What is insulating concrete formwork (ICF)? Insulating concrete formwork consists of hollow polystyrene panels or blocks that fit into each other (like LEGO). Concrete is then poured into them to create a solid structure. The polystyrene elements form the shape of the walls, as well as providing insulation. Insulating concrete formwork on Grand Designs… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Advice and tips
Small garden ideas from the experts
small garden ideas and tips from the experts We asked some of the best garden designers on Design for Me for their expert advice on designing a small garden. Juliet – Garden designer in Stroud, South-West (click on her name to view her full profile and shortlist her for your garden design project) If you have a small garden, lucky… Read more »
How much do Interior Designers charge?
How much do Interior Designers charge? If you’ve already researched interior designer’s fees online, you may have discovered how difficult it is to find industry standards or rules of thumb; a good general estimate is difficult to find… The cost of your interior designer will depend on several things, such as their experience and expertise, but also the… Read more »
Building control regulations for an extension
Do you need building control approval for an extension? If you’re planning to extend your home, you will need to comply with the building regulations. This is a legal requirement and, without formal approval and control, your local council could force you open up or re-build sometimes significant aspects of the project. It could even… Read more »
What is the new Infrastructure Levy? How is it different from Section 106 or the CIL?
Section 106 agreements, the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and the new Infrastructure Levy are all similar in that they impose additional conditions on the developer, linked to planning permission. The new ‘Infrastructure Levy’, which was announced in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill (May 2022), is intended to broadly replace both Section 106 agreements and the… Read more »
Do you need planning permission for a holiday let?
Do I need planning permission for a holiday let (change of use from a house to a holiday let)? In short, there is no definitive answer here and it depends on local planning regulations. Planning permission is required for a ‘material’ change of use, i.e if you are going from one use class to another…. Read more »
Hiring a designer: important questions to ask
Hiring a designer is an important decision since this person will have a huge impact on your home and the way you live for potentially a very a long time. A good personal connection is key! Yes, of course, compare quotes. But there is so much more to the decision than this, and it’s personal. You’ll… Read more »
Getting the most out of Design for Me
Design For Me is here to help you find a great designer who is the right fit for your residential project. To give you the best chance of finding them, simply ask yourself these 5 questions: 1. Have you given all the details you can? You don’t need to know exactly what you want to… Read more »
Cheapest Way to Build a House UK
What’s the cheapest way to build a house in the UK? More and more people in the UK are considering building their own home, particularly as getting onto the housing ladder is becoming increasingly less affordable. There are new government initiatives to encourage self-building in an effort to help solve the nation’s housing crisis with… Read more »
How to get new residential projects on DfM
How to create a winning profile for new residential projects… 1. Be relevant for this market Design for Me is all about one-off private residential projects. It provides an opportunity to market directly for this part of your business. Although it may be tempting to showcase your large scale, non-residential work, this may ultimately be off-putting… Read more »
