Featured image by Oliver, architect on Design for Me. See his profile here to shortlist him for your project. If you’re looking for an architect’s services for an extension, home building or renovation project you have definitely come to the right website. As a residential architect myself, I created Design for Me to help… Read more »
Does my architect need to have insurance? Even for a small house extension or renovation, it’s hugely important that your architect (or other architectural designer) holds professional indemnity insurance. If anything goes wrong with your project as a result of their advice or work, it will be much more straightforward to claim back any financial… Read more »
Best sofa bed reviews 2020 Urgh I HATE sofa beds! They’re ugly, squeaky, lumpy, the mattress is too thin, you end up wedged in the middle with your bed fellow. Then to top it all, you go and lose your glasses down the side. Not only are they uncomfortable to sleep on, they’re uncomfortable as a sofa… Read more »
If you live in a period property it’s likely that you will have a number of fireplaces around your home. With modern heating, it’s unlikely that you’d want to bring them all back to life, but it can be a fantastic focal point in a living area and provides some extra cosiness on a cold… Read more »
Should you hire a project manager for a self build or home renovation project? The question should really be, ‘what does a project manager do, and do I need one?’. In the building industry the term ‘project manager’ often gets muddled. When a building professional refers to a ‘project manager’ their meaning could fall broadly… Read more »
You’ve put thought into making it an enjoyable space for you and your guests, but have you considered incorporating technology to take it to the next level? There are many technological innovations you can integrate into your garden to increase its appeal and tranquility in the 21st century. Consider these unique gadgets to enhance your… Read more »
In most circumstances you will not need planning permission for a loft conversion, as the development will be covered by GPDO (permitted development). However, you should also check if your permitted development rights are restricted or have been removed (see below)* Roof extension pictured above by Ben+Eoin, architect from Southwark, London. Click here to… Read more »
GPDO stands for General Permitted Development Order. Permitted development gives permission to undertake certain alterations, extensions or additions to your home without requiring Planning Permission. Design above by Will, architect from Brighton and Hove, South East. Click here to see more and shortlist them for your home project. When permitted development doesn’t apply There… Read more »
What’s the difference between modular, prefab and kit homes? If you are a novice self-builder, It’s easy to become overwhelmed with all of the industry jargon out there. ‘prefab homes’, ‘modular homes’, ‘kit houses’, ‘manufactured homes’ (etc…) are sometimes used interchangeably. However, there are subtle but important differences, and it will be critical to understand them in order… Read more »
Beginner’s guide to barn conversions An old barn can provide the perfect shell to create your ideal home. These large and often very solid structures give the opportunity to create a house with huge expanses of space and high ceilings. Most importantly, by retaining the original form, materials or structure, it adds character, charm and history to your otherwise… Read more »
