Serial selfbuilders Charlotte Thomson and Joey Auger have built on a steep site overlooking the Cornish coast. They designed the house themselves, opting for a SIPs shell covered in eco-friendly cladding, extensive glazing and a timber windbreaker. Harbour Heights occupies an imposing position overlooking Portreath Harbour. “Every day of the build was a challenge,” admits Charlotte.

Michael and Angela Romeril have built a cottage-style four-bedroom timber-frame home in Dorset, designed to accommodate their changing needs. Built following the demolition of a prefab bungalow, the traditional-style home has facing bricks with render on the first-floor level, under a red clay-tile roof. A sunroom with windows, bifolds and roof lights on all sides opens onto the rear garden.

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Encircled by a terrace with a handcrafted hot tub, The Hideout has been built into the ground to blend in with the surrounding Cornish landscape, featuring stone walls and a grass-covered roof. Inside, Alex and Charlotte Hayward installed some quirky features designed for fun, including a games room complete with cinema, pool table and projector with a unique circle seat.

A grandmother’s garden, gifted from mother to daughter, gave Kat and Kyle Turner the chance to build their own family home. The new dormer bungalow has been designed with a low profile, with an integral garage built further down the sloping site. Inside, the open-plan kitchen/diner is perfect for family life, with glass doors overlooking the garden and a guest bedroom situated above the garage.

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Our beginner’s guide explores the different types, materials and structures available, along with roof repair and replacement.

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12 must-haves for your self build, from ear defenders to hi-viz wear.

Three objectives were key for the makeover of a music room in a family home in Barnet: storage, lighting and colour.

We meet the award-winning architect and TV presenter, who has appeared on a number of property programmes including Ugly House to Lovely House and Your Home Made Perfect.

As the summer approaches, we look at the permanent ways you can make a difference to your garden, including decking, fencing, paving and screening.

Legal advice: property law specialist Guy Elyahou advises on dealing with a slow build.

PlotDoctor Roy Speer discusses a couple’s ambitious building plans.