Get Building
Practical guidance for each stage of constructing your home from groundworks to completion. Articles cover site preparation, foundations, utilities, roofing, windows and internal systems.
Building by Water
Building a house by water means dealing with higher costs, flood risks and insurance challenges you need to understand first.
Building in Someone's Garden
Building in someone's garden can save money on land, but you'll need to advertise, inspect carefully and get proper planning permission first.
Buying at Trade Prices for Your Self Build
Get bulk discounts on building materials by setting up trade accounts and negotiating like a builder rather than a DIY customer.
Can You Work a 40 Hour Week and Build Your Home?
Juggling a full-time job with building your own home requires careful planning, family support and smart scheduling to make it work.
Clearing the Site Before Building
You'll need to clear and prepare your building site before construction starts, covering waste removal, safety gear, and existing vegetation.
Ensuite Bathrooms: Are They Worth It?
Whether adding an ensuite bathroom to your home makes financial and practical sense depends on your space, budget and daily needs.
Fitting Out a Self Built Home on a Tight Budget
Save money on home fittings by buying at trade prices, sourcing salvage items and checking local ads for barely-used furniture.
Form Your Own Building Cooperative
Build your own home affordably by joining neighbours in a cooperative self-build project with your local council or housing association.
Home Build: Flooring
Plan your self-build flooring early, including underfloor heating and utilities placement, to avoid costly delays and damage.
How to Be in Control of Your Home Build at All Times
Stay in charge of your home build by setting clear expectations with workers, controlling material orders, and managing all finances yourself.
Planning and Building an Underground House
What to expect when planning an underground house, from dealing with planning permission to understanding earth-sheltered and buried design options.
Reclaimed Materials: Are They Best and Where to Source Them
Reclaimed materials can save money and reduce your home's carbon footprint, but check costs and availability before committing to your build.
Recruiting and Managing Bricklayers and Tradesmen
How to find and manage skilled tradespeople for your building project without hiring hassles.
Should You Future Proof Your Home?
Planning ahead when building or renovating your home makes it easier to add new technology and stay energy efficient down the road.
Sourcing and Ordering Materials for Your Home Build
Get the right materials at the right price by planning your orders ahead and knowing where to buy for your home build.
Ten Things to Ask a Builder Before You Employ Him
Get the ten critical questions to ask any builder before hiring them to build your home.
Ten Ways to Save Money During a Self Build
Cut costs on your self build project without sacrificing quality or safety by using these practical money-saving tips.
The Roof on Your Self Build
Your roof choices matter more than you'd think, from tiles and slate to loft windows and converting that wasted space into an extra room.
Your Home Build: Certificates for Mortgage
Self-build mortgages pay out in stages tied to construction progress, with a qualified surveyor certifying each phase before funds are released.
Your Home Build: Electrics
Plan your home's electrical system during construction, from utility connection through cable runs and fuse box placement.
Your Home Build: Footing and Utilities
Get your footings right and sort out utilities early to keep your home build on track from day one.
Your Home Build: Heating
Compare different heating options for your self-build home including underfloor heating, central heating, open fires and stoves.
Your Home Build: Plastering
Hire a professional plasterer for your self-build home to get smooth, flawless walls and ceilings ready for decorating.
Your Home Build: Plumbing and Heating
Set up your home's water supply and heating system properly during self-build to avoid costly mistakes and leaks.
Your Home Build: Staircase and Windows
Plan your home's staircases and windows carefully, they affect safety, building codes, and long-term comfort more than you might think.