Q&As

At the time of buying land, we had to make some fag-packet calculations to determine the feasibility of our land/build budget. We estimated that we could build a 250m2 home by looking at the guides in Build It magazine, as well as other advice that followed similar lines. But now that we have the land […]

My wife and I have found a plot of land with planning permission. We want to build a low energy home to Passivhaus principles. We are wondering how we can use the design that is already on the plot. Would we need to establish a relationship with the architect that designed the plans in order […]

I have a large five bedroom house, which was built in 1977 and is of a very poor standard. Consequently I have all sorts of problems. It’s expensive to heat, it’s ugly and I believe unsafe as two of the bedrooms would be difficult to escape from in case of fire. The outbuildings are poorly-built, […]

We have a plot of land to build on. We have a starting budget of 110k before looking for a mortgage, and will need a concrete raft foundation. Could we realistically build a house of say 150 square feet to wind and water tight? Any help appreciated!

I have a 12-year-old combi boiler and the company servicing it has highlighted a number of parts that are no longer available to replace. i.e. if one of these parts break it will be the end of boiler and an emergency job to replace it. Thus I am thinking that now is the time to […]

The government have announced that S106 has been abolished for self build. I have not seen the detailed implementation of this that should be published by end January 2014. Has it been published yet? I have planning permission for 2 houses and have signed a section 106. One house for our own occupation and the […]

Is it possible for a group of people to buy a large plot of land with planning for one house then divide the land into three plots to build? If so how would one go about finding like minded people? Im based in Cornwall.

Has anyone else suffered cracking noises from the first floor of a new build timber frame house? The problem occurs for us when someone walks on the floor above. It’s two years since we completed the house and unfortunately we’re still trying to resolve the issue. The supplier hasn’t been helpful (even saying ‘you get […]