Why do I need a flood risk assessment and what is it? If you are applying for planning permission, you may be need to provide a flood risk assessment with your application. This demonstrates the flood risk for your proposed development. When is a flood risk assessment required? A flood risk assessment is required… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Advice and tips
Should I be paying HMRC 5% VAT on renovations?
You could well only need to pay HMRC 5% VAT on renovations in certain cases, but for most renovation works on houses and flats your builder will be required to charge you the standard VAT rate (20%). However, where the property has not been lived in for two years, your builder can reduce their rate… Read more »
Garden Design Ideas on a Budget
Title image: See Sara Jane’s profile here Have some garden design ideas? When undertaking a project such as designing a new garden, you’ll want to make sure you’re spending your money in the best possible way. The principles to achieving this remain the same no matter how big or small your project… 1. MAKE A PLAN… Read more »
How to Plan a Wet Room in Your Home
A wet room bathroom is a sleek and contemporary alternative to traditional bathrooms, where the shower space is seamlessly integrated into the rest of the room, without the need for a cubicle or bath. This open-plan layout not only creates a sense of spaciousness but also makes your bathroom more accessible and easier to clean…. Read more »
Five reasons you need a structural engineer for your self build
If you’re planning a self build, you will need a structural engineer to assist you. They will be able to: Provide detailed plans and drawings for your project. Help in the creation of your schedule and the calculation of your budget. Inspect your plans to ensure structural soundness. Assist in your adherence to the building… Read more »
6 signs your house needs new windows
As part of a home extension or renovation project, it’s very common to replace or upgrade your windows. Rolling all home improvements into a single job can help reduce the overall cost and inconvenience to you and your family. If your existing windows are in a poor state of repair, replacing them with new windows… Read more »
Best Architects for Low-Cost House Design
Designing a home on a strict budget requires real creativity and expertise. The best architects for low-cost house design understand how to maximise both form and function, even with limited resources. Far from being low-quality, this type of design is often where the most intelligent and efficient solutions emerge. What Does ‘Low-Cost’ Really Mean? A… Read more »
What Is the Maximum Garden Room Size Without Planning Permission?
If you’re planning a new garden room, one of the first questions you may ask is: How big can it be without planning permission? In the UK, this depends on permitted development rules, which allow certain works to be carried out without applying for planning consent. Below, we outline the key size, height, and location… Read more »
Rammed Earth Construction in the UK: Is It Right for Your Self-Build Project?
If you’re planning a self-build project in the UK and exploring sustainable building techniques, rammed earth construction might have caught your attention. This ancient method, which dates back thousands of years, is gaining popularity among eco-conscious homebuilders thanks to its natural beauty, low environmental impact and excellent thermal performance. But is it the right choice… Read more »
Advantages of using an Approved Inspector for Building Regulations approval
For approximately the past 15 years it’s been possible to gain Building Regulations approval using an Approved Inspector and it’s become a more popular choice for good reason… Featured image above – extension by Tessa, architect in Hackney. See more and shortlist her for your project here. What is an Approved Inspector? By using… Read more »
