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

Homebuilding & Renovating

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

Desirable downsize • To create a home that was tailor-made for their needs and lifestyle, Steve and Susanne Clarke built a stunning oak frame home in their very own garden

Hidden paradise • With hard work and a lot of initiative, Minnie and James Vosper lovingly brought their run-down home into the 21st century

A cottage to treasure • Kirstin Eriksson has transformed her Cotswold property by taking it from a neglected cottage to a perfect family home packed full of clever design ideas

Bird’s eye view • Peter and Romney Lelliott opted for an upside-down new build, enabling them to enjoy far-reaching country views from the elevated living space of their contemporary new home

Victorian overhauls • A carefully conceived extension could be the key to unlocking the potential of your period property without compromising its character. Let our selection of innovative schemes be your inspiration…

7 essential resources every self-builder needs • Without having the right information to hand, embarking on a self-build journey is daunting. Industry expert Ben Adam-Smith lists the areas of research you’ll find invaluable

A BUILDER’S VIEW • With the changes to Building Regulations Part L recently coming in to force, Andy Stevens looks at how this might affect self-builders

How to restore original cottage features • They may be charming but cottage renovations can be quirky. Here’s how to tackle the most common issues to restore features to their former glory and adapt them for living

Reserved matters explained • If you are submitting outline consent instead of full planning, then following up with the finer details of ‘reserved matters’ is compulsory. Here’s how the process works and how to best frame your submission

THE HEALTHY HOME • This month Oliver shares some simple steps you can take to introduce biodiversity into your home and garden

The golden rules of house design • Designing a house is hugely exciting, but knowing where to start can also feel daunting. With the help of some top architectural experts, we bring you the golden rules that will ensure you create the home of your dreams

Build a new garage for less • Taking on a self-build or renovation project? Then factor in a garage from the beginning — you can benefit from economies of scale and efficiency tactics, says Tim Phillips

ROOFLIGHTS • Stylish openings for flat or pitched roofs

Multifunctional home office • How to create a hybrid space that’s suitable for both work and home life

HOW TO BUILD A HOUSE • Managing the project timeline and understanding the building sequence is an essential part of project management. This month, Mark Stevenson looks at how the timeline is managed and what tools the professionals use to make sure the build gets started – and finished – on...