Hiring a designer: important questions to ask

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Profile pics from Dean, Elisa and Liam, architects on DfM.

Hiring a designer is an important decision since this person will have a huge impact on your home and the way you live for potentially a very a long time. A good personal connection is key! Yes, of course, compare quotes. But there is so much more to the decision than this, and it’s personal. You’ll… Read more »

Getting the most out of Design for Me

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Profile pics from Mark, Rebecca, Rachel and Lucy architects on DfM.

Design For Me is here to help you find a great designer who is the right fit for your residential project. To give you the best chance of finding them, simply ask yourself these 5 questions:   1. Have you given all the details you can? You don’t need to know exactly what you want to… Read more »

Should I be paying 5% VAT on a renovation?

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For most renovation works on houses and flats, your builder will be required to charge you at the standard rate of VAT (20%). However, there is an exception where your builder can reduce their rate to 5% VAT on a renovation. This is where the property has not been lived in for two years. This… Read more »

How much does a planning application cost?

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Profile pics from Felix, Jamie, Richard and Mark, architects on DfM.

How much does a planning application cost? A planning application costs £172 in England and £166 in Wales. This is the fee payable to your local council for processing the full householder planning application.   Do I need planning permission? You may not even need to apply for planning permission at all. You should call up… Read more »

6 signs your house needs new windows

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As part of a home extension or renovation project, it’s very common to replace or upgrade your windows. Rolling all home improvements into a single job can help reduce the overall cost and inconvenience to you and your family. If your existing windows are in a poor state of repair, replacing them with new windows… Read more »

What to Look for When Hiring an Architect

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what to look for in an architect

What to look for when hiring an architect Hiring an architect is a crucial step when embarking on a construction or renovation project. Choosing the right architect can significantly impact the success and outcome of your project. We’ve put together a list of top ten considerations when hiring an architect.   Extension pictured above is… Read more »

How to find an affordable garden designer?

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Where can I find an affordable garden designer? Are you planning a garden overhaul this year? If your budget is over £5k a garden designer is usually well worth their fee as part of your budget. In this post we’ll help you find one that matches your budget. If it’s under £5k, we wrote an article… Read more »

Sustainable renovation ideas: incorporating eco-friendly elements into your home

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Sustainable renovation ideas for your home As our collective awareness of environmental issues grows, so does the desire to make sustainable choices in all aspects of our lives. Home renovations present a significant opportunity to incorporate eco-friendly elements that not only reduce our carbon footprint but also reduce the energy costs and enhance the overall… Read more »

10 Questions to Ask an Architect in an Interview

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extension architect

Interviewing an architect is a crucial step in hiring the right professional for your home project. To ensure you find the perfect fit, it’s important to know what questions to ask an architect during the interview process. This article gives 10 of the most common questions that will help you evaluate an architect’s qualifications, experience,… Read more »