Discovering damp in your survey report can feel like a major problem, especially if you’re buying your dream home. Before you panic or pull out, take a breath and dig a little deeper. The key question is: what does “damp” mean in this context, and what should you do next? Alongside your survey, an impartial,… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Advice and tips
Do I Need an Architect if the Survey Mentions Subsidence?
You’ve had your home survey done… and the word subsidence jumps off the page. Now what? If you’re considering buying a property or planning renovations to your current home, spotting potential subsidence in the survey can feel like a big red flag. Before you panic, it’s important to understand what it actually means, and who… Read more »
10 Questions to Ask an Architect in an Interview
Interviewing an architect is a crucial step in hiring the right professional for your home project. To ensure you find the perfect fit, it’s important to know what questions to ask an architect during the interview process. This article gives 10 of the most common questions that will help you evaluate an architect’s qualifications, experience,… Read more »
Prefab homes, modular homes, kit houses… what’s the difference?
What’s the difference between modular, prefab and kit homes? If you are a novice self-builder, It’s easy to become overwhelmed with all of the industry jargon out there. ‘prefab homes’, ‘modular homes’, ‘kit houses’, ‘manufactured homes’ (etc…) are sometimes used interchangeably. However, there are subtle but important differences, and it will be critical to understand them in order… Read more »
How to Make the Most of Your Garage
Many of us have garages attached to our homes, but often we neglect them, treating them as unimportant utility spaces where un-wanted items pile up over time. Considering the premium value of space in our homes, it’s worth exploring the potential of renovating our garages to serve a practical purpose. Here are some ideas on… Read more »
A short guide to conversions – change of use to residential
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?
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 »
Open plan kitchen fire regulations uk – can I make my entire ground floor open plan?
A simple guide to open plan kitchen fire regulations in the uk. If you want your ground floor to be totally open plan, there are key consideration in terms of Building Regulations are the associated fire safety issues. Part B of the Approved Documents gives guidance on how to meet the Building Regulations in England… Read more »
Modern Italian Furniture: Timeless Elegance Meets Contemporary Design
Modern Italian furniture is synonymous with sophistication, innovation, and timeless style. Known for its seamless blend of sleek lines, premium materials, and artistic craftsmanship, Italian furniture effortlessly bridges contemporary aesthetics with classic design elements. Whether you’re furnishing a penthouse or a compact urban apartment, these pieces bring a perfect balance of functionality and style to… Read more »
Extending upwards – new permitted development rules for two storey extensions
Can I add two storeys to a house without planning permission? Thanks to a planning amendment in 2020, it is now possible to extend upwards, even adding a double storey extension to your home, using the prior approval route. However, this permitted development right is not applicable to all properties. Design above by Simon,… Read more »
