Pros and cons of design and build

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Extensions designed by a design and build company (above left) and an independent architect (above right), both registered on Design for Me. Click the images to see their full profiles and shortlist them for your project.   Should I use the builder’s architect or an independent one? When looking to do an extension or home… Read more »

Finding interior designers near me – do I need someone local?

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Finding interior designers near me This week, we thought we’d share our answer to a frequently asked question here at Design for Me: ‘Should I only consider interior designers near me??’   Whether you are planning on just re-decorating one room, fitting a new kitchen or bathroom or planning a whole house re-design, finding the right designer is probably the most critical decision… Read more »

How long does it take to build an extension and should we move out?

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Aside from cost, one of the first thoughts many people have when building a home extension is about how it will disrupt their everyday lives. This is a short guide to help you answer the questions: ‘How long does it take to build an extension?’ and ‘Do you need to move out when building an extension?’   Extensions pictured below from architects on… Read more »

What’s the difference between planning permission and building regulations?

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Planning permission and building regulations

In summary, planning permission relates to the development’s impact on its surrounding environment whereas building regulations ensure that the development is structurally safe, accessible, sustainable and considers the health and safety of its occupants.   Featured image above – extension by Peter, architect in Bournemouth. See more and shortlist him for your home project here…. Read more »

How to choose an interior designer

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How to choose an interior designer This probably the most important decision you’ll need to make during the entire project. You’re about to invest a great deal in this project and so it’s important you get the very best for your budget. So how do you choose an interior designer? We’ve put together the top ten considerations… Read more »

Guide to costs and planning permission for a two storey extension

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Two storey extension above by Daniel, an architect on Design for Me. View his full profile and shortlist him for your project here   A two storey extension can be a cost effective way of gaining maximum floorspace for your property, without eating too much into your garden. It will also mean that your house… Read more »

A short guide to conversions – change of use to residential

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Finding plots in London and other major UK cities With empty plots of land being difficult and often very expensive to come by, it’s no wonder that many self-builders and renovators instead convert an existing building into their dream home, applying for a change of use to residential. This is particularly of interest in the UK’s… Read more »

Do I need planning permission for a garden room?

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Do I need planning permission for a garden room? Garden rooms or buildings do not require planning permission, if they fall within permitted development guidelines. To classify as an ‘outbuilding’ under permitted development rules, it must not contain sleeping accommodation and must be single storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5m. There are a few… Read more »

Do I need an architect for an extension?

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Above projects from architectural designers on designforme.com – click on the image to see their full profile and shortlist them for your project. Do I need an architect? If you feel your project is very simple and straightforward, and perhaps you’ve found that you don’t require planning permission, you might ask: do I need an architect… Read more »