Eco-friendly properties have become increasingly popular in recent years, with awareness of the climate crisis growing and more options for environmentally friendly alternatives on the market. But an eco house comes in various forms and styles – in 2025, this is how you can enhance sustainability for your own property. What is sustainable home… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Self-Build
What is an eco house?
Extension design above by Tom, architect from Hackney, London. See more and shortlist them for your home project here. If you’re thinking of building your own house, you have probably thought about its green credentials. The ambition to have an ‘eco home’ is becoming increasingly popular, but what actually is an eco house!? If you are right… Read more »
How to build a house in your garden – a concise guide
Can you build a house in your garden? If you have a large garden (or driveway in fact) that’s accessible directly from the road, it can provide a fantastic development opportunity to build a house on your land. The advantages of this approach to a self-building are potentially huge: It could significantly increase the total value of… Read more »
Construction methods for house extensions – which structural option should you choose?
In this article, we’ll explore some common construction methods for house extensions and help you decide which option is best suited to your brief. Featured image from Rhys, architect from London. See more and shortlist him for your home project here. Traditional brick and block One of the most common construction methods for… Read more »
Does my architect need to have insurance?
Does my architect need to have insurance? Even for a small house extension or renovation, it’s hugely important that your architect (or other architectural designer) holds professional indemnity insurance. If anything goes wrong with your project as a result of their advice or work, it will be much more straightforward to claim back any financial… Read more »
Do I need a project manager for a self build or home renovation?
Should you hire a project manager for a self build or home renovation project? The question should really be, ‘what does a project manager do, and do I need one?’. In the building industry the term ‘project manager’ often gets muddled. When a building professional refers to a ‘project manager’ their meaning could fall broadly… Read more »
VAT on house conversions
This is a simple and concise guide to understanding VAT on house conversions. Please note that there is different guidance in relation to new builds. Be aware that all projects are unique and some projects will not be eligible for tax reductions – please consult with your architect / quantity surveyor in relation to your… Read more »
How does a self build mortgage work?
What is a self build mortgage? A self build mortgage is different to a traditional mortgage in that the funds are released in stages as the build progresses. This is ultimately to reduce the risk to the lender. Featured image above by Allister, architect from Oxfordshire. See more and shortlist them for your home… Read more »
Innovative Construction Materials: The Foundation of Longevity
Rethinking Concrete’s Potential Concrete remains a cornerstone of modern construction, but advancements in its composition and application are transforming its durability. Precast concrete, for example, is gaining recognition for its superior strength, consistency, and eco-friendly benefits. Companies like JP Concrete demonstrate how tailored precast solutions address specific construction challenges, ensuring optimal performance and resilience. Other… Read more »
Help to Build Loan – A Simple Guide
What is the Help to Build loan? The Help to Build loan will help people with small deposits (from just 5%) access the finance they need to build their own home. This equity loan scheme is provided by the government to top up a standard self-build mortgage. Following MP Richard Bacon’s review of the sector,… Read more »
