Selfbuilder & Homemaker January/February 2017

selfbuilder & homemaker

January/February 2017 www.sbhonline.co.uk

editor’s letter FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE:

Air Conditioning & Ventilation Interior Design

Groundworks & Drainage Smart Home Technology Underfloor Heating Ask the Expert: Internal Doors

Show Previews: Ecobuild / Ideal Home Show / National Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Hello and welcome to the first edition of Selfbuilder & Homemaker of 2017, a year which is already proving to be just as ‘off the wall’ as 2016. From Donald Trump actually pursuing the building of a giant border wall, to political turmoil around the likely effects of Brexit, it is certain to be far from business as usual.

KEEP AN OPEN MIND

An expert answers your questions on specifying internal doors See page 11

PLANNING • DESIGN • CONSTRUCTION • INTERIORS

Cover image © JB Kind Doors. See pages 11-12 for more.

Away from all the turmoil happening across the world however, it is very heartening to see that there are some

positive signs of progress on the ground to help drive forward the self- and custom-build sector. And not least in the toughest area of all – getting plots.

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Right to Build is certainly a step in the right direction, with its provisions enshrined in the Housing and Planning Act requiring councils to help self-builders acquire serviced plots. As you probably know, this starts with the council compiling a register of people wishing to self- and custom-build in its area so that it can establish the demand – and work out whether it has the necessary sites to enable that demand to be satisfied.

Although councils are now legally required to do this first step, 20 of them still hadn’t started their registers by the end of last year, prompting criticism. This is all before they work out how to engage the HCA or other bodies in the complex task of releasing the land. Thankfully, an awful lot of councils have jumped on board, and are helping self-builders realise their dream.

James Parker

Build It Live! 4 - 5 February, Dartford

Built It Live! is designed to help self-builders find everyday solutions to manage their homebuilding, renovation or conversion project. Each show features companies to help you complete your project on time and on budget.

www.builditlive.co.uk

Eco Design, Planning & Sustainability Workshop 11 February, Swindon

NSBRC’s eco workshops run throughout the year on a variety of topics. The first one of 2017 will help you learn how the designs you choose at the beginning of your project can impact on your home’s energy performance. The workshop will also cover government initiatives and legislation. www.nsbrc.co.uk/eco-workshops

Ask an Architect 25 February, Swindon

NSBRC’s Ask an Architect events are held every month and offer self-builders the chance to attend a session with a RIBA chartered architect to discuss matters such as the design of your project, creating extra storage and adding value to your home. www.nsbrc.co.uk/ask-an-architect.html

Selfbuild & Design Show 4 - 5 March, Peterborough

The Selfbuild & Design Show East features a range of seminars, product demonstrations and masterclasses on all topics that matter to self-builders. It also allows visitors to meet builders, architects, designers and suppliers. www.selfbuildanddesignshow.com/east

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