Homebuilding & Renovating

Homebuilding & Renovating is the UK's number-one magazine for home extenders and self-builders. From build costs, planning permission, hiring builders, to project managing subcontractors and step-by-step DIY guides, each issue is packed with the best expert advice to help you deliver your project on time and within budget. You'll also find inspiring case studies of completed projects, and all the design ideas and inspiration you need to create your dream home. Whether you're renovating and extending an existing property, or building a new home, Homebuilding & Renovating magazine is your essential project companion.

EDITOR’S LETTER • Editor Beth Murton has been a homes journalist and editor for over 20 years, and has renovated two homes. She is currently planning her next project

CONTRIBUTORS

Homebuilding & Renovating

INSIGHT • A round-up of the latest self-build and home renovation news, products and events.

Sıde by sıde • Despite its unpromising first impressions, Sean and Marion King turned a run-down period cottage into a stunning home with split personality

Perfect blend • Father and son combined architectural flair with building skills to create a compact eco home with true spirit

Space to entertain • Becky and Dan Trueman’s kitchen-diner extension features a bespoke internal courtyard

A sense of place • Steve and Emma Boyd’s contemporary self-build marries sleek Scandinavian design with the rural landscape of Aberdeenshire

Sensational sunrooms • From sleek glass boxes to characterful oak frame extensions, this selection of projects shows the design diversity that’s possible for your wow factor sunroom

How much does an extension cost? • If you’re planning on having an extension, start by reading quantity surveyor Tim Phillips’ ultimate cost guide

13 practical tips to pass planning • If you’re looking to build your dream home, then you’ll need that all-important ‘yes’ from the planners. Planning consultant Simon Rix shares ways you can up your chances of planning success

THE HEALTHY HOME PART FOUR: HEALTHY HOME WORKING • This month Oliver shares how to create a workspace that supports productivity and creativity while reducing fatigue and burnout

A BUILDER’S VIEW WHOSE FAULT IS IT ANYWAY? • When materials break or fail during a build or renovation, it isn’t easy to know who’s responsible for putting it right. Expert builder Andy Stevens offers advice on who is liable for what

CREATING AN INSPIRATIONAL COTTAGE EXTENSION • Cottage extensions should be undertaken with care to avoid spoiling the character of the original building — we take a close look at the best way to approach it and offer some tips and ideas

CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN HANDLES • Add character to your cabinets with these stylish options

FOCUS ON ZINC CLADDING • Allay your alloy fears with this practical but stylish exterior finish that’s ideally suited to both traditional and contemporary homes

THE RENOVATION FILES HOW TO IDENTIFY AND SOLVE WET ROT • Wet rot is a common cause of damage to homes in the UK — Ian Rock explains what it is and the steps we can take to help keep it bay

Embrace ‘living landings’ • Unlock the potential of your landing and transform it into a multipurpose space with considered light, smart storage and useful working space

How to create a socıable home • What’s the best way to design with sociability in mind? Natasha Brinsmead talks to the experts for tips and advice on incorporating features that make quality time and entertaining a pleasure rather than a chore

HOW TO BUILD A HOUSE PART THREE: SETTING UP THE BUILDING SITE • In our new series, self-build expert Mark Stevenson shares the key stages of building your own...