Rural retreats and barn conversion ideas Every day, here at Design for Me, we match up people planning barn conversion projects with the best residential architects from all over the UK. We thought it was about time we showcased some of the amazing projects from architects on Design for Me to give you some inspiration… Read more »
Open stairways to living areas – fire safety (Part B) considerations If you want your ground floor to be totally open plan, there are key consideration in terms of Building Regulations are the associated fire safety issues. Part B of the Approved Documents gives guidance on how to meet the Building Regulations in England and… Read more »
Can I add two storeys to a house without planning permission? Thanks to a planning amendment in 2020, it is now possible to extend upwards, even adding a double storey extension to your home, using the prior approval route. However, this permitted development right is not applicable to all properties. Design above by Simon,… Read more »
Home renovation and extension architects in Brighton and Sussex 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 Brighton and the rest of Sussex to give you a starting point, and hopefully provide a little inspiration too…. Read more »
Architects’ fees calculator As a basic rule of thumb for private residential projects, a residential architect typically charges between 10-12% of the construction cost for full architectural services. Use our architect cost calculator below to estimate how much your architect may cost. We have also developed an extension cost calculator, which you can use here…. Read more »
What is a side return extension? Side return extensions are most common in Victorian terrace houses where the original building leaves a strip of land on the side of the house making an L shaped garden. If you have lived in a house like this you are aware of how useless this dark, dingy passageway is…. Read more »
Aside from cost, one of the first thoughts many people have when building a home extension is about how it will disrupt their everyday lives. This is a short guide to help you answer the questions: ‘How long does it take to build an extension?’ and ‘Do you need to move out when building an extension?’ Extensions pictured below from architects on… Read more »
We surveyed our community of architects from all over the UK to help answer this question – how much does a new kitchen cost? Architect designed kitchen pictured above by Victoria, architect in East London. See her full profile and shortlist her practice for your home project here. ‘For a ‘typical’ 10m2 extension, how… Read more »
Best sofa bed reviews The sofa bed is one of the most difficult furniture purchases of get right. We have all slept on lumpy, creaky, uncomfortable ones. The ones where you and your partner roll into the middle and you have to try and roll back up the hill without causing serious squeekage! I’m currently… Read more »
Work from Design for Me architects: (click to view their full profiles) Matt, Corin, Robert, Tom, Rashid, Giles Is it worthwhile extending your home right now? Planning rules have been relaxed In recent years the government have relaxed planning rules in regards to extensions. The changes have given homeowners more flexibility to improve and increase the… Read more »
