Loft conversion plans – where to start?

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Extension design above by Eddy, architect from Westminster, London. See more and shortlist them for your home project here. Our complete guide for your loft conversion plans A loft conversion is one of the most cost-effective and convenient ways to increase space in your home. One of the major advantage is that the work can… Read more »

Steps to building a house

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What are the steps to building a house? Many self-builders we have spoken to ask the same question – where do I start? The stages outlined below are there as a guide as the ‘typical’ route. Once you have a good design and management team behind you, they may advise that an alternative path could… Read more »

How long does it take to build a house?

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how long does it take to build a house

Image above from by Alex, architectural designer from Manchester, North West. See more and Shortlist them for your home project here.   The next question people ask after, ‘How much does it cost?‘ is usually ‘How long does it take to build a house?’ With both questions, the answer is highly subjective. BUT if you are at the start… Read more »

Do you need planning permission for a fence or wall?

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how high can a fence be

Planning permission for a fence or wall You do not need planning permission to erect a new one or alter, maintain, improve or take down an existing fence, wall or gate. However, the following conditions must be adhered to: There must not be any listed buildings on the site. There must not be any listed buildings on… Read more »

How much do architects charge? [2023]

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Profile pics from Pereen, Tom and Liam, architects on DfM.

How much do architects charge? Architect’s fees for a home project vary depending on the type and scale of the job. There are no official standards or guidelines for architect’s fees, so it’s between the client and the architect to negotiate the fee, often dependant on the following: The extent of the architect’s services (see ‘splitting… Read more »

How to Implement the Use of Wood in Your Home Design 

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How to Implement the Use of Wood in Your Home Design  Thinking about incorporating the use of wood into your home design? When done correctly, wood can create a beautiful and natural design element in the home that can elevate the entire property. However, it is not the easiest material to incorporate and can look… Read more »

What Happens If You Put Your AC Filter In Wrong?

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AC Filter

Air filters are an essential component of the HVAC system because they keep the air free of contaminants. Whether you use a standard or custom AC filter, it needs to be fitted properly to be effective. Here’s what to expect if you put your AC filter in wrong.   Decrease In Indoor Air Quality Air… Read more »

How to build a house in your garden – a concise guide

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Can you build a house in your garden? If you have a large garden (or driveway in fact) that’s accessible directly from the road, it can provide a fantastic development opportunity to build a house on your land. The advantages of this approach to a self-building are potentially huge: It could significantly increase the total value of… Read more »

Planning for a mansard roof extension

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Extension design above by Amos, architect from Islington, London. See more and shortlist them for your home project here. You may be considering applying for planning for a mansard roof extension if your existing loft space is not high enough or the wrong shape for a straight conversion or dormer extension. What is a mansard roof… Read more »