Building your own home

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Building your own home

One of the first things you’ll consider is finding a plot of land. This is a huge decision and has implications on the size, shape and style of building that would be suitable. For example, if you are planning a modern design in steel and glass, you should question how far the restrictions go in… Read more »

Seven rental home improvements you don’t need permission for

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One of the perks of purchasing a home is the opportunity to remove or change anything you don’t like about it. Renters, however, don’t have the same privileges and are usually much more restricted in what they can and can’t do. But there are a few alterations you can make, with the peace of mind… Read more »

Home extension project management – do I need a project manager?

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Project manager for a house extension

Do I need a project manager for a house extension? In the construction industry the term ‘project manager’ often gets confused. For a house extension, a ‘project manager’ role is not typical and could be superfluous to requirements if you have a good architect and a good main contractor.   Featured image above from Andreas,… Read more »

When to Choose Grey or White Wood Flooring

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white wood flooring

  There’s no doubt that grey and white wood floors are proving to be a massive hit at present. A wooden floor has become the norm – it’s beautiful, sustainable, hygienic and classic. But before grey and white wood flooring became so popular, the real flooring innovation happened below the level of colour, at the point where engineered… Read more »

Choosing Between Different Types of Stairlifts — What You Need to Know

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Finding the right stairlift can make a huge difference to everyday life, especially when stairs start to feel challenging. With more models available than ever, it helps to understand the key differences so you can choose a stairlift that suits your home, budget, and mobility needs.  The right choice should make movement easier, reduce strain,… Read more »

Enhancing home comfort: The role of flooring foundations in design

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do i need underlay

Flooring foundations are the unsung heroes of interior design, bridging the gap between structural integrity and everyday luxury. Choosing the right underlay not only elevates underfoot comfort but significantly boosts your home’s thermal efficiency and acoustic performance. When planning a renovation or a new build, the focus often lands squarely on the visible finish. You… Read more »

Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion / extension?

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You don’t need planning permission for a loft conversion or extension if the work falls within permitted development rules, and these rules apply to your property. Generally, the following types of loft conversion will not require planning permission: A basic conversion of your existing loft into a habitable room (e.g. bedroom), perhaps inserting skylights. Note… Read more »

Do I need a structural engineer or an architect?

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structural engineer or architect

If you are starting to plan your home extension or renovation project, you might be wondering if you should hire a structural engineer or an architect. For most home extensions or renovation projects, you will usually require both an architect and a structural engineer.   Featured image from Will, architect in Brighton. See his full… Read more »

5 things to know about barn conversions

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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 »

What is a feasibility study?

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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 »