Q&As

We are in the process of self building a 18x12m steel-frame barn conversion. We are very interested in harvesting as much rain water as possible, as we do not have a mains water connection. We may use a borehole but could we use treated rainwater? Who can we talk to about this?

Hi could Build it do an in depth news article on Nutrient Neutrality please. There are a growing number of Self builders getting caught out by this new government Tax and it needs to be brought out into the open and discussed. Are there ways of mitigating this? Why does one small plot of land [...]

When having a structural survey carried out for a large extension, the surveyor discovered that the footings of my original dwelling were unsuitable. As a result, about 95% of the property was knocked down and new footings were constructed. The only parts still standing are a relatively recent extension and two small corner walls. If [...]

What is the latest in Government-proposed legislation about building a two-storey, self-contained residential house in a back garden on the edge of a conservation area? Our main house is four storeys; the proposal occupies slightly less than half of the back garden. The garden is enclosed by a brick wall dating from 1867.

I’ve just purchased a plot of land with detailed planning permission for a 4-bedroom house which is almost perfect in relation to what we’d like to build, but we’d like to rework the design a little and make a new application for planning. Do I need an architect? Another couple in the same village who [...]

I live in a Victorian terrace home in a conservation area in South London. My windows are single-glazed sash units and it’s impossible to keep the house warm, even when keeping the heating on. Is it more hassle to apply for permission to replace the windows, with the chance it could be rejected, or should [...]

My 1800s cottage has been extended and renovated over the years, with a conservatory extension added around 10 years ago. The room is heated via underfloor heating but the structure is poorly insulated and hard to keep warm in the winter, so it’s not very useable. Are there any options for upgrading the structure to [...]

I’m looking to renovate and convert the loft of my end-of-terrace Victorian house in South London, which has a hipped roof. I’d like to increase head height inside the roof space for an at home office, but not sure what the best way is to do so. Will I have enough space if I extend [...]