soon changed into a full conversion project. Christine worked with Chambers McMillan to draw up the church conversion’s scheme, who proposed an accessible three-bedroom home spread across two levels, with an open-plan kitchen and dining zone to the front of the house and a main double-height living area tucked behind, with access to a new glazed courtyard. Christine took the plunge and decided to project manage the entire scheme herself, employing local trades and taking on building jobs where needed. The financial and emotional investment in the project soon convinced her that the house would not end up as a rental property, and that it was her forever home. Click here to read more about how Christine Hamilton transformed this church hall into an amazing, bespoke property: https://www.self-build.co.uk/home/contemporary-church-conversion-in-the-scottish-borders/ 🖊️: Caroline Ednie, 📷: David Barbour #selfbuild #renovation #conversion #extension

Urban Terrace Renovation & Extension for a Multigenerational Family

Set in north London’s leafy Canonbury conservation area, this distinctive grade II-listed Georgian townhouse has been renovated and reconfigured for the owners, who wanted a home to suit three generations of their family. Architect If_Do was commissioned to create two separate, but linked, homes for the grandparents, their children and the grandchildren. The property is in a prime position, with a wonderful east-to-west orientation and views onto a small park beyond the rear garden. Two lead-topped glass, steel and timber rear extensions create a new lower ground floor flat for the grandparents, and a larger family home on the upper levels. These two extensions, similar in materials and character create a unified home and provide equal access to the shared garden, yet offer clear differentiation between the two domains. Click here now to read more about this amazing renovation project: https://www.self-build.co.uk/home/urban-terrace-renovation-extension-for-a-multigenerational-family/ 📷: Gautier Houba

Calum and Sally Land's Self Build Home

In 2016, Calum and Sally Land decided to move out of London with their three young children. At first, their search took them into the commuter belt, until they visited family in Bath, where Sally found a run-down bungalow. At first, they considered renovating and extending, but soon realised that knocking the build down and rebuilding it offered a better solution, allowing them to design a home tailored to their lifestyle. Sally and Calum’s self build is a modern yet characterful home. The exterior features a mix of timber, stone and cement board, creating a characterful finish that is appropriate for its local semi-rural location. In terms of its eco credentials, the home features extensive insulation, with triple-glazed timber and aluminium windows and doors. Solar panels on the roof provide renewable source of electricity, too, while an air source heat pump supplies their hot water and underfloor heating. To read more about how this couple created their dream home from scratch, click here and read their full story: https://www.self-build.co.uk/home/striking-hillside-self-build-in-wiltshire/ Words: Alexandra Pratt, 📷: Pete Helme #selfbuild #renovation #conversion #extension

The Switzers'

Matt Switzer had long hoped to self build and fulfilled his dream in 2018 by completing a stunning oak frame cottage set in the rural Essex countryside with his wife, Sarah. However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. After purchasing a plot located just outside the development boundary, they split the land with another couple and went for planning permission. The site had a history of eight planning refusals, so it took a heartfelt speech to the planning committee and some hard graft for their scheme to finally be approved. The Switzers worked with Welsh Oak Frame to achieve the self build, opting for the company’s WOF1 (a cottage design) as they liked the dual aspect open-plan space and glazed features. They made small tweaks to turn the porch into more of a statement with an oak canopy, and created an entrance hall with a striking vaulted ceiling. A couple of years later, they decided to improve their forever home by adding a two-storey extension to the rear, creating a fourth bedroom with a striking vaulted ceiling and exposed oak trusses. Click here to read more about how Matt and Sarah Switzer created their perfect family home: https://www.self-build.co.uk/home/one-and-a-half-storey-oak-frame-home-in-the-essex-countryside/ Words: Jane Crittenden, 📷: Nikhilesh Haval #selfbuild #renovation #conversion #extension

Stovax and Gazco manufacture stylish woodburning, multi-fuel, gas and electric stoves, fires and fireplaces. The Stovax Group is the UK's largest stove and fireplace producer with a range of designs from contemporary to traditional to suit everyone's requirements. With showrooms across the country you will be able to view a wide selection of exciting models and discuss your individual requirements to ensure you select the most appropriate product for your self build, renovation or extension project. Click here to discover Stovax and Gazco's full range of amazing products: https://ow.ly/TC2Y50Qe2Om AD #selfbuild #extension #renovation #conversion #StovaxGazco #OnyxFires

Steve and Suzanne Richardson created their dream home, The Cedar House, using Frame Technologies' TechVantage T timber frame system

Steve and Suzanne Richardson created their dream home, The Cedar House, using Frame Technologies' TechVantage T timber frame system. Set in the Suffolk countryside and designed by Cocoon Architects, the unique home is clad in cedar shingles. The triple-glazed windows and sliding glass doors play a vital role in harnessing the sun’s free heat to warm the house, without allowing heat to escape from within. The couple chose Frame Technologies’ Tech Vantage T system as it would allow them to achieve a low-energy, airtight build. The system comprises two 90mm studs sandwiched with 30mm of glass wool insulation for ultimate efficiency. Looking for a timber frame supplier for your home building project? Frame Technologies can help turn your vision into an efficient and striking new home. With over 20 years’ experience in the UK timber industry, they design, manufacture and install bespoke timber frames for self builders looking to create outstanding, high-performance homes. Read more about Steve and Suzanne Richardson’s home and see Frame Technologies’ projects and services by visiting their Hub on Build It’s Company Directory – click here to see: https://www.self-build.co.uk/company/frame-technologies/the-cedar-house-the-ultimate-eco-home/ AD #selfbuild #extension #renovation #conversion

Build It Awards 2023

It’s almost time for the 2023 Build It Awards! Tonight we’re celebrating the best in the self build industry, awarding homes, amazing products and innovation! Follow our twitter to see live updates of the winners… are you feeling lucky? Click here to stay tuned: https://twitter.com/BuildItMagazine Don’t forget to tag us in your posts #BuildItAwards Build It magazine #selfbuild #renovation #conversion #extensions

Two-Storey Extension Ideas

Two-storey extensions are an excellent option for those looking to boost their home’s value and add more useful, multi-functional floorspace – but where to begin? Over on Build It’s website, you’ll find our hand-picked collection of double-height extension projects alongside some top tips from the experts to help you design and create the perfect scheme – click here now to see: https://www.self-build.co.uk/two-storey-extensions-advice-and-ideas/ 📷 in order: Snell David Architects, photo: George Sharman Bradley Van Der Straten, photo: French + Tye Fraher & Findlay Architects, photo: Adam Scott Oliver Leech Architects, photo: Nick Dearden VESP Architects, photo: George Sharman #selfbuild #renovation #conversion #extension

Open-Plan Living Ideas

Open-plan living is a popular design choice among self builders and renovators as it ensures a light-filled, sociable and contemporary interior – but is it right for you? Click here to see a collection of amazing open-plan living ideas alongside some top tips from the experts to ensure a successful, functional scheme: https://www.self-build.co.uk/open-plan-living-ideas-kitchen-living-dining-rooms/ 📷 in order: Paul Archer Design, Helen Cathcart PAD Studio, Jim Stephenson Loader Monteith Architects, Dapple Photography IF_DO, Nick Dearden Architecture for London, Christian Brailey #selfbuild #renovation #conversion #extension

Camillin Home

When architects Mark Camillin and his partner Liam Denny saw this four-bedroom grade II listed house in Hampshire, they knew the property was in the right location, but they didn’t immediately feel a connection to it. After seeing the fantastic garden and recognising the build’s potential, though, they knew it was the right fit. The home had been altered and adapted over the years, so the couple worked together to figure out a functional layout that would maximise the unique plot and create a floorplan that was truly right for them. The result is a sensitive restoration with a contemporary double-height extension, air source heat pump and underfloor heating on both floors. “It’s unbelievable to think we live in a house built in the 1780s, yet in 2023 we’re totally fossil-fuel free in a property with a B energy rating,” says Mark. Click here to read Mark and Liam’s full story and find out how they took this project from concept to completion: https://www.self-build.co.uk/home/grade-ii-listed-home-in-hampshire-revived-with-an-extension-remodel/ Words: Jane Crittenden, 📷: Richard Downer #selfbuild #renovation #conversion #extension

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Find out how Frame Technologies designed and delivered the timber frame for this fantastic self build in Sheffield

Loft Conversion Ideas: 18 Amazing Projects to Inspire Your Attic Renovation

Best of Self Build & Renovation 2023: Award-Winning Products & Services

Best of Self Build & Renovation 2023: Award-Winning Homes, Architects & Designers

Barn-Style Timber Frame Home in Aberdeenshire

18th-Century Georgian House Upgraded with a Modern Extension

Contemporary Church Conversion in the Scottish Borders

Urban Terrace Renovation & Extension for a Multigenerational Family

Calum and Sally Land's Self Build Home

The Switzers'

Steve and Suzanne Richardson created their dream home, The Cedar House, using Frame Technologies' TechVantage T timber frame system

Build It Awards 2023

Two-Storey Extension Ideas

Open-Plan Living Ideas

Camillin Home

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