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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

Thinking about adding a double-storey extension to your home? If you’re able to, doubling up with an extra level when extending will be one of the best routes to elevating your property’s value and adding more useful floorspace that can be used for bedrooms, bathrooms, offices and more. When planning a double-storey extension, there are
The post Double-Storey Extension Ideas – 13 Two-Storey House Extensions that Stand Out from the Crowd appeared first on Build It.

Located in the inner courtyard of an early 20th-century apartment building, the project contributes to the contemporary condition of densifying the city from within. Positioned in a hidden, inner urban courtyard, the project reinterprets the traditional European Stadthaus, introducing a form of living that balances density, sustainability, and spatial quality.