Clearly insurance is not exactly the most exciting product you might need to purchase for your self-build or renovation project - but it does have its purposes and for some people who have experienced a serious loss during their project it can be the most important product they ever purchased.

A derelict mill – or rather its four basic stone walls – are salvaged and transformed into a charming, characterful home.

It’s not a particularly appetising topic, but if you can’t connect to the mains, then you will have to arrange an effective long-term drainage solution for your plot. David Snell investigates.

With increasing demands that we build airtight, ventilation has become a key component. Tim Pullen explores ‘passive’ systems.

While health and safety on large building sites is stringently regulated, self-builders have been known to take things less seriously — at their peril. Mark Brinkley lists the key issues.

There aren’t any guarantees when it comes to builders — but you need to give yourself the best chance of ending up with the kind of builder you should be finding. By Jason Orme.

There is much more to baths than good looks — there are baths available in a huge choice of sizes, shapes and materials, and to suit any budget, says Natasha Brinsmead

So many of us aspire to the benefits that open plan layouts bring – light, flow, informality – but don’t understand the practicalities. Natasha Brinsmead reveals how to make it work.

In our comprehensive series examining build costs, David Snell provides a detailed receipt breakdown for the essential second fix tasks, including kitchen and utility room units and appliances. Plus advice on how to reduce the costs.

The majority of self-builders don't think about how their internal walls should be built, but it is an important consideration, especially in areas that are load bearing or where soundproofing is required. In our series examining essential self-build decisions, Mark Brinkley compares blockwork and studwork for internal walls