
Heather Campbell
Heather Campbell is deputy editor of the SelfBuild magazine. Email: heather.campbell@selfbuild.ie
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Should you replace your oil or gas boiler with a heat pump?
With rising energy bills, you may be considering swapping your boiler for a heat pump to cut winter costs. In this article we cover: But before diving in, it’s worth asking whether upgrading your insulation alone — something you’d likely need to do before installing a heat pump anyway — would be a more cost-effective […] More
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ICF on site: window and door openings
Pay attention to sills and reveals when building with Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF). In this article we cover: In ICF construction there is no need for traditional horizontal and vertical damp proof courses (DPC) at window and door openings. Because the structure is a reinforced concrete build, there is also no need for precast or […] More
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Grants for Homeowners in Norfolk
Planning to build or renovate in Norfolk? You might be able to get help with the costs through local grants and support schemes. In this article we cover: Warm Homes: Local Grant Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) Boiler Upgrade Scheme Disabled Facilities Grant For the most current information and to explore […] More
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Grants for Homeowners in Cumbria
If you’re building a new home or renovating your existing home in Cumbria there are several national and local grants and schemes that could help help with costs. In this article we cover: Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Grant Warm Homes: Local Grant Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Disabled Facilities Grant Affordable Housing […] More
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Grants for Homeowners in Somerset
If you’re a homeowner in Somerset planning to build a new house or renovate your existing property, several local grants and schemes may assist with costs. These programmes aim to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable development. In this article we cover: Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) Boiler […] More
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Grants for homeowners in Suffolk
Homeowners in Suffolk looking to build a new property or improve an existing one can access a range of local grants and support schemes to help with expenses. In this article we cover: Warm Homes Suffolk Loan Warm Homes: Local Grant Renovation Grants for Owner-Occupiers Retrofit Assessment Voucher Scheme Suffolk Loft Insulation Offer Boiler Upgrade […] More
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in Advice, Basic site checklist, Budget & Financing, England, Scotland, Securing planning permission, Wales, Wastewater, Water & Electricity
What local authority fees do you have to pay in the UK?
If you plan on building or extending a house in the UK; this is your comprehensive guide to what you can expect to pay in your own region. In this article we cover: Local authority fees UK Starting a self-build or renovation journey is exciting, but dealing with local authority fees in the UK […] More
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Homeowner Grants in Hampshire
If you’re a homeowner in Hampshire, looking to build a new house or renovate your existing home, several grants can help fund your project. These grants aim to improve energy efficiency, support vulnerable residents, and enhance living conditions. In this article we cover: Below is a summary of available grants: Warm Homes: Local Grant Great […] More
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Build cost estimator
The most commonly asked question nowadays is ‘how much does it cost to build a house?’ The answer to that of course is, ‘for what exactly?’ Anyone considering a self-build or renovation/extension project will want to be able to refer to a reasonably accurate build cost per square metre (sqm) or square foot (sqft). This […] More
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How much does it cost to build a house in 2025?
Is now a good time to break ground in the UK? In this article we cover: Q: What way are material and labour prices trending? Hoping to break ground in the next few weeks. Unfortunately, while things may feel more settled than they did a year ago, there’s still a lot to watch out for […] More
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in Advice
Grants for Homeowners in Perthshire
If you’re a homeowner in Perthshire looking to build a new home or upgrade your current property, there are several local grants and schemes available that could help cover some of your costs. These initiatives are designed to boost energy efficiency, cut carbon emissions and promote sustainable development. In this article we cover: Adapt Your […] More
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Grants for Homeowners in Lincolnshire
If you’re a homeowner in Lincolnshire planning to build a new house or renovate your existing property, there are several local grants and schemes that may assist with costs. These programmes aim to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and support sustainable development. In this article we cover: Warm Homes: Local Grant Energy Company Obligation […] More