While most homeowners allow for obvious expenses like contractor fees and materials, there are many hidden costs in home renovations that are easy to overlook. These unexpected renovation costs can add thousands to your budget if you are not prepared. Below, we cover the most common areas homeowners forget to budget for. Image above… Read more »
Renovating your home is exciting, but costs can escalate quickly. If you’re working with a limited budget, you might be wondering: can I really afford to hire an architect? The truth is, using an architect (or architectural designer) can actually help you save money by avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring a high quality of design… Read more »
Except with the landlord’s permission, tenants may not make significant changes to the property or install new main fixtures. The lease terms and the landlord’s written consent are required for any modifications in a rental property. You can approach the landlord about upgrades if you have a good relationship with them. Since most property owners… Read more »
For anyone starting a new extension or building project, researching what others have done in your local area is an excellent place to start. Image above from Ahmed, architect from Hackney, London. Click here to see more and shortlist them for your home project. Finding a neighbour’s planning application It’s likely that other properties… Read more »
If you own a Grade II listed home you are probably aware that renovating, altering or extending your home will involve more red tape than usual. Not only this, you will be more restricted in what you can do. The privilege of owning listed property comes with a responsibility to protect its special qualities. However,… Read more »
Renovation is both exciting and challenging. This home improvement process involves a lot of moving parts. There are many logistics to consider if you want to keep everything under control. Whether you’re converting a part of your home or doing a major overhaul, part of the logistics is knowing where you’ll keep all your furniture… Read more »
So you have finally settled on that perfect plot of land and have started brainstorming a vision for your ideal self-build. Wait a minute! Although the temptation to do as much on your own as possible is admirable, we have often found that it is risky business that can be devastating in the long run. Instead,… Read more »
For domestic building projects it’s always worthwhile using a design professional. They can help you find the best solution for your brief; they will advise you on where to spend your budget and where to save; they’ll guide you through the maze of planning, building regs, freeholder consent and party wall issues; they can even help you appoint… Read more »
Loft conversion pictured above by Stephen, interior designer from Hackney, London. Click here see more and shortlist him for your home project. Loft conversions add valuable living space to a home – whether you need an extra bedroom, creative space or home office. Loft conversions can also add 20% onto the value of a… Read more »
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 »
