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. 

Lord Marvin Rees joins Mark Millar to talk about the vision for Bristol as a major European city and some of the major ongoing developments like Brabazon and the YTL Arena.

Mark Millar talks to Marcus Beck about the sustainability pledge that he’s taken with his wife, Abigail, to live green in Wales under the unique One Planet Development policy.

Mark Millar is joined by Interior Designer - Charlotte Dawson. Charlotte is ready to save your renovation job and help you avoid disaster, Charlotte talks about the biggest mistakes to avoid, How to manage and plan a timeline and also the importance of having a second opinion on renovation projects.

Passivhaus Architect, GIl Shalom joins Mark Millar at the Fix Radio studios to have a longer conversation and get into more depth with regards to the Passivhaus standard and building method. Gil talks about retrofitting and renovating to reach Passivhaus certification, compared to building groun up. Gil talks about materials, the role heat pumps and EPC ratings play, the history of Passivhaus and goals for the future with regards to new build.

Mark Millar looks into some of the ongoing and planned developments in Bristol and the surrounding areas. Mark talks to Jason Collard from Hive about their sustainable focus and approach and then chats with Seb Loyn & John Thompson from YTL Group about the ongoing creation of Brabazon, a new town that promises an exciting future for the city and it's residents.