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in Advice, Choosing wall and floor finishes, England, Foundations, subfloors and screeds: Watchpoints, Free Content, Scotland, Wales
How much does polished concrete cost in the UK?
Polished concrete can add a sleek, modern touch to any space, but it comes with a hefty price tag. In this article, we break down the costs involved. In this article we cover: No two self-builds are exactly alike. Each home has its own unique design, site conditions, and construction challenges. The cost of polished […] More
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in Advice, England, Extension/Renovation Advice, Free Content, Insulation and airtightness: Watchpoints, On site, Scotland, Wales
Guide to external wall insulation in the UK
Your guide to planning for, and installing external wall insulation for homes in the UK. In this article we cover: External Wall Insulation (EWI), also known as ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems) is a method of insulating the outside walls of either a new or existing house and involves directly applying insulation panels to […] More
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How much do house foundations cost?
Explore the key factors influencing your house foundation’s cost and the different types of foundations available. In this article we cover: Getting a good handle on the costs of getting your self-build project out of the ground is vital for staying within budget. It helps to know what to expect so you can plan accordingly. […] More
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in Cost 300+, England, Free Content, New Build, Projects, Self-build Projects, Timber Frame, Two Storey
Modern malthouse in Lincolnshire
Find out how these self-build newbies built a stunning modern malthouse in Lincolnshire— so impressive it featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs. In this article we cover: How did the project get started? Building our own home has always been a long term dream of ours. The idea for the project came about during Covid, […] More
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How much do windows and doors cost in the UK?
How much will your windows and doors cost and how to budget for them. In this article we cover: Budgeting for windows and doors can be challenging. The cost of windows can fluctuate based on factors like the profile, locks, fittings, size and design. If your estimate isn’t based on a real quotation, it’s likely […] More
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Airtightness installation tips
You don’t need to break the bank to make your home airtight. Here, we explore airtightness installation tips and highlight common mistakes to avoid. In this article we cover: Sealing your house to make it airtight and prevent air leakages is crucial for building a home that retains heat in winter. Here’s what self-builders need […] More
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in Advice, Budget & Financing, Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment, Extension/Renovation Advice, Free Content, Heating systems, Renewables & Sustainability
Grants in Northern Ireland
A list of grants and financial incentives currently available to help with your self-build or home improvement project in Northern Ireland (NI) today. In this article we cover: When it comes to grants and financial incentives for self-builders in Northern Ireland, the options are unfortunately limited. While there are a handful of schemes aimed at […] More
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Kitchen island inspiration
If you’re thinking about adding an island unit to your new or existing kitchen, check out this guide for kitchen island inspiration. In this article we cover: Self-builders often place islands at the top of their kitchen wish list. As the name suggests, a kitchen island is a standalone countertop unit. These functional beauties not […] More
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What is a subfloor?
A quick guide to subfloors and their role in a self build project. In this article we cover: A subfloor is a critical structural layer in any building, placed directly on top of the foundations to provide a stable, flat base for the finished floor covering. It acts as the foundation for everything above, ensuring […] More
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in Advice, Budget & Financing, Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment, Extension/Renovation Advice, Free Content, Heating systems, Renewables & Sustainability, Wales
Grants in Wales
A list of grants, financial supports and initiatives available to help with your self-build or home improvement project in Wales. In this article we cover: While there aren’t many direct “grants” specifically for self-builders, there are various schemes and funding opportunities that can help reduce costs. Below is a list of potential funding sources for […] More
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in Advice, Budget & Financing, Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment, England, Extension/Renovation Advice, Free Content, Heating systems, Renewables & Sustainability
Grants in England
A list of grants, financial supports and initiatives available to help with your self-build or home improvement project in England. In this article we cover: While England has few direct grants specifically for self-build projects, there are several key initiatives and programmes that can help fund or reduce the costs of building or improving your […] More
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in Advice, Budget & Financing, Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment, Extension/Renovation Advice, Free Content, Heating systems, Renewables & Sustainability, Scotland
Grants in Scotland
A list of grants, financial supports and initiatives available to help with your self-build or home improvement project in Scotland. In this article we cover: While Scotland has few direct grants specifically for self-build projects, there are several key initiatives and programmes that can help fund or reduce the costs of building or improving your […] More