Useful websites if you are retrofitting, renovating or self building your home

Starting point   This is the website for the National Self-Build and Renovation Centre. It is a one-stop shop with information on everything needed to self-build and renovate. You can visit the centre, book seminars and get expert advice.   http://www.buildstore.co.uk/mykindofhome    The Centre for Alternative Technology has a wealth of information on self-build, energy efficient, renewable energy and low impact living.   http://www.cat.org.uk   A network of professional passionate about sustainable development in the property and construction industries.   http://www.spongenet.org   They lead the field in delivering energy efficiency to domestic and commercial sectors. A great source of information on the grants available.   http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk   Two useful and fascination magazines and the Ecologist and Sustain   http://www.theecologist.org, http://www.sustainmagazine.com.   A great detailed overview of energy efficiency in new and existing housing stock   http://www.lowenergyhouse.com
Self-Build   An excellent website with a host of articles on self build, advice on all aspects of building your dream house and an easy site to use.   http://www.aselfbuild.co.uk/    A magazine and website full of information and articles and you can get expert advice.   http://www.self-build.co.uk   A good resource for finding plots in your area.   http://www.buildstore.co.uk/findingland/ A good place to start your hunt for an eco-literate architect is in your local area who might even not mind getting his or her shoes dirty is the Association of Environmental Conscious Building   http://www.aecb.net   Davinci Houses   http://www.jwresidential.com/wordpress/     Scandinavian Passive Houses   http://www.slcd.ci.uk	Retrofit and Renovation   The best there is   http://www.existinghomesalliance.org   Traditional building materials, fixtures and fittings   http://www.oldhousestore.co.uk     Ecofriendly building material and advice on eco building.    http://www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk   For a wide range of products with over 20 years of experience   http://www.greenshop.co.uk    To find a source of buildings materials and save them from the rubbish heap   http://www.salvomie.co.uk   TO find a reclamation yard try   http://www.salvo.co.uk   http://www.ace-reclamation.co.uk   http://www.jatreclamation.co.uk
Painting and decorating   For a designer who specialises in the eco friendly area go to:   http://www.bida.org   http://www.interiordesignservicesltd.co.uk   Lots of good things   http://www.nigelsecostore.com   Organic eco paints   http://www.ecopaints.co.uk   http://www.earthbornpaints.co.uk	Insulation   National Insulation association   http://www.nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk   Cavity wall insulation   http://www.ciga.co.uk   The Insulation Render and Cladding Association Limited   http://www.inca-ltd.org.uk   For floor and loft insulation and draft proofing try your local DIY store.