What is ‘Right to Build’? Very simply, ‘Right to Build’ is a Government initiative (since 2016), encouraging more custom-build homes in the UK. It comes in response to the difficulty custom builders face in finding suitable land. ‘Right to Build’ gives custom builders the right to purchase a plot from a local council, who have an… Read more »
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 »
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? 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 bodies such as the ‘National Custom and Self Build Association’ (Nacsba) behind… Read more »
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 »
Controlling the climate in your home can benefit everyone, especially with the rising energy prices. Smart technology has made it easier to achieve comfort while saving money by providing various climate control options. Benefits of Climate Control One of the main benefits of climate control systems is saving energy. Depending on the model, the… Read more »
