If you’re considering making changes to your home under permitted development rights, you might be wondering whether you need an architect. The short answer is no, there is no legal requirement to hire an architect for a permitted development project. However, working with a design professional can help ensure that your project is well-planned, maximises… Read more »
A perfect match on Design for Me… Architects Simon and Jon were appointed by Alice Regester and Dominic Cook to find the best design solution for their Surrey bungalow renovation. Alice and Dominic from Esher, Surrey were in need of the right architect to help them extend and reconfigure their 3-bedroom bungalow. Back in October, they… Read more »
If you’re planning a small extension, such as a modest rear or side addition to your home, you may be wondering whether you actually need an architect. The short answer is no, there is no legal requirement to hire an architect for an extension project. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best approach. A… Read more »
Renovating your home comes with countless considerations, from the tiniest deliberations over gutter covers to serious financial decisions that are years in the making. Some types of renovation add value to your home and others primarily improve your day-to-day life. A sensible goal, especially if you intend to stay in your home for the foreseeable… Read more »
If you’re about to start making home improvements, incorporating energy saving solutions could help you save money and reduce your home’s environmental impact. Here’s a list of the top five energy-saving and home improvements tips. 1. Insulate your house Insulating your walls usually that makes the most difference in reducing energy consumption, and at… Read more »
This question can throw up confusion because there are different surveys for different purposes — and they’re often carried out by different types of surveyors. Let’s quickly clarify the survey types first, then look at typical costs. Survey vs. architectural appraisal – what’s the difference? A house survey (by a chartered surveyor) assesses condition and… Read more »
Good design choices will never completely eradicate the stress of moving, but they can make moving day much easier. The way your home is designed influences how easily things are packed up, how your belongings travel, and how quickly you can get settled into a new place. Layout The layout of a room influences… Read more »
A renovation project is a big undertaking and while it is exciting, it can have a negative impact on your outdoor spaces. Lawns can become damaged from vehicles, contractors and boxes of materials, plants can become ripped out or die from lack of sunlight, and layouts can be destroyed by new additions. But if you’re… Read more »
To help inspire, here are some kitchen design ideas from our architects and interior designers on Design for Me Tip: Click on the designer’s names to see their full Design for Me profile. If you are planning an extension, but are not sure where to start we have a good selection of articles… Read more »
Costs per square metre We asked our community of architects and design professionals for their experience of domestic projects and how they estimate new jobs. For South East England (where costs are highest), we found the following to be a very rough average. Costs can vary greatly across the country, but if you are outside the South… Read more »
