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 »
Posts Categorized: Advice and tips
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 »
Building regs considerations – can I make my entire ground floor open plan?
Open stairways to living areas – fire safety (Part B) considerations 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 and… 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 »
Architect cost calculator
Architects’ fees calculator As a basic rule of thumb for private residential projects, a residential architect typically charges between 10-12% of the construction cost for full architectural services. Use our architect cost calculator below to estimate how much your architect may cost. We have also developed an extension cost calculator, which you can use here…. Read more »
How long does it take to build an extension and should we move out?
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 »
How much do roof conversions cost?
Image above: View Profile of Giles, architect of dormer loft conversions above We frequently get asked for cost guidance by homeowners on Design for Me. We would always encourage you to discuss designs and budgets with your architect or designer and then get quotes from builders, but we know that a rough starting point… Read more »
Do I need an architect for an extension?
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 »
Do I need a contract with my builder for a home extension or renovation project?
For home building and renovation projects it’s always worthwhile taking the time to find a great builder. There are a few effective websites to find local tradesmen like “My Builder” and “Rated People” to get you some quotations, but there are a few pointers to consider before shaking hands with anyone to undertake your home extension or renovation project…. Read more »
