Homebuilding & Renovating

Homebuilding & Renovating is the UK's number-one magazine for home extenders and self-builders. From build costs, planning permission, hiring builders, to project managing subcontractors and step-by-step DIY guides, each issue is packed with the best expert advice to help you deliver your project on time and within budget. You'll also find inspiring case studies of completed projects, and all the design ideas and inspiration you need to create your dream home. Whether you're renovating and extending an existing property, or building a new home, Homebuilding & Renovating magazine is your essential project companion.

Homebuilding & Renovating

FROM THE EDITOR

INSIGHT • A round-up of the latest self-build and home renovation news, products and events

Is your home the best in Brıtaın? • In partnership with The Times and The Sunday Times, we’re launching the Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2026 to find the best completed projects in the UK

At one with nature • For Fraser and Anne Harding, one of the biggest self-build challenges they faced was blending a brand-new home into its verdant surroundings

Leap of faith • Tim Brown rescued a decaying city centre chapel and transformed it into an exceptional modern home

Sensational small homes • Rather than being restricted by a lack of space, these compact homes show how a tight footprint can create fresh possibilities for clever design

SPECIALIST PLANNING REPORTS • They form an increasingly important part of the planning permission process, so get up to speed with the many different types of report and what might be required for your project

14 tips for extend ing a period property • Building outwards – or upwards – in an older property can make perfect sense, but be sure you’re making all the right choices

Designing with neurodiversity in mind • From first-hand experience, Sarah Harley shares key principles that can help create an inclusive living space that works for everyone

Building for the future • The eco-conscious owners of a London terrace embarked on a zero-waste mission that exceeded all expectations

DO I NEED A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER FOR MY EXTENSION? • Find out if you need to budget for this professional service on your next home improvement project

Double vision • Faced with renovating their period detached home, Dave and Lucy combined modern looks with Arts and Crafts

PART 17 GUIDE TO RENOVATING • As we conclude our renovation series, we round up some of the best tips, tricks and nuggets of wisdom we’ve learned from our experts for you to take with you on your own renovation journey

TENDERING PROCESS • Our quantity surveyor Tim Phillips explains what’s involved in this essential phase in any build project, and why going out to tender matters when it comes to controlling costs effectively

ASK THE EXPERTS • Need some advice on your self-build, extension or home renovation project?

Space-enhancing built-in storage • If you’re looking for the best ways to integrate built-in storage and enjoy a clutter-free, organised home, Megan Milstead offers some ideas

THE 5 MOST COMMON SOLAR PANEL PROBLEMS • In the quest to reduce energy bills, you may look at installing solar PV, but there’s a side of solar panels you should be aware of, as our expert David Hilton explains…

Self-build for beginners VAT RECLAIM AND HOW TO GET IT RIGHT • Discover if your project is eligible as well as the common pitfalls to ensure you don’t miss out on thousands of pounds

A new leaf