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 First… Read more »
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 »
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 »
What to look for when hiring an architect Hiring an architect is a crucial step when embarking on a construction or renovation project. Choosing the right architect can significantly impact the success and outcome of your project. We’ve put together a list of top ten considerations when hiring an architect. Extension pictured above is… Read more »
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 »
Why choose a freelance architect? Freelance architects are particularly suited for small domestic projects, for example: extensions, renovations and loft conversions; homeowner planning applications; sketch drawings for builder’s quotes. Image above by Oana, Freelance architect on Design for Me. See more of her work and shortlist her for your home project here. … Read more »
Good news – you don’t need planning permission for an extension, subject to some exceptions and rules, outlined below. Many rear extensions benefit from permitted development rights, which means that you do not need planning permission. However, you should check that your property is not exempt (see below). Extension pictured above by Oliver, architect… Read more »
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 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 »
What is the Neighbour Consultation Scheme? The Neighbour Consultation Scheme is part of the ‘Prior Approval: Larger Home Extensions’ application. It allows neighbouring properties to be informed about ‘larger’ home extensions that fall within the permitted development rules. In the event that your neighbours express concerns or objections, the local authority will assess whether the… Read more »
