EDITOR’S LETTER
Regardless of whether you’re in the early planning stages or in the middle of your build, it’s likely that the pandemic has had an impact on your project in some way. For many, sourcing materials and navigating safe working practices on site might have proved challenging to say the least. For others, the hiatus may have provided an opportunity to pause, reflect, and to research and plan.while it can be difficult to predict with any certainty what the next couple of months will bring, we have tasked Homebuilding & Renovating expert and experienced project manager, Bob Branscombe, to advise on how the pandemic is likely to continue to impact our builds in the short-term, and offer his guidance on how best to get your project back on track (page 109).We aim to keep you updated over the coming months, but in the interim, we’d also love to hear how you’ve been getting on with your renovation, self-build and extension projects during this time (email homebuilding@futurenet.com).
On a not altogether dissimilar note, with an increasing amount of time spent at home, together with the good weather and our predilection towards welcoming ‘the outside in’ through large patio doors and pictures windows, our gardens have, arguably, never been so important. Often when taking on a project we pour all our resources into the house, but sometimes overlook that all-important space that immediately surrounds it. So in this issue we have turned our attention to the garden.
Firstly, Tim Pullen offers up his advice on sustainable landscaping solutions (page 129). If you’re hoping to be a little more self-sufficient once your project comes to a close, then follow Rob Dwiar’s guide to creating an organic garden (page 84). We also take a look at some of the latest garden rooms on offer (page 72).
Finally, our in-depth guide to the community infrastructure levy (CIL) is a must-read for anyone building their own home. While self-builders are now exempt from this charge, failing to follow the CIL exemption process to the letter has resulted in an unfortunate few paying out eye-watering sums. Step in self-build expert and chair of industry body NACSBA (National Custom and Self Build Association), Michael Holmes, who delivers his expert advice on page 118.
We hope you enjoy the issue.