Beginner’s guide to barn conversions An old barn can provide the perfect shell to create your ideal home. These large and often very solid structures give the opportunity to create a house with huge expanses of space and high ceilings. Most importantly, by retaining the original form, materials or structure, it adds character, charm and history to your otherwise… Read more »
Do I need a feasibility study? All projects, big or small, will go through the feasibility phase; which is basically a research phase to help decide whether a project will proceed or not. A feasibility study will usually also inform the design and construction method. The decision to proceed lies with the client of course,… Read more »
Buying a home is one of the most exciting steps you can take, but it can also feel a little intimidating. Among all the decisions you’ll make, understanding your mortgage is one of the most important. A mortgage is more than just a loan. It shapes your budget, your long-term financial plans, and even your… Read more »
Exterior window shutters can significantly impact one’s home than most people expect. They enhance curb appeal, protect your windows, and help unify your home’s architectural style. Because shutters come in many designs and materials, choosing between modern and traditional options requires some consideration. Before making any decisions, it is helpful to understand what sets modern… Read more »
Commissioning an architect to lead your home transformation is an important step toward creating exceptional living spaces tailored to your needs and aesthetic preferences. The design process opens possibilities you might never have imagined, turning constraints into opportunities and transforming bland or dysfunctional spaces into inspiring, efficient environments. Alongside creativity, architects also bring structure: clear… Read more »
Should you local hire movers or go DIY? Hiring Movers vs. DIY A three-bedroom house averages around £1700, rising to £5500 for long-distance relocations. Item count matters. Movers often prefer flat rates over hourly charges, which can get expensive. International moves may exceed £15000 when factoring distance and items. DIY moves entail heavy lifting,… Read more »
Homeowners often ask a deceptively simple question: “Will this colour make my room feel bigger or smaller?” The answer is rarely just about aesthetics. Colour profoundly influences how we perceive space, temperature, brightness and—even more importantly—how we feel in our own homes. Designers have known this for centuries, but modern neuroscience now backs it up:… Read more »
Cheryl from Milton Keynes posted her project to Design for Me looking for a garden designer to design a low maintenance garden. Situated in a new build development, this garden started out as a muddy yard following the construction of a new extension to the downstairs kitchen. After registering her project with just a few… Read more »
Shipping containers are used for, well shipping, but did you know that they could also be used as the skeleton of your next self-build or extension project? Shipping container homes are becoming the new eco-friendly alternative when it comes to building or renovating a home in the UK. Why not use one for your next extension?… Read more »
All buildings have a use class. The original Use Class Order 1987 has been recently updated in the Use Class Order 2020. List of use classes There is no official list of use classes is therefore open to interpretation of the above legislation. There are sometimes disputes (and varies between local planning authority) about which… Read more »