Building Ideas - With Mark Millar

Mark Millar looks into what is happening with the Future Home Standard as we kick off 2026, best approach and what impact it'll have on the construction industry this year, based on what we know about it to this point.

Mark Millar catches up with Carpenter, Andrew Walker, who joined Mark on one of the first ever episodes to talk about his barn conversion. All of these years later, Andew is finally on the finishes touches. Ben Raynor joins to talk about a new project and shares fresh news about the project he's been on the show to discuss twice in 2025. Fix Radio Presenter, Todd Glister phones in from his self build project, shares his finish date in early 2026 and talks about what he's been up to on the project recently.

Mark Millar looks into what many are saying are the biggest changes coming to the buy-to-let market for generations and also claims that it's 'all over in six months' for Landlords in the UK. Property Expert, Rick Gannon joins the show to layout some of the changes, shares his thoughts and talks about where the opportunities are in the market. Paul Shamplina, Founder of Landlord Action shares his perspective, talks about what they would propose instead of these reforms and discusses whether it really is all over in six months time.

Mark Millar talks to Planning Consultant, Simon Rix from Planix and asks for advice on how to navigate planning permission in England and improve your chances of having planning approved. Mark and Simon talk about the inherent challenges and out to work with and around them as best as you can. There's explanations on why this can be so tricky and therefore how to 'play the game' and gain the best outcome possible.

Mark Millar has a quick look into how 2025 has been and what next year might be like from a self build perspective. Mark asks QS Tim Phillips to join him and share his thoughts and also checks in with Tom McSherry from Buildstore to ask a few questions from a financing perspective.