Do you need planning permission for solar panels?

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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 »

How Much Does a Basement Extension Cost?

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Calculating your basement extension cost in London / South East We have already written a post on extension costs in London here, but basement extensions are a very different proposition. They can be a fantastic way to gain more square feet – when space is at a premium, which is why they are so popular in the capital…. Read more »

Benefits of brick for house extensions

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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 »

How Much Does a House Extension Cost in London / South East?

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Cost of an extension London

London house extensions by Design for Me architects. Click on the images to see their profiles and shortlist them for your job.   Calculating your house extension cost in London / South East We have already written a post already on house extension costs here, but we thought it would be helpful to have a… Read more »

How much does a structural engineer cost?

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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 »

Hempcrete blocks

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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 »

The benefits of bespoke under-stairs storage

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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 »

Residential architects in Bristol and Bath

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If you’re planning a house extension, renovation or new self-build, finding the right architect can be the critical first step. We’ve compiled some of the best residential architects in Bristol and Bath to give you a starting point, and hopefully provide a little inspiration too. The Bristol and Bath area is brimming with talented architects and designers, so we… Read more »

Black steel framed doors and windows – ideas for your home extension

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Move over PVC bi-fold doors, it’s all about stylish, black steel doors and windows! The traditional variety are generally known to be thermally inefficient and expensive. However, there are many new companies on the market, whose products can be much more thermally efficient and cost effective, and we’ve listed some below to get you started. How much do steel doors and windows… Read more »

Modern kitchen designs – five of the most stylish kitchen companies (in pictures)

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Modern kitchen designs Many of our homeowners who use Design for Me are on the lookout for fabulous modern kitchen designs that are simple, stylish, good quality and reasonably priced. So, we have searched far and wide and whittled it down to our top five modern kitchen companies. You are welcome! Pluck https://www.pluck.kitchen/ (See main featured image above) Kitchens designed and… Read more »