For any self builder or homeowner undertaking a renovation, a contractor becoming insolvent mid-project is their biggest fear. Due to the impact of unpredictable global events and increasing materials costs, this is becoming a very real risk. Insolvency occurs when a company or individual cannot pay debts that they are liable for, leaving them unable
The post What Happens if Your Builder Goes Bust in the Middle of Your Project? appeared first on Build It.

Choosing the exterior finishes for a self build or renovation is not just about how the house will look on completion. From timber cladding to metal, stone, slate, concrete tiles and fibre cement, there are plenty of options for the facade and roof. The materials you specify need to suit the architecture, budget and practical
The post How to Design a House with a Low-Maintenance Exterior appeared first on Build It.

Staircase ideas come in all shapes and sizes, but investing in the right design that meets your practical needs and ties in with your home’s architecture can really transform a space and how you move throughout it on a day-to-day basis. Staircases often take pride of place in a floorplan, and in many cases, they’re
The post 36 Amazing Staircase Ideas – How to Choose & Design a Staircase for Your Project appeared first on Build It.

If you’re planning a self build, renovating a property, or looking to add space, light and value to your current home, then you can’t afford to miss Build It Live – the UK’s most practical and informative self build and renovation event. Covering all aspects of self build, home improvement and renovation, Build It magazine is
The post 6 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Build It Live in 2026 appeared first on Build It.

Once associated with traditional interiors or standout feature walls, timber is now being used more creatively across interior surfaces, such as walls and ceilings, to influence how a room feels and functions. Unlike other internal finishes, timber brings a unique, natural variation through grain, tone and texture, creating depth and individuality. It can help to
The post How to Get Internal Timber Cladding Right – Design, Specification & Installation appeared first on Build It.

Considering a knock down and rebuild project as a route to your new bespoke home? As many self builders know, it’s tricky to get planning permission for a new home on a vacant site in the countryside or the green belt. One of the best ways to get around this problem is to buy a
The post Should You Demolish and Replace a House? Your Guide to Knock Down & Rebuild Homes appeared first on Build It.

Looking for internal doors but not sure where to start? The type of material and design you opt for can have a major impact on the look and feel of your home. So there’s a lot to consider, from the way your internal doors are constructed and hung, to the finish and ironmongery. Urban Front
The post How to Choose Internal Doors for Your Home: Interior Door Styles, Materials & Costs appeared first on Build It.

Wondering who can design your dream home? Getting the initial scheme right is key to any successful self build project. After all, achieving a perfect, bespoke house that ticks a whole host of different boxes is at the centre of what all self builders are trying to do. Most yearn to escape the conformity of
The post Who Can Design Your New House? How to Choose the Right Designer for Your Self Build appeared first on Build It.

Finding a plot for your dream house is always one of the biggest challenges in any project, closely followed by understanding what you can build on that site. Some types of land are generally more suitable for delivering a new home, and a brownfield site could certainly offer strong potential for development. In planning terms,
The post What is a Brownfield Site & How Can I Get Planning Permission to Build on One? appeared first on Build It.