Learn: Advice

Name: kenna.studio
Address: Scotland
Price range: $

Taking on a construction project is daunting, so it can help to know what to expect. To learn more about the building process, why not give yourself a head start by reading ahead? Here, we share our expertise, industry-related knowledge and updates on our current projects.

Concrete blocks stacked high on pallets waiting to be used on a building site. Trees are in the background.

The Problem With Cost Per Square Metre Rates

When planning a home, many people use square metre rates to estimate building costs, but this method can be highly misleading. We explore the risks of relying solely on this method.

Advice, Custom Build, Renovation

A builder dips his trowel into a wheelbarrow holding wet cement.

Should I Build a Home in 2025?

Considering building in 2025 but hesitant to commit? We explore the factors affecting construction costs to help you decide.

Custom Build, Advice

Exterior image of a large, grey granite home with a slate roof and double car garage, surrounded by green grass and farmer’s fields.

How to Budget For Your House Build and Spot Hidden Costs

Our guide to setting and sticking to a budget and identifying hidden expenses.

Custom Build, Advice • 10 Min Read Time

A builder stands inside a half-built house. He stretches up high to push a new window into its position. Outside, a builder supports the window.

Can I Still Open the Windows in an Airtight Passivhaus?

Confused about what airtight construction means in a Passivhaus? Discover how it ensures energy efficiency and indoor comfort without sacrificing fresh air or the option to open your windows.

Passivhaus, Advice • 5 Min Read Time

Concrete blocks stacked on top of more concrete blocks. Grass and trees in the background.

Are Passivhaus Homes More Expensive to Build?

We often get asked if building a Passivhaus costs more. Our Director, Clare Booth, gives a quick walk-through of the cost difference, plus the long-term savings and benefits Passivhaus offers.

Passivhaus, Advice • 7 Min Read Time

A black woodburning stove. Logs sit on a basket next to the stove. A chair sits next to the basket with a throw draped over it.

Why You Won’t Need a Wood Burning Stove in a Passivhaus - Even in a Power Cut

Wood burning stoves can no longer be installed in Scotland’s new build homes. So what’s the backup plan during a power cut? The solution lies in Passivhaus.

Passivhaus, Advice • 2 Min Read Time

A pallet of builder’s blocks sits on a muddy construction site. A wheelbarrow sits next to the blocks. In the foreground, a new wall is being built from concrete blocks on the foundations of a new house.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Scotland in 2024?

How much should you set aside to build a bespoke home in Scotland? Our cost guide includes real life examples, £/m² building prices and the factors affecting construction costs in 2024.

Custom Build, Advice • 7 Min Read Time

A timber frame sits on the ground at a new build construction site. Grass and daises surround the timber.

How Much Does an Extension Cost in Scotland in 2024?

How much does an extension cost? Here are up-to-date figures to guide your project, plus what you need to consider when working out your budget.

Custom Build, Advice, Renovation • 5 Min Read Time

High angle shot of a muddy building site. The foundations of a new house are in place. Concrete builder’s blocks are stacked in pallets and surround the foundations, ready to build walls. A yellow digger, barley fields and forest is in the background.

8 Ways to Find Plots for Sale in Scotland

Finding good quality, buildable land is vital for a successful self-build or custom home project. Explore all avenues with our guide to discovering building plots in Scotland.

Advice • 8 Min Read Time

Tips For a New Build Garden

Where should you start with a new build garden? TV gardener, Scott Smith and garden designer, Iona Hilleary share their ideas to transform a bare, empty plot in Scotland.

Advice • 5 Min Read Time

A construction worker lays concrete blocks in wet cement to build the finished floor height of a new build home.

What Types of Building Insurance Should Your Contractor Have?

Emma Whyatt, Director of Federation of Master Builders Insurance Services explains the types of cover your builder should have and which policies you should consider yourself.

Advice • 5 Min Read Time

Traditional granite cottage and byre connected with modern, blackened timber and glass extension with a child walking.

Cost of Renovating vs Building a New Home

Which project is the most cost effective? Which is the fastest to complete? We look at some of the key elements to help you decide whether to renovate or build from scratch.

Advice, Custom Build, Renovation • 5 Min Read Time

Two builders install a window in a half-built home.

Scotland Aiming for all New Homes to be Built to a Passivhaus Equivalent Standard in Future

Get ahead of the curve and understand what the changes mean and how you can build a future-proof, world-leading Passivhaus home.

Passivhaus, Advice • 2 Min Read Time

Inside a half-built timber frame home. Materials include Oriented Strand Board (OSB). One wall of the new house is covered in silver, windproof building paper. Timber frames are exposed. Electrical cables hang from the ceiling. Sawdust covers the concrete floor. Barley fields are in the distance.

Top 5 Benefits of a Passivhaus Home: Why You Should Build One

With energy costs soaring and Scotland's net zero target fast approaching, we all need to be using less energy. We discuss the top 5 benefits of a Passivhaus home.

Passivhaus, Advice • 5 Min Read Time

Two builders stand at the site of a new build home. They read large, white plans which are resting on a pile of concrete blocks. A yellow digger is parked in the background.

This Is Why Your Builder Needs To Know Your Budget: The Top 4 Reasons

Nothing is worse than designing your dream home and then learning it’s out of reach. We explain the top 4 reasons why your builder should understand your budget.

Custom Build, Advice • 5 Min Read Time

Concrete blocks and scaffolding boards stacked on a building site. Exposed rock is in the background.

Material Prices Are Through The Roof, So Is 2022 a Good Time to Build a House?

A shortage of construction materials saw prices hit a 40 year high in 2021. Will the trend continue in 2022? And what could it mean for your custom home project?

Custom Build, Advice • 5 Min Read Time

A master bedroom with a double bed with linen duvet. Exposed white ceiling ties. Floor to ceiling glazing shows off beautiful rural views. Balcony doors are open. Balcony has glass handrails and black timber flooring.

The Truth About Building a Home: It’s An Emotional Rollercoaster

From excitement to anxiety, we explore the emotional highs and lows of building a house and share what you can expect during the construction process.

Custom Build, Advice • 5 Min Read Time

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To view the Coldwells Build Passivhaus designs before their official launch in winter 2024, register today.

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Coldwells Build Passivhaus - 4 bed bungalow with pitched roof and black cladding on rural landscape.

Learn: Advice