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 • Claire Lloyd has been a member of the Homebuilding & Renovating team for 15 years. She’s currently in the midst of another renovation.

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Homebuilding & Renovating

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

From a dıstance • With a little help from their trusted architect, Kerry and Andrew Scott converted their Grade II-listed barn in Oxfordshire while being locked down overseas

Hillside living • When the Ridgways bought a tiny house in a spectacular location they had no idea that it would turn into a massive self-build project involving the entire family

Going up • Squashed into a post-war bungalow with their two daughters, Andrew McFadyen and Claire Heffeman chose to extend and renovate to give their home – and their family – a new lease of life

Into the lıght • David and Lisa Mason engaged Sheldon Peever Studio to redesign their dark, disconnected basement kitchen — and the results speak for themselves

Inspiring ICF homes • As well as paving the way for swift construction and excellent energy efficiency, insulating concrete formwork (ICF) offers plenty of scope for design wow factor — as these stunning homes demonstrate

13 steps to interior design success • It’s the final flourish which brings together your self-build, renovation or extension, but a successful interior design scheme starts at the very beginning of your project, says Claire Lloyd, who shares some of the secrets to creating cohesive interiors

OLD HOUSE, NEW HOME HOW TO DEAL WITH WOODWORM • Rosie Moorman explains how to treat woodworm and what you can do to prevent it when renovating a house

Do you need planning permission for garden structures? • Sheds, summerhouses, greenhouses, pergolas — they can all potentially trigger the need for planning. Here’s everything you need to know to avoid a costly dispute with your local council

ROOFING COSTS EXPLAINED • Whether you need to re-roof an existing home or start from scratch with a self-build, how much you pay to have a new roof isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair, as Tim Phillips explains

HOW TO AVOID THE WRONG BUILDER FOR YOUR PROJECT • Not all builders are experienced in all kinds of construction. But what are the tell-tale signs to know and what can you do about rogue trades? Andy Stevens has the inside intel…

Designing a loft conversion • Utilising the space at the top of the house can make good sense. Here’s how to achieve that perfect loft conversion

5 reasons you need a QS • What is a quantity surveyor and why might you need one? Tim Phillips enlightens us on the role of these industry experts

WHY YOU NEED INSURANCE WHEN EXTENDING • Extensions carry risks not covered by general policies, so having additional insurance is crucial. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of your project

How to design gabion walls • Ideal for structural applications, gabion walls are a versatile option when it comes to constructing retaining walls, but they’re equally viable for more decorative configurations. Architect Allan Corfield breaks down the...