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 »
Basement extension ideas – from Design for Me’s architects and designers Where space comes at a high price – which is certainly the case in many parts of London – a basement extension can be a brilliant way to add habitable living space, and can dramatically increase the value of a property. Alternatively digging down,… Read more »
Home renovation interior designers in Birmingham and West Midlands If you’re renovating, re-decorating or re-furbishing, finding the right interior designer can be the critical first step. We’ve compiled some of the best interior designers in Birmingham and the West Midlands to give you a starting point, and hopefully provide a little inspiration too. The West Midlands… Read more »
Bi-fold door ideas – from Design for Me’s architects and designers Here are some of the best bi-fold door designs from the architects and designers on Design for Me. Click on the images below to see their full profiles and see if they’re interested in working on your next home project by posting your home… Read more »
Rising construction costs in the UK are now common knowledge. In the last two years, material shortages and supply chain issues due to the pandemic caused sharp rises in material costs. While this problem has subsided, other factors such as inflation, Brexit and the war in Ukraine have pushed prices up even further. Not only… Read more »
Do you need building control approval for an extension? If you’re planning to extend your home, you will need to comply with the building regulations. This is a legal requirement and, without formal approval and control, your local council could force you open up or re-build sometimes significant aspects of the project. It could even… Read more »
Section 106 agreements, the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and the new Infrastructure Levy are all similar in that they impose additional conditions on the developer, linked to planning permission. The new ‘Infrastructure Levy’, which was announced in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill (May 2022), is intended to broadly replace both Section 106 agreements and the… Read more »
Kitchen design ideas from Design for Me’s architects and designers Looking for some kitchen design ideas for your home renovation or extension project? Whether you opt for high end kitchen manufacturers and designers or a low cost (but chic!) option, you are in the right place. We have rounded up some of the best kitchen… Read more »
Loft conversions are a brilliant way to add more living space without extending your home. But because lofts sit right under the roof, they can sometimes feel dark and enclosed. The secret to transforming them into beautiful, welcoming rooms? Clever glazing. From skylights, glass balustrades and Juliet balconies, here is how to design a light-filled… Read more »
New for 2025: Based on survey data from over 100 practising residential architects across the UK, this guide provides clear, current cost benchmarks for hiring an architect and budgeting for home extension. What You’ll Learn Typical construction cost benchmarks for home extensions How much architects charge Typical consultant and engineer fees to factor in… Read more »
