One of the perks of purchasing a home is the opportunity to remove or change anything you don’t like about it. Renters, however, don’t have the same privileges and are usually much more restricted in what they can and can’t do. But there are a few alterations you can make, with the peace of mind… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Project Types
Home extension project management – do I need a project manager?
Do I need a project manager for a house extension? In the construction industry the term ‘project manager’ often gets confused. For a house extension, a ‘project manager’ role is not typical and could be superfluous to requirements if you have a good architect and a good main contractor. Featured image above from Andreas,… Read more »
A perfect match … for an Arts and Crafts meets North African living room
Anna (the client) posted her project to Design for Me looking for a talented interior architect to renovate her living room and hallway. After registering her project with just a few key details, we matched her with the best candidates and she received interest from a number of interior designers. Anna’s brief Living… Read more »
When to Choose Grey or White Wood Flooring
There’s no doubt that grey and white wood floors are proving to be a massive hit at present. A wooden floor has become the norm – it’s beautiful, sustainable, hygienic and classic. But before grey and white wood flooring became so popular, the real flooring innovation happened below the level of colour, at the point where engineered… Read more »
New planning policy for brownfield sites
What is the new planning policy for brownfield sites? An amendment to the Town and Country planning act (General Permitted Development) in 2020 has allowed development of new build houses to benefit from fast-track planning on small brownfield sites. The official published guidance states that the following criteria should apply: ‘Owners of vacant and redundant… Read more »
What’s the difference between outline planning and permission in principle?
It’s a common assumption that terms are interchangeable, particularly in relation to new build housing. This is a simple guide to explain the difference between outline planning and permission in principle in basic terms, and which route might be the most suitable for your project. In short, they are essentially very similar. However, permission in… Read more »
Interior design ideas for small flats
Interior design ideas for small flats Before you start searching for an interior designer near you, I’d recommend first collecting some ideas and looks that you like. Not only will this guide you in your search to find the best interior designer for your style, it will also be hugely beneficial in the design process,… Read more »
How to make a small garden look bigger
This is a simple starter guide to garden design where space is limited. We asked some of the garden designers on Design for Me for their top tips on how to make a small garden look bigger. 1. Avoid large expanses of grass, paving or decking It may seem counter-intuitive but large lawns will… Read more »
Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion / extension?
You don’t need planning permission for a loft conversion or extension if the work falls within permitted development rules, and these rules apply to your property. Generally, the following types of loft conversion will not require planning permission: A basic conversion of your existing loft into a habitable room (e.g. bedroom), perhaps inserting skylights. Note… Read more »
Do I need a structural engineer or an architect?
If you are starting to plan your home extension or renovation project, you might be wondering if you should hire a structural engineer or an architect. For most home extensions or renovation projects, you will usually require both an architect and a structural engineer. Featured image from Will, architect in Brighton. See his full… Read more »
