Fire safety and hygiene are two issues no kitchen can ignore. Whether you’re managing a small cafe or a large commercial kitchen, protecting both people and property is always at the heart of operations. Fire-rated hygienic cladding gives you a practical way to improve hygiene while reducing the risk of fire spreading. Keep reading to… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Advice and tips
Do garden rooms add value?
Garden rooms can add significant value to your property. Not only will they increase the square footage to your home in a cost-effective way, they also provide the separation that homeowners now desire in a home office. They have become incredibly popular, particularly as more people now work from home. This need for an additional… Read more »
Cheapest Way to Extend Your Home | Loft vs Extension vs Garage Conversion
Adding more living space is one of the best ways to improve both your quality of life and the value of your home. But what is the cheapest way to do it: loft conversion, extension, or garage conversion? The answer depends on your property, your needs, and how you plan the project. At the heart… Read more »
What Happens If I Build Without Planning Permission?
Short answer: you may be asked to change or remove the work, face planning enforcement, and hit problems selling or remortgaging. In some cases (notably listed buildings) it can even be a criminal offence. The earlier you take expert advice, the better your outcome. This article provides general guidance, not legal advice. Policies and interpretations… Read more »
Advantages of a Timber Frame Self-Build
You have finally found the perfect plot to build on, have set a proper budget for your project, and are now ready to select a building material. Believe it or not, many UK homeowners in your shoes are turning away from brick and steel in favour of a different material…timber! That’s right, there has been… Read more »
Acoustic panels: Transforming spaces with style and sound control
Modern interior design is no longer just about aesthetics. Today, the focus extends beyond visual appeal to incorporate comfort, functionality, and well-being. One element that is quietly revolutionising both public and private spaces is the strategic use of acoustic panels. While their primary function is to manage sound, these panels are also making statements as… Read more »
How Do I Avoid Planning Permission Refusal? 7 Common Mistakes
Planning permission can feel opaque: evolving policies, strict validation rules, and lots of moving parts (heritage, neighbours, trees, flood risk…). However, most refusals and long delays are avoidable. If you tackle these common pitfalls early, you’ll save weeks and give your design the best chance of first-time approval. • Most householder applications aim to be… Read more »
Eco-design principles for your self-build
Title image from Edward, architect from Tooting Bec, London. See his full profile and shortlist him for your project here. Why Sustainable Design? Planning your dream eco-home? We’ve put together a brief summary of the main eco-design principles to follow when designing your new home. Most of us would agree that it is important… Read more »
Do I Need Building Regulations Approval for My Renovation Project? | Homeowner Guide UK
Short answer – If you are wondering “Do I need building regulations approval for my renovation?” the answer is: probably yes, unless the work is purely cosmetic. Painting/ decorating will not usually need approval. Once your project affects structure, fire safety, drainage, electrics, or energy performance, building regulations apply. Approval protects your safety and your… Read more »
Do interior designers buy furniture?
Interior designers will have different ways of working when it comes to purchasing furniture for your project. For some it will be part of their business model to buy furniture on your behalf, while others will offer a ‘design only’ service. Others will be flexible, based on the size of your project, budget, and your… Read more »
