Interior designers in Bristol and Bath

Posted by & filed under Extensions, Inspiration, Local, Using Design for Me, Your Designer.

If you’re planning a home renovation or refurbishment, finding the right interior designer can be the critical first step. We’ve compiled some of the best interior designers in Bristol and Bath to give you a starting point, and hopefully provide a little inspiration too. The Bristol and Bath area is brimming with talented interior designers,… Read more »

Timber cladding – ideas and inspiration

Posted by & filed under Extensions, Inspiration.

Timber cladding – from Design for Me’s architects and designers Timber cladding is an increasingly popular choice in the UK for both new builds and extension projects. In particular black timber cladding or charred timber cladding can make for a striking, modern aesthetic – like the one pictured above by Jan, architect in South London… Read more »

Do I need planning permission for a garden room?

Posted by & filed under Advice and tips, Extensions, Legal Considerations.

Do I need planning permission for a garden room? Garden rooms or buildings do not require planning permission, if they fall within permitted development guidelines. To classify as an ‘outbuilding’ under permitted development rules, it must not contain sleeping accommodation and must be single storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5m. There are a few… Read more »

How much does artificial grass cost?

Posted by & filed under Cost Planning, DfM, Gardens, Reviews.

Image above from Easigrass Think artificial grass and you might immediately think of greengrocer shelves or 1970s football pitches, but the technology to make it look and feel real has come on leaps and bounds in the past few years. Wanting to spend time enjoying their gardens rather than tending to them, more and more… Read more »

Building regs considerations – can I make my entire ground floor open plan?

Posted by & filed under Advice and tips, Legal Considerations, Renovations, Your Designer.

Open stairways to living areas – fire safety (Part B) considerations If you want your ground floor to be totally open plan, there are key consideration in terms of Building Regulations are the associated fire safety issues. Part B of the Approved Documents gives guidance on how to meet the Building Regulations in England and… Read more »

How much does a new bathroom cost?

Posted by & filed under Cost Planning.

As a general starting point a basic bathroom renovation cost upwards of £5,000+VAT. This is a starting cost for modest re-decoration, finishes and sanitary ware, and retaining the existing plumbing and electrics. There are are a few considerations outlined below that will increase this cost, such as the condition of the existing bathroom, whether you… Read more »

Extending upwards – new permitted development rules for two storey extensions

Posted by & filed under Advice and tips, Extensions, Legal Considerations.

Can I add two storeys to a house without planning permission? Thanks to a planning amendment in 2020, it is now possible to extend upwards, even adding a double storey extension to your home, using the prior approval route. However, this permitted development right is not applicable to all properties.   Design above by Simon,… Read more »

Residential architects in Brighton and Sussex

Posted by & filed under Extensions, Inspiration, Local, Using Design for Me, Your Designer.

Home renovation and extension architects in Brighton and Sussex If you’re planning a house extension, renovation or new self-build, finding the right architect can be the critical first step. We’ve compiled some of the best residential architects in Brighton and the rest of Sussex to give you a starting point, and hopefully provide a little inspiration too…. Read more »

Architect cost calculator

Posted by & filed under Advice and tips, Cost Planning, Renovations, Your Designer.

Architects’ fees calculator As a basic rule of thumb for private residential projects, a residential architect typically charges between 10-12% of the construction cost for full architectural services. Use our architect cost calculator below to estimate how much your architect may cost. We have also developed an extension cost calculator, which you can use here…. Read more »