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.

OUR EXPERTS

Homebuilding & Renovating

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

On the edge • Built on a plot overlooking a steep valley, Jane and Tim Trounce’s cantilevered home was built in defiance of gravity — and a whole load of project setbacks

Rescue remedy • After a series of frustrating setbacks with planning permission, Gary and Sue Hilton came up with the ideal formula for building their new home

Doubling up • Emma and Richard Daw took pleasure in painstakingly restoring and extending a former shepherd’s shelter on the north Norfolk coastline

DIY self-builds • Discover the different ways these self-builders saved tens of thousands of pounds on their bespoke home building projects

12 ways to get the best from trades • If you want to keep your build on track and to budget, you’ll need to know how to best engage with different trades to create a harmonious site and a successful project. Michelle Guy offers some words of advice…

Knocking down and replacing a house • Demolishing and rebuilding on the same site may or may not need a planning application, so before you start navigating this potentially tricky route, take planning consultant Simon Rix’s advice

OLD HOUSE, NEW HOME RENOVATING AN EDWARDIAN HOME • Natasha Brinsmead explains how to update and renovate an Edwardian property, focusing on the 10 most common design features

HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON LANDSCAPING • To get the most out of your time and money the landscaping aspect of a build should be planned in from the start. Quantity surveyor Tim Phillips lays the groundwork…

MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON SITE • When you have builders on site, there are a number of questions to which you should already know the answers — to avoid those awkward moments! Andy Stevens advises you to read on…

HOW TO BUILDA HOUSE

WHITE QUARTZ WORKTOPS • Stain and scratch resistant, quartz is an ideal surface for busy kitchens

FOCUS ON HEATING AN OUTDOOR POOL • If you’re installing an outdoor swimming pool, you’ll want to know how to heat it up. Natasha Brinsmead explains the different options

Designing an oak frame extensıon • Much coveted, an oak frame extension will add space and instant character to your home. However, there are some key design considerations to account for first, as Claire Lloyd explains

How to value a self-build plot • Before you commit to that self-build project, do your homework on whether it’s a viable proposition, advises Mark Stevenson

THE ART OF MATCHING MATERIALS • When you take on an extension and opt to match materials like-for-like, it can be a challenge. Chartered surveyor Ian Rock shares his advice on how best to source exactly what you need

Creating an indoor/outdoor space • Encourage your home to be at one with the great outdoors by linking up your inner and outer spaces

ASK THE EXPERTS • Got a burning question about...