Architects fees for a ‘design and build’ project You can expect an architect’s fees to be less on a ‘design and build’ project than a traditionally procured project. The Fees Bureau (2022) found that average architects’ fees for a design and build private house project, varied between 5.8% – 10.1% depending on the construction… Read more »
Posts By: Design for Me
Prefab homes, modular homes, kit houses… what’s the difference?
What’s the difference between modular, prefab and kit homes? If you are a novice self-builder, It’s easy to become overwhelmed with all of the industry jargon out there. ‘prefab homes’, ‘modular homes’, ‘kit houses’, ‘manufactured homes’ (etc…) are sometimes used interchangeably. However, there are subtle but important differences, and it will be critical to understand them in order… Read more »
How to Make the Most of Your Garage
Many of us have garages attached to our homes, but often we neglect them, treating them as unimportant utility spaces where un-wanted items pile up over time. Considering the premium value of space in our homes, it’s worth exploring the potential of renovating our garages to serve a practical purpose. Here are some ideas on… Read more »
Six essential bedroom design tips
Your bedroom is a space where you should relax and unwind or get much-needed sleep. If you want to be more rested and enjoy spending time in your bedroom, you might use these design tips to make it the oasis you need. With some planning and a little free time, it’s easy to make your… Read more »
Energy Grants UK
The government has invested £12 billion with the aim of making our homes warmer and cheaper to heat. Funding is not given directly, but through installers, local authorities, energy companies and other bodies. You may have heard of the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, where payments are made for seven years and are based… Read more »
A short guide to conversions – change of use to residential
Finding plots in London and other major UK cities With empty plots of land being difficult and often very expensive to come by, it’s no wonder that many self-builders and renovators instead convert an existing building into their dream home, applying for a change of use to residential. This is particularly of interest in the UK’s… Read more »
How much contingency should I budget for an extension?
After calculating how much your house extension will cost, it is essential to allow for an appropriate amount of contingency. Contingency budgeting enables you to prepare for unforeseen circumstances and unexpected costs that may arise during the extension project. In this article, we will explore the factors to consider when determining how much contingency to… Read more »
Interior designers in Bristol and Bath
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 »
Residential architects in Birmingham and West Midlands
Home renovation and extension architects in Birmingham and West Midlands 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 Birmingham and the West Midlands to give you a starting point, and hopefully provide a little inspiration too. The West… Read more »
Timber cladding – ideas and 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 »
