Self build and renovation advice.
Costs, timelines, planning, finance, choosing builders and the mistakes that cost the most. Independent, and written by people who have done it.
How to Find and Appraise a Self Build Plot
How to find a self build plot, including the ones nobody is selling, and the questions that tell you whether it is worth an offer. Free…
How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a House in 2026?
A cosmetic refresh runs at £230 per square metre; back to brick runs at £1,950. QS-priced 2026 rates for all four bands, a worked three-bedroom example,…
How Much Does a House Extension Cost in 2026?
What an Extension Really Costs A single storey extension of 20 to 40 square metres costs around £2,700 per square metre to build, with most projects…
How to Write an Architect Brief for Your Self Build
How to Create a Clear Self Build Brief Before You Start Designing If you are planning to build your own home, one of the most useful…
How Long Does a Self Build Take? Planning a Realistic Timeline
How Long Does a Self Build Really Take? Most self builders want to know one thing early on: WHEN CAN WE MOVE IN? It is a…
Self Build Mortgages and Finance: What to Sort Before You Start
Financing Your Self Build: What You Need to Know Before You Start For many people, one of the biggest early hurdles in a self build project…
Self Build Costs in the UK: How to Estimate Yours
Creating a Cost Estimate for Your Self Build One of the biggest mistakes self builders make is getting excited about the design before they properly understand…
Timber Frame, SIPs or Masonry? Choosing How to Build Your Home
Choosing the Right Construction Method for Your Self Build One of the biggest decisions you will make on a self build is how your home is…