What is the Help to Build loan? The Help to Build loan will help people with small deposits (from just 5%) access the finance they need to build their own home. This equity loan scheme is provided by the government to top up a standard self-build mortgage. Following MP Richard Bacon’s review of the sector,… Read more »
It’s a well known fact, although often overlooked, that lawns are hard work. If you want a low-maintenance garden that looks great all year round, a huge expanse of lawn is simply not the best option. Lots of people opt for lawn as the obvious choice – it’s relatively cheap to install and it’s soft enough… Read more »
This week, Hugh, one of the architects on Design for Me, has offered up some top tips on finding building plots for a self-build house in London. However, much of the advice extends to other areas in the UK too. Hugh, London based architect on Design for Me Self-build plots are notoriously difficult to find in… Read more »
Two storey extension above by Martin, architect on Design for Me. View his full profile and shortlist him for your project here Do I need planning permission for a two storey extension? Two storey extensions do not require planning permission, if they fall within permitted development guidelines described below. How big can I build… Read more »
Since 2014 barn conversions have benefitted from permitted development rights, meaning a full planning application is not required. For many, this has made barn conversions an attractive alternative to a new build. The main advantage here is speed and simplicity of gaining permission. There are other reasons that you might decide to opt for barn… Read more »
Enhancing your home’s value doesn’t need to mean major renovations or substantial investments. In fact, it can actually be easy to spend too much on a renovation project and never make that money back. However, often it’s the small, strategic improvements that can significantly elevate your property’s worth and represent the best investment over large… Read more »
For residential projects like extensions, renovations and new builds, architects are usually hired after a client: has a rough idea of the brief, even if it’s still vague, e.g. ‘We’d like a larger open-plan kitchen’ or ‘We need an extra bedroom’ has set an outline budget and knows how it will be financed is in ownership of the property/land.* *Can… Read more »
There are no universal space standards for homes in the UK nor are there universal minimum room sizes. Instead, there are regulations that exist for different circumstances and project types. In any home building or renovation project, the two main statutory obligations you will need to fulfil are planning permission and building regulations approval (building… Read more »
Sponsored post If you want to redecorate this year and make your home more inspiring – more you – here are some simple tips to help. 1. Add an entertainment wall Entertainment walls are a popular feature of many living rooms and are a fierce competitor of the classic feature fireplace as the key… Read more »
Can I build a home extension without permission? The short answer is no; at the very minimum, you will need to get building control approval so you can’t build your extension entirely without permission. However, it could be very straightforward to obtain and does not need to delay you getting started (see below). The other… Read more »
