EDITOR’S LETTER

Editor Beth Murton has been a homes journalist and editor for over 20 years and has renovated two homes. She is currently planning her next project

As much as I love looking at the incredible projects we feature in every issue of the magazine, it’s the individual stories of the homeowners that really grip me. Whether it’s the extended planning battles that people finally win so they can transform a run-down plot into a stunning family home, or the determination that self-builders often have to muster up to overcome unexpected hurdles along the way, I’m always in awe of the drive and enthusiasm people often show when it comes to creating their perfect home.

It’s also one of the main reasons why I love our annual Homebuilding & Renovating Awards so much. Every year we’re blown away, not just by the quality of the incredible self-builds and renovations, but also the personal stories that go hand in hand with them. If you’ve got a recently completed project (and hopefully a fantastic story to go with it) then make sure you enter our 2024 awards, which we’re launching this issue. Turn to page 20 to find out how to enter and you could be in with a chance of winning the top £1,000 cash prize and also see your home featured in the magazine. If you need further convincing, some of the winners from our 2023 awards are featured in this issue, including a stunning barn conversion with showstopping interiors on page 50 and a value-adding loft conversion in London on page 62 that features a clever multifunctional layout and budget-friendly materials.

If the end of your project still feels some way off, there’s plenty of inspiration and tips to keep you on track inside this issue. From the fastest methods for building an extension (page 104) and tips on choosing the best windows (page 130) to how to put your project out to tender (page 166) and budget-friendly ways to landscape your plot (page 84), there’s all the expert advice you’ll need to get your project over the finish line.