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. By Jennifer Grimble

Living by numbers • David and Karen’s painstaking conversion of this 18th-century barn included removing and reinstating the original beams piece by piece

Taking a chance • The Ransley family sought out their dream home while living abroad, collaborating with architects to transform a dated house into a modern marvel

A labour of LOVE • This striking self-build in South Lanarkshire is an idyllic home and a fitting tribute to its talented creator

A dream in green • This east London Victorian house underwent a remarkable transformation by embracing biophilic design to create a green oasis in the heart of the city

Small but spacious • Through artful extensions and ingenious design choices, Sophie Griffiths and Sarah Howell have doubled the footprint of their Victorian terrace house

Country homes • Exceptional design is essential for permission to build a rural home — especially if you’re in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Discover more about the planning strategy behind each of these bespoke homes…

How much does a kitchen renovation cost? • As one of the key rooms in your home, it’s worth spending time and money on your kitchen design, but there are also ways you can make your budget go further, as Tim Phillips explains

THE HEALTHY HOME PART SIX: IMPROVING AIR QUALITY IN THE HOME • Indoor air pollutants are on the up, so Oliver Heath explores what we can do to improve the air that we breathe inside our homes

A BUILDER’S VIEW WHERE HAVE ALL THE GOOD BUILDERS GONE? • Events in recent years have seemingly made it harder to secure a builder for your project. Our expert builder Andy Stevens explains the reasons behind this shortage, and offers his advice

MEASURED SURVEYS • What are measured surveys and do you actually need one for your extension project? Here’s what you need to know about these useful reports…

How to get planning permission on a green field plot • Building a new home on a greenfield site can be incredibly appealing to potential self-builders, but how easy is it to secure permission for one of these plots? Simon Rix reveals his expert tips for success

FOCUS ON BAT SURVEYS • Bats are a protected species, and disturbing them and their habitats is a criminal offence. So how do you successfully navigate the challenges in your self-build planning?

The cooking kitchen island • Kit out your kitchen island with the essentials for cooking and transform this impressive design feature into a functional focal point

6 OF THE BEST COOKER HOODS • These contemporary cooker hoods and downdraft hobs combine style and function to help keep your kitchen free of unpleasant odours

10 things you should know about package self-builds • There are so many benefits to taking a package route when it...