WHO YOU NEED

Plumber Responsible for installing the plumbing system, including pipes, fixtures, and appliances.

Joiner No matter what style of construction you opt for, there will be some element of woodwork and that’s where a good joiner will be vital, overseeing everything from a timber frame to a safe staircase.

TRY… The Shropshire Joinery Company

This expert organisation is passionate about what they do and it shows in everything they work on. Company boss Dale trained in boat-building before transferring his skills across, and the team come into their own when working on a bespoke design for an individual looking for something a bit different. Whether your project needs individually designed gates, doors, windows or staircases, Shropshire Joinery Company can create what you need, using the best quality materials. They also take on repair and restoration work, be it a worn sash window or oak timbers in listed buildings. www.joineryshropshire.com

Architect Responsible for designing the building and ensuring that it complies with building codes and regulations. They can also help you with obtaining planning permission and permits.

Structural engineer Works closely with the architect to ensure that the building’s structure is sound and stable.

Timber framing company Starting a self-build with a timber frame is a popular choice. It can be constructed on or off site, is formed from a sustainable material and is often fast to erect.

TRY… Lowfield Timber Frames

Lowfield has over 20 years’ experience supplying engineered timber products and has earned a reputation for service, quality and all-round excellence. The company supplies a wide range of customers from selfbuilders and local small builders to regional and national developers. Everything they do is bespoke, taking your architect’s design and turning it into reality. Based at Marton, near Welshpool and with over 120 staff, Lowfield is a strong competitor in the industry. www.lowfieldtimberframes.co.uk

Groundworkers This team do exactly what it sounds like – they get the ground ready for construction, whether that involves digging foundations, levelling an uneven plot or dealing with surface water.

TRY… Coley’s Groundworks

This local groundworks, construction and agricultural contracting business started with just one small digger. It now employs several staff and owns a large fleet of vehicles and a wide range of plant and equipment. Coley’s carry out all types of groundworks – construction, tree shearing, steel building and agricultural contracting – and offer all the self-builder could need to get their site ready for building, including site clearance, ground-source heating, cabling, drainage, ditching and driveways.

www.coleysgroundworks.com

Electrician: The electrician will be responsible for wiring the building, installing electrical outlets and ensuring the system is safe.

HVAC contractor: The HVAC contractor will install the heating, ventilation and air conditioning –basically maintaining the right temperature for your home.

Green energy supplier Can provide you with renewable solutions for your home such as solar panels, geothermal systems or wind turbines.

TRY… Princes LHS

Ellesmere-based Princes LHS was established in 2006, starting out as an electrical contractor before diversifying into renewable energy systems in 2011. The team continues to provide unrivalled service to Shropshire and surrounding counties, including all types of plumbing, heating, electrical and renewable solutions for both domestic and commercial premises. Director Matt Smith is a time-served engineer, able to advise customers alongside the team of field-based engineers. Princes LHS has Gas Safe and OFTEC approval for plumbing and heating and NICEIC approval for electrical contracting. All engineers are also MCS accredited for renewable technologies, including solar PV, solar thermal and airsource heat pumps. The company is professionally audited and adheres to strict guidelines in every aspect, giving customers real peace of mind and a high-quality service.

www.princeslhs.ltd

Door and window supplier Choosing the right style of opening is crucial to ensure an energy-efficient, eco-friendly build – or just to add the wow factor you might be looking for.

TRY… Shropshire Door Canopies

A finishing touch to your self-build project may be a stunning porch or canopy from Shropshire Door Canopies. The family business was founded in 2010 by Dan Pritchard, who followed his father into the trade. Based at The Old Estate Yard, Ellesmere, the business has become a byword for quality. Their range of beautiful porches and canopies are all handmade and come in a variety of prices to suit every budget. Bespoke requirements can also be undertaken.

Sustainability is taken very seriously and all timber comes from FSC and PEFC certified suppliers. The team has its own tree-planting programme and has planted almost two acres with 1,500 indigenous hardwood trees.

www.shropshiredoorcanopies.co.uk

Hafren Furnishers

Successfully trading for 58 years, Hafren Furnishers is Wales’ largest furniture store and one of the leading independent retailers in the industry. Located in Llanidloes, off the A470 in Powys, it is proud to operate as a family business. Recent expansion led to the opening of a modern ‘concept furniture’ store in Aberystwyth – open seven days a week. Brands such as Stressless, Parker Knoll, Duresta, G Plan, Hypnos, Tempur, Sealy and Ercol feature in both showrooms.

A free delivery service across England and Wales remains an important part of the customer experience. Their philosophy is simple – to display the widest choice of quality contemporary and traditional furniture brands at the most competitive prices, with personalised service at the heart of the business.

Both stores are open Bank Holiday Mondays throughout May from 10am-5pm, with promotions running across many leading brands. www.hafrenfurnishers.co.uk

Vintage Home Styles Emporium

Bringing together vintage and interiors lovers and experts from across the area, the Vintage Home Styles Emporium in Corwen offers a treat for the keen homeware hunter. It is owned and run by Carole Derbyshire-Styles and offers a wealth of antique and vintage furniture and homeware.

After a period of closure due to the pandemic, Carole has moved into larger premises