How to use LED lighting efficiently in your home

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Lighting design is one of the most important aspects of your home building or renovation project, but is too often an after-thought. The advantages of LED lighting are now well known and, in fact, it may be compulsory that you choose LED to meet building code standards. But it’s not just the position of the… Read more »

Do I need planning permission for a basement extension?

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basement extension

Do I need planning permission for a basement extension? Basement extensions are one of the more ambiguous projects when it comes to planning consent and unfortunately it’s not a straight yes or no. Nationally, the planning rules around forming living accommodation in basements is ever changing and under review. Local councils will also have their… Read more »

How to find the best house extension architect in your area

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best house extension architect

Finding the best house extension architect Here at Design for Me, we are experts in matching and connecting homeowners with the best house extension architect for their particular project. We have put together our top tips for finding the perfect architect for your house extension and how to avoid common pitfalls. Extension image above from… Read more »

How to get planning permission for a new build house

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There are a number of different routes to gaining planning permission for a new build house. This article explains the different options that are available to help you decide which route is right for your particular project and circumstances. Featured image above – self-build design by Stephen, architect from Southwark. Click here to see more… Read more »

What is custom build?

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It’s common to confuse custom build and self build – many people assume the terms are interchangeable. It all boils down to how much a developer is involved. A custom build house is somewhere between a self-build house and a developer-built new build. Self-build = no developer involvement Custom build = some developer involvement Traditional… Read more »

How much does a self-build house cost?

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Self Build Architects from Design for Me. From Left to Right - Jake,Mark,Lucy,James,Liam,Felix

(Self Build Architects from Design for Me. From Left to Right – Jake, Mark, Lucy, James, Liam, Felix) Ever dreamed about having a house designed just for you? How good would it be to have control over the shape of every room, materials, fittings and fixtures! You ‘bespoke’ means ‘expensive’ but it might be more affordable than you think… especially when you consider there… Read more »

How to get planning permission for a self-build house?

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Self-build

Self-building is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Government incentives such as the Help to Build Loan have been recently introduced, to make the self-build process easier and more affordable, with an aim help to ease the affordable homes shortage in the UK.   Design above by Edward, architect from Nottingham, East Midlands. Click here… Read more »

A guide to listed building consent

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barn conversion

What is Listed Building Consent?  Listed building consent is s a form of planning regulation aimed at safeguarding structures with remarkable architectural or historical value. These protective measures complement the standard planning regulations in place. Moreover, listed building designation can trigger the need for planning permission in situations where it would not typically be mandated—such… Read more »

Prefabricated Self-Build Ideas from DfM

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Prefabricated self-builds, also known as ‘modular’ or ‘kit’ homes, have been around the UK since the 1920’s, but have only recently surged in popularity among home builders. So why the big fuss all of a sudden? Essentially, the shell, or exterior of these modular homes are constructed in a factory and then dropped onsite for… Read more »

Do garden rooms add value?

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garden office

Garden rooms can add significant value to your property. Not only will they increase the square footage to your home in a cost-effective way, they also provide the separation that homeowners now desire in a home office. They have become incredibly popular, particularly as more people now work from home. This need for an additional… Read more »