Building a house on Green Belt land It is theoretically possible to build a house on Green Belt land, but it’s not easy nor can it be guaranteed. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is the underlying planning policy for the development of land in the UK. However, the local planning office will also have their… Read more »
Loft conversion pictured above by Stephen, interior designer from Hackney, London. Click here see more and shortlist him for your home project. Loft conversions add valuable living space to a home – whether you need an extra bedroom, creative space or home office. Loft conversions can also add 20% onto the value of a… Read more »
What is ‘Right to Build’? Very simply, ‘Right to Build’ is a Government initiative (since 2016), encouraging more custom-build homes in the UK. It comes in response to the difficulty custom builders face in finding suitable land. ‘Right to Build’ gives custom builders the right to purchase a plot from a local council, who have an… Read more »
I’ve recently finished furnishing a house on a strict budget. Having spent an inordinate amount of time finding the best scani-inspired bedframes, I thought I’d share my favourites with you. I settled on the Spindle bed by Dunelm and I’m very happy with it. Dunelm currently have a fantastic range of fantastically good value,… Read more »
A simple self build cost calculator to help you estimate your self build cost. These figures have been updated in 2022 following recent price increases in construction costs, according to a survey of architects and designers on Design for Me. Image above by Sam, architectural designer on Design for Me. See their full profile… Read more »
Good news, it is possible to convert an office to residential use without needing planning permission. However, there are important exceptions where permitted development rights may not apply in your area or to your property. Image above by James, architectural designer from Islington South and Finsbury. Click here to see more and shortlist… Read more »
What is insulating concrete formwork (ICF)? Insulating concrete formwork consists of hollow polystyrene panels or blocks that fit into each other (like LEGO). Concrete is then poured into them to create a solid structure. The polystyrene elements form the shape of the walls, as well as providing insulation. Insulating concrete formwork on Grand Designs… Read more »
Chimney breast removal At the heart of every Victorian home, the fireplace possessed great significance to a family both practically and socially. However most modern homeowners have a different view of the fireplace and the chimney breast that houses them. Chimney breasts are now often seen as being a little ‘in the way’, using up valuable floor space. Central heating systems and advances in insulation technology have also made the chimney somewhat… Read more »
How much do Interior Designers charge? If you’ve already researched interior designer’s fees online, you may have discovered how difficult it is to find industry standards or rules of thumb; a good general estimate is difficult to find… The cost of your interior designer will depend on several things, such as their experience and expertise, but also the… Read more »
Section 106 agreements, the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and the new Infrastructure Levy are all similar in that they impose additional conditions on the developer, linked to planning permission. The new ‘Infrastructure Levy’, which was announced in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill (May 2022), is intended to broadly replace both Section 106 agreements and the… Read more »