For many households, the first warning sign is simple: a bedroom that becomes difficult to sleep in, an upper floor that stays warm long after sunset, or a south-facing kitchen that feels uncomfortable even when the blinds are closed. Your instinct may be to cool the problem room. But if the same spaces overheat every
The post Why Should We Be Rethinking Whole-House Heating, Cooling & Ventilation? appeared first on Build It.

Are you wondering which cladding material could be the best fit for your self build, renovation or extension project? It’s wise to think about your cladding choice during the very early stages of a project to ensure you can fully consider its relation to windows, doors, the size of walls and the overall architectural design.
The post House Cladding Guide – How to Use Cladding Materials in Your Home Project appeared first on Build It.

Cutting heat loss is key in an eco renovation or retrofit project. Sealing gaps in the building fabric is one of the most effective ways to make your home more comfortable and efficient – but stopping draughts is only half the story. Without good ventilation, moisture and pollutants can become trapped, storing up problems for
The post Draughtproofing & Ventilation for Home Renovations – Expert-Backed Retrofit Strategies appeared first on Build It.

Good cladding design depends on details; not just the material, colour or the orientation of the panels. From first sketch through to installation, there are several important points to consider if your project is to work both aesthetically and functionally. Ventilation first Today’s cladding systems have an important role to play in managing moisture and
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Throwing a log onto a crackling fire feels like a quintessentially homely scene, but choosing a stove is no longer simply about picking your preferred fuel. Today’s options range from solid-fuel appliances such as woodburners, multi-fuel and pellet stoves through to gas, electric and bioethanol models, each with different implications for installation, control, storage, ventilation and
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An oak frame extension is the ultimate home upgrade – adding character, style and valuable, additional space to your property. Oak frame extensions can be designed to fit all kinds of schemes – suiting both contemporary and traditional-style homes. The material is a premium structural option, and is usually cut and prefabricated offsite – allowing
The post Oak Frame Extension Ideas – 20 Light-Filled Oak Extensions & Expert Advice appeared first on Build It.

There are no hard, reliable statistics to confirm it, but I have a suspicion that the vast majority of planning applications for self builds and home extensions are submitted by architects rather than planning consultants like me. While it’s true that the planning profession would prefer that they stopped eating our lunch, most architects and
The post Should Your Architect Handle Your Planning Application? An Expert Explains the Ins & Outs appeared first on Build It.

The term retrofit means different things to different people. It could be anything from targeted insulation upgrades to a full back-to-brick renovation, but its core is about improving performance and comfort. Whatever the scale, the starting point should be the same: understand the house before deciding what to do to it. Age, construction type, condition,
The post How to Plan & Schedule a Home Retrofit: The Key Steps for a Successful Project appeared first on Build It.

Transforming your home can take many forms, each bringing its own character and benefits. An extension can significantly improve your home – creating flexible space that can be used however you like. But are your priorities more aligned with a traditional rear extension, or a conservatory-style structure? Choosing between a new extension or a conservatory
The post Extension or Conservatory – What’s the Difference & Which is Right for You? appeared first on Build It.

Are you considering replacing your existing boiler with an efficient heat pump? For any homeowner looking at making energy efficiency improvements, heat pumps are now a firm contender in the list of options. Two of the most common questions about this tech are “how much does it cost to install a heat pump?” and “what savings can
The post Retrofitting a Heat Pump – Your Guide to The Benefits Costs & Installation appeared first on Build It.