Innovative Construction Materials: The Foundation of Longevity

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

Rethinking Concrete’s Potential Concrete remains a cornerstone of modern construction, but advancements in its composition and application are transforming its durability. Precast concrete, for example, is gaining recognition for its superior strength, consistency, and eco-friendly benefits. Companies like JP Concrete demonstrate how tailored precast solutions address specific construction challenges, ensuring optimal performance and resilience. Other… Read more »

Finding architects near me – do I need someone local?

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

Self build design above by Caspar, architect from Southwark, London. See more and shortlist them for your home project here. Finding architects near me This week, we thought we’d share our answer to a frequently asked question here at Design for Me: ‘Should I only consider architects near me?   Whether you are planning an extension, renovation… Read more »

How to Increase Your Property’s Value: Quick Wins and Long-Term Investments

Posted by & filed under Advice and tips, Renovations.

How to Increase Your Property’s Value: Quick Wins and Long-Term Investments If you’re considering selling your home—or simply want to future-proof its value—exploring ways to boost your property’s worth is always a smart move. From small, budget-friendly updates to transformative renovations, the right improvements can make your property more attractive to buyers and even help… Read more »

A bungalow conversion in Kent

Posted by & filed under Case Study, Conversions.

A perfect match on Design for Me… for a bungalow conversion The clients, Pascal & Laura, posted their project to Design for Me, looking for a talented designer/architect for a bungalow conversion into a larger two storey family house. The work comprised a full renovation and extension to their bungalow in Sevenoaks, Kent. They registered their project with just… Read more »

7 Benefits of epoxy coated kitchen countertops

Posted by & filed under Inspiration, Interiors.

Sponsored Guest Post   Epoxy countertops are becoming the new hot trend among DIYers and professionals alike. And why not! They are cheap and durable, not to mention that they look very good. And the best part is, epoxy can be applied over a number of materials with minimal prep. Let’s know more about epoxy countertops and… Read more »

Expert tips to cut your house extension costs

Posted by & filed under Cost Planning, Extensions, Inspiration, Renovations.

Cut your extension costs – tips from the experts In another recent article, we looked at prices for real-life house extensions, provided by architects on Design for Me, and gave a cost per square metre rate as guidance for your project: Renovation and extension cost per square metre A great design professional can be worth their weight in gold; they… Read more »

Planning permission in a conservation area – a simple guide

Posted by & filed under Extensions, Legal Considerations.

Extension design above by Jamie architect from Guernsey. See more and shortlist them for your home project here.   For anyone undertaking a home building, renovation or extension project, one of the first questions to ask yourself is: am I in a conservation area? It may have significant implications for your project from a planning perspective…. Read more »

How much does a garden makeover cost?

Posted by & filed under Cost Planning, Gardens.

Does your garden need a complete overhaul before summer starts? With Spring around the corner, now is the time to start planning! But how much does a garden makeover cost?   What can you achieve for your budget? 0-2000k DIY, turf, perennials, trees & gravel?   The staple for most gardens is of course a… Read more »

Should we move or extend? (2024)

Posted by & filed under Advice and tips, Extensions.

I’ve included the year in the title of this post for a reason. Overtime, the reasons to either move or extend will depend not only on your personal requirements and finances, but also a judgement in relation to the housing market and cost of construction. Let’s explore these factors in more detail.   Extension above… Read more »