Homebuilding & Renovating

As much as I love looking at the incredible projects we feature in every issue of the magazine, it’s the individual stories of the homeowners that really grip me. Whether it’s the extended planning battles that people finally win so they can transfor

Findings from two separate studies suggest the future of the construction industry could be in dire straits. So-called ‘cowboy customers’ are said to be costing sole traders in the self-build and renovation sector thousands of pounds every year, acco

HOMEOWNERS Mike and Jane Cuva HOUSE TYPE Detached two-storey five-bedroom house HOUSE SIZE 375m ² LOCATION Woking, Surrey PROJECT Extensive remodel and extension BUILD ROUTE Self-managed subcontractors and DIY BUILD TIME Four years PLOT/HOUSE COST £9

HOMEOWNERS Clive Barrett and Sue Prytherch LOCATION Cambridgeshire PROJECT New build HOUSE TYPE Detached 1.5-storey, four-bedroom house SIZE 375m ² house; 55m ² garage BUILD ROUTE Builder, subcontractors, DIY BUILD TIME 16 months PLOT COST £450,000 B

HOMEOWNERS Jonny Rowe and Sian Rees LOCATION Leytonstone, east London HOUSE TYPE Victorian terrace PROJECT Loft conversion and partial house renovation LOFT CONVERSION SIZE 30m² CONSTRUCTION METHOD Timber frame BUILD ROUTE Architect oversaw the works

HOMEOWNERS Teresa Townsend and Keith Hayes LOCATION Devon PROJECT Class Q barn conversion HOUSE TYPE Detached four-bedroom house SIZE 492m2 BUILD ROUTE Architect and building company BUILD TIME 16 months PLOT COST £600,000 BUILD COST £1.2 million VAL

The design of this home in East Renfrewshire was largely driven by local planning guidelines — the owners knew it would be more straightforward to get permission to build if they limited the house to a single storey. The owners, Daryl and Heather, lo

When thinking about landscaping your garden, it’s a good idea to pinpoint any elements you like and want to keep, and use this as your starting point, particularly if you’re on a budget. Next, consider how much you have to spend. Is there enough to a

Before embarking on any areas of DIY or building work, always consider what would be the worst outcome if it all went wrong. Are you doing a relatively simple task where very little could end in disaster? Go for it. But if there are potential disaste

From the traditional tried-and-tested method of timber frames to structural insulated panels (SIPs), insulated concrete formwork and modular kits, there are multiple options when it comes to extending your home quickly. Size will influence how quickl

As the route to your home, a driveway is not just a functional necessity but a statement piece for your property’s kerb appeal. For homeowners embarking on the journey of driveway installation or renovation, the burning question often revolves around

Like many aspects of dealing with “the state”, making a planning application can be like traversing a minefield — but help is at hand. A big part of my job as a planning consultant is to help people find their way through. I do that in my work, and w

Sponsored by As well as being your property’s main access point, the entrance to your home is the first impression visitors will have of what lies beyond. But it’s not just about choosing the perfect colour or material, there are other factors to con

Outdoor kitchens that are well designed have functional zones for cooking and food preparation as well as space for socialising. Just like an indoor version, you should factor in the positioning of units and appliances and elements like worktops, flo

Choosing the right window styles for your house can be difficult. There’s such a wide range of windows to choose from that it can be hard to know where to start. And the most daunting part? Your choice of windows really can make or break the finished

The standard height, from the floor to the surface of kitchen worktops, is 910mm. If this doesn’t suit you, there’s nothing wrong with specifying your own height when you are installing bespoke cabinetry to ensure that it is comfortable to work at an

Possibly the busiest time on any self-build is when the fit-out — also known first fixing – begins. Over the next couple of months, I’ll explain everything you need to know about fitting out your project, starting with finishing the thermal envelope

Bathroom tiling might often be seen as a final flourish in your overall design scheme, but the role they play should not be underestimated. With some careful planning, bathroom tiles – both floor and wall – have the potential to create some amazing v

Trying to choose between solar thermal and solar PV panels can be difficult as both harness the sun’s energy for use in the home but they fulfil different functions. To truly weigh up which is the best option for your home you will have to be clear o

Located in an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Sussex, ‘Shards’ is a five-bedroom house, built on a gentle south-westerly slope on the site of an old quarry. The project was completed by Morgan Carn Architects, who were appointed due to their tr