Useful Links

The following organisations are sources of information for anyone considering a building project. None of them have paid for a link – we just think that each one provides a useful service.

Architect's Registration Board (ARB)

Check on their on line whether a designer is a registered architect.
8 Weymouth Street
London
020 7580 5861
www.arb.org.uk

ASBA Architects

A national network of small architectural practices, whose members specialise in alterations and improvements to private houses.
0800 387310
www.asba-architects.org

Centre for Alternative Technology

A great place to visit if you have any interest in sustainable constructions and environmental issues. Also a good bookshop (online).
Machynlleth,
Powys,
SY20 9AZ,
UK
01654 705950
www.cat.org.uk

Communities and Local Government

An excellent website, with links and information on all areas of local and national government connected with the building industry. Also a complete set of the current building regulations can be downloaded for free, as well as guidance on all the relevant legislation and government recommendations.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1503250

Energy Savings Trust

A government backed organisation that was formed after the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Its objectives are to achieve the sustainable use of enrgy in the UK and reduc e carbon emission. The website has plenty of practical advice for home owners and businesses.
0800 512012
www.est.org.uk

National House-Building Council (NHBC)

Established in the uk during the 1930's by a group of building companies, this is the world's largest warranty and insurance provider for new homes. Provider of warranties for new houses built by developers and self builders
01494 735363
www.nhbc.co.uk

The Association of Self Builders

A voluntary group of self build enthusiasts
0704 154 4126

The Community Self Build Agency

Community self build is about a group of local people in housing need, building their own homes and gaining much more besides. Some projects have already been initiated by groups of individuals. Those without building skills participate on the basis that they are prepared to make the necessary time commitment and be prepared to learn new skills.
020 7415 7092
www.communityselfbuildagency.org.uk

The Land Registry (England and Wales)

Find out who owns land and average property prices for an area.
020 7 917 8888
www.landreg.gov.uk

The Planning Portal

An organisation set up by national government to act as an internet gateway for submitting planning applications. All on line applications are made through this website, which records the submission details before forwarding them via the internet on to the relevant local authority
www.planningportal.gov.uk

The Walter Segal Trust

A pioneering organisation that specialise in helping people with relatively low budget to build their own timber frame homes.
info@segalselfbuild.co.uk
Robin at robin@segalselfbuild.co.uk
or Geoff at geoff@segalselfbuild.co.uk

Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA)

Members of this world-renowned organisation represent all aspects of the UK timber industry including producers, manufacturers, contractors, engineers and merchants.
Stocking Lane
Hughenden Valley
High Wycombe
Bucks
HP14 4ND
01494 569600
www.trada.co.uk

Wood for Good

Aims to achieve a substantial change in attitudes to wood, leading to an increase in consumption in the UK, through promoting wood's unique properties.
www.woodforgood.com
0800 279 0016