What is the average and minimum ceiling height in a house?

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What’s the minimum ceiling height allowed? Funnily enough, this is one of the most common questions I’m asked as a residential architect. But for good reason: it’s so important to look at the most obvious constraints of a renovation project first. It will shape the brief, how much you are willing to spend on the… Read more »

Garden designers near me

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Finding the best garden designers near me We’ve rounded up some of the best garden designers all over the UK to help with your landscaping project – scroll down for your local area. No matter how big or small your project, a garden designer can find the best solution to suit your requirements and budget…. Read more »

How to Achieve a Contemporary Style Home

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What does ‘contemporary style’ mean in home design? Contemporary style in interior design refers to a modern, up-to-date aesthetic that reflects the current design trends and tastes. It typically features clean lines, neutral color palettes, and a focus on simplicity and functionality. Contemporary interiors may incorporate a range of materials, such as metal, glass, and… Read more »

Finding architects near me – do I need someone local?

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Self build design above by Caspar, architect from Southwark, London. See more and shortlist them for your home project here. Finding architects near me This week, we thought we’d share our answer to a frequently asked question here at Design for Me: ‘Should I only consider architects near me?   Whether you are planning an extension, renovation… Read more »

Should we move or extend? (2023)

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I’ve included the year in the title of this post for a reason. Overtime, the reasons to either move or extend will depend not only on your personal requirements and finances, but also a judgement in relation to the housing market and cost of construction. Let’s explore these factors in more detail.   Extension above… Read more »

Exploring Bathroom Vanity Unit Finishes: Gloss, Satin, Matte, and More

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When it comes to selecting the right bathroom vanity unit, you have a lot to consider. This includes choosing between wall-hung and freestanding vanity units, determining their size, style, colour, etc. One aspect that is often overlooked is the finish of the bathroom furniture. You may not even realise how significantly it can impact the… Read more »

The top mistakes homeowners make when hiring an architect and how to avoid them

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Extension

Hiring an architect is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make during your project. A skilled architect can help you achieve the best design, manage your budget, navigate legal requirements, and help ensure a smooth construction process that’s completed on time and within budget. Design for Me is an excellent starting point for finding… Read more »

What are the new building regulations for homes?

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Extension sliding doors

In June 2022, new changes to the building regulations came into effect. For all new homes, the main changes involve finding more carbon-efficient ways to heat our homes, improving their thermal efficiency, reducing overheating, and preparing to accommodate electric vehicle charging. There also some changes that will affect extension and renovation projects too (see below)…. Read more »

How to prepare for your first meeting with an architect

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House extension

Preparing for your first meeting with an architect can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, especially if you’ve never worked with one before. However, with some preparation, you can make the most out of the meeting and ensure that you get the best results possible. In this article, we will discuss some tips on how… Read more »

Help to Build Loan – A Simple Guide

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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 »