Self build
Part One - All About Self-Build
The self-build bug is catching, and each year more and more people decide to opt out of the choice of identikit homes and build their own. With the right research, planning and advice the process of self-build can be a relatively painless one, with a very satisfying outcome, and Homebuilding & Renovating is here to make sure that you have all the information you need to build the home of your dreams.
The beginner's guide features a whole host of useful articles covering all kinds of things that you should consider when planning your self-build, including estimating your costs, financing your project and how to avoid the most common mistakes made by self-builders; all tailored to help you start your self-build with confidence.
View the beginner’s guide
More and more people are building their own homes each year, making the army of self-builders the single largest housebuilder in the country. Each of these homes has some stamp of originality, but what unites them is the singular determination of their owners to refuse to follow the mainstream and accept what commercial developers decide what they should have in a house.
Building your own home is the only way that you can truly get the house you want. Imagine living in a house that has been designed around your unique needs as a family, let Homebuilding & Renovating guide you through the self-build process, from finding a plot to choosing a builder with an article 'All About Self Build'
view this article
Most people who want to build their own home find that the hardest part of the whole business is finding a site. You can get professionals to do virtually everything else for you if you so choose, but obtaining the land is mainly down to you.
Let Homebuilding & Renovating help you through the process with tips and advice on where to start your search and what to look for, as well as first hand testimony from H&R editors Jason Orme and Michael Holmes.
View this article
To view thousands of plots and properties for renovation all over the UK visit www.plotfinder.net
Building your own home can prove an exceptionally good financial investment but the costs run to more than bricks and mortar. Legal fees, additional labour costs and wastage of materials are just some of the things that can trip you up during your self build.
Luckily, Homebuilding & Renovating is here to guide you through the financial minefield with self-build expert David Snell. This article highlights all the extra costs along with estimated figures to help you plan your self build more thoroughly.
View this article
Part Two - Self Build Quick Guide
There is no shortage of land in this country - only around 7% of the UK is actually developed. But building plots are in short supply, and this is entirely down to planning. In today's market, an agricultural acre is worth about £3,000, but the same acre with permission for residential development will be worth well over £1 million.
Whilst planning may be a hassle involving risk, delays and possible disappointment, knowing how to play the planning game may be the only way to uncover the perfect plot and realise your self-build dream. Along with planning expert Ken Dijksman, Homebuilding & Renovating has compiled a great guide to obtaining planning permission.
View this article
Part Three - Self Build Construction Methods
Brick and block and timber frame construction are two very different approaches to house building, yet they have existed side by side for centuries. The first process involves using heavyweight materials like stone, brick or concrete, while the second process involves lighter materials, traditionally wood, to construct a frame which is then covered with waterproof cladding. Both methods have proved effective time and time again, but is one better than the other?
This article from Homebuilding & Renovating magazine weigh up the pros and cons of brick and block and timber frame as well as looking at the build costs, to help you decide which process is best for your self-build.
Brick and block or timber frame?
Part Four - Finding the perfect plot of land for your self build, renovation or conversion project
If you've decided to build your own home, the first thing you need is somewhere to build it. Land in the UK is not in short supply, but the real challenge is finding the right plot of land for your property. Together with Plotfinder.net Homebuilding & Renovating has compiled several articles to help you to find the plot of your dreams.
Including tips on where to look and what to look for and what to be wary of, these articles are a must for all potential self-builders, helping you in your first steps to self-build.For further articles please visit www.homebuilding.co.uk
How to find a plot
Part Five - Creating the environmentally friendly self build home
Designing an ecologically friendly home is a careful balancing act and cost is a major factor. Even the most carefully planned building project can exceed its budget and a green home is no exception. Sustainable materials can tend to be more expensive than the more common alternatives, and skilled workmen that are familiar with new technologies can also be hard to come by. But despite all this there is no need to compromise your eco-friendly plans.
In this article, eco expert Tim Pullen offers advice on how to trim the design rather than the build to achieve the eco friendly home you desire.
View this article
Part Six - Self Build Finance
Some say the hardest part of a self-build is keeping track of the finances, but with cautious and informed planning even a first time self-builder can avoid running too far over budget. So what happens if you've bought your plot, put the job out to tender and received a whole host of quotes that are out of your budget range?
If this sounds like a familiar story, or your worst nightmare, then fear not, Homebuilding & Renovating are here to help. This article, written by self build expert Mark Brinkley, approaches the problem from two angles, explaining how to avoid the problem in the first place and how to resolve it once it has happened.
View this article here
THE HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING BUILD COST CALCULATOR
Building your own home can be a stressful endeavour and no matter how much planning you do you can never predict every eventuality. But the best way to gain some piece of mind is to start a project with a well planned budget. One of the best places to start planning your budget is in the average build cost tables that appear in Homebuilding & Renovating magazine every month - use the link below to download the online version.
View this article here
Part Seven - How to make your self build home energy efficient
We've all now heard the term 'zero-carbon home'. In late 2006, it became Government policy to build all new homes to this standard by 2016 (2011 in Wales). Attention for many people focuses on renewable technologies, but if you examine every stage of your self build you may find that there are simpler ways to make your home energy efficient.
Insulation, ventilation and heating are just some of the elements that can be tailored to meet your requirements and reduce your home's energy needs. Along with self build expert Mark Brinkley, Homebuilding & Renovating magazine has put together six ways for you to build an energy efficient home.
View this article
Book Tickets Now for the Homebuilding & Renovating Shows