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 »
When it comes to selecting the right bathroom vanity unit, you have a lot to consider. This includes choosing between wall-hung and freestanding vanity units, determining their size, style, colour, etc. One aspect that is often overlooked is the finish of the bathroom furniture. You may not even realise how significantly it can impact the… Read more »
Hiring an architect is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make during your project. A skilled architect can help you achieve the best design, manage your budget, navigate legal requirements, and help ensure a smooth construction process that’s completed on time and within budget. Design for Me is an excellent starting point for finding… Read more »
In June 2022, new changes to the building regulations came into effect. For all new homes, the main changes involve finding more carbon-efficient ways to heat our homes, improving their thermal efficiency, reducing overheating, and preparing to accommodate electric vehicle charging. There also some changes that will affect extension and renovation projects too (see below)…. Read more »
Preparing for your first meeting with an architect can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, especially if you’ve never worked with one before. However, with some preparation, you can make the most out of the meeting and ensure that you get the best results possible. In this article, we will discuss some tips on how… Read more »
What is the Help to Build loan? The Help to Build loan will help people with small deposits (from just 5%) access the finance they need to build their own home. This equity loan scheme is provided by the government to top up a standard self-build mortgage. Following MP Richard Bacon’s review of the sector,… Read more »
It’s a well known fact, although often overlooked, that lawns are hard work. If you want a low-maintenance garden that looks great all year round, a huge expanse of lawn is simply not the best option. Lots of people opt for lawn as the obvious choice – it’s relatively cheap to install and it’s soft enough… Read more »
This week, Hugh, one of the architects on Design for Me, has offered up some top tips on finding building plots for a self-build house in London. However, much of the advice extends to other areas in the UK too. Hugh, London based architect on Design for Me Self-build plots are notoriously difficult to find in… Read more »
Two storey extension above by Martin, architect on Design for Me. View his full profile and shortlist him for your project here Do I need planning permission for a two storey extension? Two storey extensions do not require planning permission, if they fall within permitted development guidelines described below. How big can I build… Read more »
Since 2014 barn conversions have benefitted from permitted development rights, meaning a full planning application is not required. For many, this has made barn conversions an attractive alternative to a new build. The main advantage here is speed and simplicity of gaining permission. There are other reasons that you might decide to opt for barn… Read more »
