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.

Homebuilding & Renovating

FROM THE EDITOR

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

Building the dream • Mhairi and David Yates tasked the Oakwrights team with creating a home that met their present and future needs

Move and improve • Philip and Philippa Dancey replaced a run-down building with a new hi-tech home that sits cosily within its Cotswold setting

Victorian homes reimagined • These inspiring renovation projects provide a stunning showcase of how historic homes can be sensitively revived, extended and updated to meet modern design aspirations

NUTRIENT AND WATER NEUTRALITY • For many homeowners, the requirements for Nutrient Neutrality can present a significant hurdle in the planning process. Our expert has the lowdown on how to navigate this tricky stage

Living on site • The chance to save money on rental costs and keep a close eye on build progress can make the prospect of living on site seem attractive – but is it a safe and practical solution?

How to design a utility space • The best utility room design is multifunctional and meets a variety of needs, from laundry to storage. Here’s how to ensure your space is fit for purpose

King of the castle • From the moment he spotted a neglected lakeside ruin, Joe Radmore was on a mission to give it the regal treatment

ENSURING SAFE BATHROOM LIGHTING • Installing lights in the bathroom is not just about good looks – to be completely safe for use they need to be compliant with Building Regs

Fluid style • Drawing inspiration from its former canalside setting, architect Ben Powell has reimagined his late 20th-century mid-terrace as a calm, light-filled and multifunctional home

PLANNING THE DRAINAGE FOR YOUR EXTENSION • Self-build expert Mark Stevenson explains how to plan your extension’s drainage to avoid any expensive and time-consuming mistakes

HOW MUCH DOES A LOFT CONVERSION COST? • Adding extra space at the top of your house can be one of the most cost-effective ways to increase the size of your home. Our expert advises how to budget for your project

ASK THE EXPERTS • Need some advice on your self-build, extension or home renovation project?

Family-friendly living rooms • From clever storage solutions to durable yet elegant furniture, these expert-approved ideas prove that family spaces can be practical as well as sophisticated

SHOULD YOU HAVE AN ELECTRO-TECH HOME? • From heat pumps to EV chargers, a home where electricity is the main source of power works differently. Here’s what’s involved and how you can keep everything running safely and reliably

Self-build for beginners CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION • Having a clear contractual framework, and someone to manage it, could be the difference between the success and failure of your project, as architect Allan Corfield explains

Natural wonder