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 »
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 »
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? You are in the right place! We have rounded up some of the best kitchen designs from the architects and designers on Design for Me. Click on the images below to see… Read more »
Skylights – inspiration from Design for Me’s architects and designers Skylights are often a key ingredient to a well designed, light and stylish extension. Not only can they bring in swathes of natural light, they can provide an opportunity for an interesting architectural gesture. Click on the images below to see their full profiles and… Read more »
Folding doors, bifold doors, sliding doors, concertina doors… what’s the difference? Folding doors, bifold doors, concertina doors, patio doors… there seem to be so many names for these glazed doors that open out to your garden but essentially they mean the same thing! Fully glazed doors have become incredibly popular and are a bit of… Read more »
Q: Do you need planning permission for a side return extension? Very possibly not! This is such a common project in UK towns and cities, for good reason. Many Victorian terraces have this strip of garden space that is so often dark and under-used. Claiming this space back internally can transform a kitchen or living space, without… Read more »
Why do I need a flood risk assessment and what is it? If you are applying for planning permission, you may be need to provide a flood risk assessment with your application. This demonstrates the flood risk for your proposed development. When is a flood risk assessment required? A flood risk assessment is required… Read more »
To design the best house extension layout, it should not be seen as a stand-alone project. To make the most of this extra space, you and your architect should consider the best layout for the entire house. But don’t worry – this doesn’t mean you will need to rethink the entire existing layout! Working within… Read more »
Can you pay to extend planning permission? You used to be able to pay to extend planning permission, but this has not been the case for many years now. Your two options now are to either: Submit a new application Make sure all the planning conditions are discharged and commence development* before the permission expires…. Read more »
