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 »
Sustainable renovation ideas for your home As our collective awareness of environmental issues grows, so does the desire to make sustainable choices in all aspects of our lives. Home renovations present a significant opportunity to incorporate eco-friendly elements that not only reduce our carbon footprint but also reduce the energy costs and enhance the overall… Read more »
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 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 »
A Party Wall surveyor typically costs around £1,000 +VAT for a simple extension project. On some projects, two or even three surveyors are needed – particularly on more complex home projects such as basement extensions. In this case, the costs could be up to £6,000. Extension above by Bianca, architect in London. See more of… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
