In most cases, solar panels on residential property do not require planning permission as they are classed as permitted development. However, you should check that your property/area benefits from these permitted development rights (more on that below). Solar panels – what can you do under permitted development? Solar equipment is covered under Class A… Read more »
It’s well known that brick is a commonly used building material for house extensions; it’s cost effective and resilient but with some thoughtful design, it can also look beautiful. Michele Pecoraro, from P+P Architects, uses brick extensively in residential work. His studio has used brick not only for its inherent practical credentials but also as an attractive, exterior… Read more »
We surveyed our community of architects from all over the UK on project costs for a ‘typical’ 10m² kitchen. We also asked for the expected costs of other consultants who may be involved, including a structural engineer. The responses we collected from architects all over the UK found that the expected cost of a structural… Read more »
We surveyed our community of architects from all over the UK to answer this question: ‘How much does an architect cost for an extension?’ Obviously the answer needs some contextualisation and so we based it on one of the most common projects on Design for Me – a kitchen extension. The responses we collected… Read more »
What is Hempcrete? Like its eponym – concrete – hempcrete is a mixture of materials that harden to become a construction material. It’s made of hemp hurd (also called shives) and lime. Its primary purpose in construction is as thermal insulation. It can be used in the entire building envelope – walls, floors and roof. As hempcrete doesn’t have inherent… Read more »
Have you ever taken a long hard look at the space beneath your stairs and wondered if you could actually do anything with it? If you’re looking for an innovative storage solution to maximise the amount of available space in your home, bespoke under-stairs storage solution could be just the ticket. Custom-built storage options can… Read more »
Choosing the Right House Extension: Exploring Your Options With numerous options available, each offering its own advantages and considerations, it’s crucial to explore and understand the different types of house extensions before making a choice. Whether you’re looking to expand your kitchen, add extra bedrooms, or create spacious open-plan living areas, this article aims to… Read more »
Should you move or extend your home? In this current economic climate, many people are facing challenges such as high living costs, borrowing costs, construction costs, and an uncertain housing market. As a result, the decision of whether to move or extend one’s current home is far from easy. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer… Read more »
How much does a residential architect cost? As a basic rule of thumb for private residential projects, a residential architect typically charges between 10-15% of the construction cost for full architectural services. This can be reduced to 3.5% – 5.25% if you use your architect for the initial design stage only*. *You may opt… Read more »
Extension above by Prue, architectural designer from Barnet, London. See more and shortlist them for your home project here. Should you go small? Finding a design professional for your project, particularly if you’ve never embarked on a building project before, can be overwhelming. For private home projects such as extensions, renovations and self-builds, small architecture… Read more »
