How to find the best house extension architect in your area

Posted by & filed under Advice and tips, Extensions, Q&A, Using Design for Me, Your Designer.

Finding the best house extension architect Here at Design for Me, we are experts in matching and connecting homeowners with the best house extension architect for their particular project. We have put together our top tips for finding the perfect architect for your house extension and how to avoid common pitfalls. Extension image above from… Read more »

How to get planning permission for a new build house

Posted by & filed under planning applications, Self-Build.

There are a number of different routes to gaining planning permission for a new build house. This article explains the different options that are available to help you decide which route is right for your particular project and circumstances. Featured image above – self-build design by Stephen, architect from Southwark. Click here to see more… Read more »

What is custom build?

Posted by & filed under Advice and tips, Self-Build.

It’s common to confuse custom build and self build – many people assume the terms are interchangeable. It all boils down to how much a developer is involved. A custom build house is somewhere between a self-build house and a developer-built new build. Self-build = no developer involvement Custom build = some developer involvement Traditional… Read more »

How much does a self-build house cost?

Posted by & filed under Advice and tips, Cost Planning, Self-Build.

(Self Build Architects from Design for Me. From Left to Right – Jake, Mark, Lucy, James, Liam, Felix) Ever dreamed about having a house designed just for you? How good would it be to have control over the shape of every room, materials, fittings and fixtures! You ‘bespoke’ means ‘expensive’ but it might be more affordable than you think… especially when you consider there… Read more »

How to get planning permission for a self-build house?

Posted by & filed under Advice and tips, Extensions, planning applications, Self-Build.

Self-building is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Government incentives such as the Help to Build Loan have been recently introduced, to make the self-build process easier and more affordable, with an aim help to ease the affordable homes shortage in the UK.   Design above by Edward, architect from Nottingham, East Midlands. Click here… Read more »

Black steel framed doors and windows – ideas for your home extension

Posted by & filed under Design for Me Loves..., Extensions, Inspiration.

Move over PVC bi-fold doors, it’s all about stylish, black steel framed doors and windows! The traditional variety are generally known to be thermally inefficient and expensive. However, there are many new companies on the market, whose products can be much more thermally efficient and cost effective, and we’ve listed some below to get you started. How much do steel doors and… Read more »

Architect AND interior designer – do I need both?

Posted by & filed under Cost Planning, Designers, Interiors, Renovations.

This is a source of confusion for many clients. Generally speaking, an architect will design the external shell of the building (walls, roof, windows, etc) and an interior designer would design and specify the interior decoration, furniture and fittings. The work that sits in between – space planning of rooms, finishes and fixtures – could… Read more »

Getting Your Home Ready for Autumn

Posted by & filed under Inspiration, Interiors.

As the summer starts to fade, it’s time to savour the sound of leaves crunching under your feet, pull on your comfiest jumper and settle down with a pumpkin spice coffee. The autumn aesthetic is one of cosiness and relaxation, and you’ll want to bring it to the fore as much as possible in your… Read more »

Hallway design ideas and inspiration

Posted by & filed under Inspiration, Interiors.

Title image – design by Peter, architect from Islington, London. Click here to see more and shortlist them for your home project.   Hallway design ideas – from Design for Me’s architects and designers Here are some of the best hallway designs from our architects and designers on Design for Me. Click on the images… Read more »

How Much Does a House Extension Cost?

Posted by & filed under Cost Planning, Extensions.

“How much does a house extension cost?” is one of the most common questions we get asked, so we’ve decided to dedicate an entire post to it! While it’s not an easy question to answer because it depends on several factors, you’re probably looking for a rough figure or general guideline to get started. So,… Read more »