Useful articles for self-builders
A range of articles and tips to educate, inform and inspire self-builders
Securing land for self and custom build
Securing the right plot of land is one of the biggest obstacles to starting a self-build project. While many see access to land as a major barrier, some argue it’s not because of quantity—England covers over 13 million hectares, with 91.1% still undeveloped. The real challenge is gaining access to suitable land. The Labour Government…
What is TM59 and why is it important for my self-build home?
Since the introduction of Approved Document O in England and Wales and Scottish Building Standard 3.28, overheating mitigation is a Building Regulations requirement for all new residential buildings. TM59 is a Dynamic Thermal Modelling (DTM) method that assesses the risk of overheating in your home. It takes a holistic approach, considering all aspects of the…
Getting the most out of visiting self-build shows
Attending self-build shows and exhibitions can be exhilarating and inspiring. With thousands of products and services cheek by jowl and under one roof they are the perfect place for moving your research on, as well as knowledge gathering through the myriad of workshops and masterclasses on offer. But with so much to see and do,…
Get Started with your Self-Build Design
Fleming Homes Designer, David Loomis, shares five tips that will help you get started with your self-build design Dave says: “For me, designing a timber frame home is a collaborative process. Multiple factors come into play, all of which need to be carefully thought through. This is a job for the designer and the client…
Is shopping local for timber frame a good thing?
Modern methods of construction, supply chain management, and efficient shipping methods make it possible for timber frame companies to deliver bespoke solutions and high-quality products to customers across the UK. Sometimes self-builders prioritise the location of the manufacturing company in their decision-making process. Buying local is something we support. We do this as much as…
NSBRC Building Systems Workshop
5 Reasons why attending the NSBRC Building Systems Workshop matters more than you think! Choosing the build method for your self-build home is one of the most fundamental questions you must answer at the start of your project. However, it can also be a tricky question to tackle if you need to become more familiar with…
Self-Build Pre Planning Advice
In this Good to Know article, Planning & Building Regulations Manager, Scott Hunter, offers his self-build planning advice with tips on how you can best prepare for our planning service. Knowing what questions to ask early in the process can pay dividends later down the line as you work to keep your budget in…
External Wall Build Ups Explained
Timber frame external walls are constructed in various ways, but mostly you will find that they follow the same theory of detailing. Being aware of this theory will give you a head start on understanding how your timber frame external wall will be constructed and ensure you can follow the specification list included with your…
Planning permission explained
The planning process can be complicated and unclear at times. To help understand the process, we sat down with Scott Hunter, our Planning & Building Regulations Manager. Scott outlined some key considerations, approaches and practical points to help you prepare for the planning process. Designing your home Research is one of the most important steps;…
Carbon Capture and Storage
The Heatwaves faced by the UK this summer has brought home the environmental challenges we are facing as global temperatures rise. How can we reduce the environmental cost of construction by capturing carbon when self-building? A timber frame structural system consists of timber panels with timber studs in the external walls to transmit loads to…
