All Advice Articles

Explained: building regulations and staircases

You might look at stairs and not think much of them, but this home essential comes with a lot of rules and regulations - namely, [building regulati...

What's the deal with building regulations and outbuildings?

It’s unlikely that in day to day conversation you’ll hear the phrase ‘building regulations’ or ‘outbuildings’ come up, not unless you hang around w...

What are building regulations and do you need them?

You’ve got your plans approved, so what happens next? More paperwork - hurray! However much you may want to zoom past the ‘boring bits’, and get s...

How building regulations affect removing your chimney

If your living room is feeling cramped, or you just want to free up some space in your bedroom, removing a chimney might be the right move for you....

What are the rules around building regulations and electrical work?

When you hear building regulations, you might suspect that such a thing couldn’t possibly apply to either your professional rewiring or DIY job. Su...

What is a party wall agreement?

If you’re looking to build and share a wall with your neighbour, this shared boundary is known as the party wall. In order for your project to go a...

Five ways to get the most out of a home show

Home and Interior Design shows are fantastic events for anyone looking into home improvement. However, if you’ve never been to one before, they can...

Best ways to add value to a maisonette

Improving the home is no longer limited to those wanting to climb their way up the property ladder. These days it’s the norm to add value not just ...

Splitting your house into two maisonettes

There are numerous reasons to consider splitting up your home. It could be you’re looking to downsize after the kids have moved out. Or that you’re...

What's the difference between freehold and leasehold?

## Freehold As freeholder of a property, you own it outright and that includes the land it’s built on. Generally speaking, most houses are freehol...

Frequently asked questions: building and party walls

Party walls can be tricky things, tricky in the sense that they’re either a breeze for the homeowner, or a legal nightmare. If you’re worried your ...

What exactly is a maisonette?

Sure, everyone’s heard of a flat, but what about its lesser known cousin, the maisonette? Well, as the linguists among us could probably guess, a m...

How VR can help bring your project to life

Did you know that VR (Virtual Reality) has been around since the 1960s? Back in the day, it consisted of a giant machine called The Sensorama, whic...

Five home improvements you can do in a month

If you’re a busy person who has unexpectedly found themselves with a quiet month on their hands, you might be considering taking on a little home p...

Choosing the right kitchen worktop

There’s nothing more thrilling than walking into a beautiful new kitchen, so it’s no surprise that this is one of the most popular house extensions...

Home improvement ideas that add value to your home

With the prices of UK homes ever increasing, it’s never been more important to get in on the action. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best ways...

The best modern conservatory trends

Conservatories have long been a part of British homes. Thanks to their ability to be crafted mainly off-site, they’re a cost effective way for many...

Infographic: 5 Ways To Let Light In

Don't let your home get left in the dark. Our experts have put together these tricks and tips for letting more light into your rooms. Whether you'r...

Five bedroom features that'll transform your space

No other room better embodies the word ‘haven’ quite like the bedroom. From cosy Sunday mornings spent with tea in hand, to those lazy afternoons w...

Designing the ultimate personal haven for Mother's Day

Here are Resi, we’re always challenging ourselves to look at things differently. So on Mother’s Day we asked ourselves: what could architects do to...

Bedroom extension ideas: the balcony edition

If you’re looking to transform your bedroom, a balcony can work wonders. Not only do they add more space to your room, those large glazed doors bri...

Rear Extension Ideas

Forget planning permission, forget building regulations, forget paperwork… for now, let’s have some fun and get stuck into brainstorming what your ...

Best home improvement projects for your bedroom

If you’ve found yourself with some time on your hands and a little cash tucked away, why not tackle a couple home improvement projects? Not only ar...

The best bathroom trends for 2018

No matter your style or preference, we’re absolutely sure there’s a design trend out there that will WOW you. Kitting out your bathroom can be one ...

Kitchen renovation ideas

If you’re looking for kitchen renovation ideas, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve created plans for hundreds of [kitchens](https://resi.co.uk/...

The best bathroom features to lure in future buyers

So you’re looking to do up your bathroom, or maybe you’re adding in a new one, question is: what’s going to land you the most added value? After al...

Top 5 interior design trends for 2018

*No one knows interior design like [MyBespokeRoom.com](https://www.mybespokeroom.com/), so we asked them to tell us what trends homeowners can expe...

UK Policy: statement on potential digital tax

*After being quoted in The Times on potentially taxing tech giants, such as Google and Facebook, Resi CEO Alex Depledge shares this statement:* Qu...

How to avoid cowboy builders and construction disaster

The UK has long been plagued by cowboy builders, why? Because anyone who wants to be a builder, can be. No qualifications. No licensing. If you cal...

5 common construction contract mistakes

It’s not something most homeowners think about when they decide on [an extension](https://resi.co.uk/advice/cost-and-planning/how-much-does-it-cost...

Could you project manage your own home

## What do Project Managers do? A project manager is there to organise the creation of your build, making sure your project is completed on time, ...

What is tendering? Everything you need to know.

Putting your project out for tender is when a homeowner looks to secure the services of a contractor. It’s an important part of any project, wheth...

What types of construction drawings do I need for my building project?

Whether you’re planning a house extension, loft conversion or new build, you always need to begin with a set of architectural floor plans. A good...

What types of floor plans should I commission?

If you’re thinking about extending or converting your home, the best place to start is with a set of floor plans. In fact, you can’t build without ...

Case study: Alex's side return

As with hassle.com, Resi began in response to a real world frustration. In 2016, I embarked on a 2.5m x 9m side extension on my maisonette in Sou...

Case study: Nick's rear extension

When Nick bought his home, he bought it knowing it would turn into a big project. Dilapidated and cramped, it was a building that was in some serio...

Case study: A modern ground floor kitchen extension for a growing family

Resi was recently approached to design a ground floor wraparound extension for a detached home in Dartford. Lee wanted to maximise the value of his...

Should I get bi-fold doors?

Bi-fold doors are a popular choice, both for patio or garden access, or to separate a living room or kitchen from a conservatory. Wherever you pu...

Conservatory vs. Orangery

## What came first, the Conservatory or the Orangery? Because the chicken and the egg are so 2017. Officially, the orangery came first, originati...

How much does a bathroom add to the value of a house?

__Typically, bathrooms have the potential to add between 4-5% onto your home’s value.__ But this can go up or down, depending on how you execute yo...

What’s the difference between a first and second fix?

If you’re planning any kind of house extension or loft conversion, you’ve probably heard someone using the terms "first fix" and "second fix", but ...

What's the best order to build? Top down or ground up?

## Question: We’ve recently purchased a semi-detached terrace house. We know that we’d like to add both a loft conversion and a ground floor exten...

What are the rules on house extensions?

We won’t lie to you, there are quite a few rules when it comes to building an extension. But this doesn’t have to put you off. Like any game, onc...

Do conservatories add value to your house?

The conservatory - it’s a British classic. Despite being a rain drenched, cloudy isle, our eternal optimism for sunshine has made conservatories on...

Start to finish: the timeline for your extension

Full disclosure: there’s no guaranteed timeline for any build project. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was? Building an extension involves a lot of ...

Five more questions to ask your architect

Not too long ago, we shared with you the [top five questions you should be asking your architect](https://resi.co.uk/advice/home-extensions/ask-you...

5 questions to ask your architect

If you’re thinking of converting or extending your home, you’ll need to start by getting some plans drawn up. From submitting your planning applica...

How much does a side return extension cost?

A side return extension is a great way to increase the size of your kitchen without losing garden space. If you live in London you can expect to pa...

A guide to wraparound extensions

When it comes to extending the rear of your property, you have two classic options: rear and side. But what if you could combine the two? This is...

10 things you need to know before extending your home

Not to put you off, but taking on a big home project - such as an extension, or conversion - is… well, big. Next to buying your home, it’s going to...

How to build an energy efficient extension

Once the domain of hippies, and guys named Dreadlock Dan, becoming energy efficient is now mainstream - especially for homeowners. Not only does it...

7 tips to keep house extension costs down

There are only two tips that will always save you money during a building project: don’t cut corners and pay attention. The fact is: there’s no tr...

How to get freeholder consent for an extension

If you own the freehold of your building, you have the right to carry out any building work that you like on your property (as long as it adheres t...

Can I add an extension to a listed building?

Living in a listed building is a great privilege, but it can be limiting if you decide you’d like to add more space through a house extension or lo...

Is a local architect always best?

Five years ago, if you were looking for an architect, you had two options: local or fancy. You could take your home project to an architect in your...

Using an architect to sell your house

As anyone who’s sold can testify, finding a buyer for your home can be an anxious time. No more so than when your home feels like it’s just languis...

Where are all the residential architects?

Every architect wants to build a skyscraper. They’re towering, iconic and - if designed badly - can destroy a car (remember this...?). In fact, ov...

Who are Resi?

We’re the UK's first online architectural service. From extensions to refurbishments, we’re making it easy to remodel your home. ## High quality, ...

How well do you understand architectural jargon?

Here at [Resi](https://resi.co.uk/) our mission is to provide you with no-nonsense design and planning advice. Think of us as your personal guide t...

Do loft conversions add value to your house?

You're ready to make the commitment into expanding your home, and have a lot of space to play with, but which project is right for your home? Like ...

Five ways to reduce costs when converting your loft

We know that going through a home improvement project can be a financially strenuous time for most, so we’ve compiled a little list of ways to put ...

Five loft conversion ideas for your home

A loft conversion is the perfect way to add space and value to your home, without going down the route of a traditional extension. What’s more, wit...

Is my house suitable for a loft conversion?

Converting your loft is the less traditional, but ever popular way, of adding space and value to your home, working from the top down. This loft ...

How to do a loft conversion

A [loft conversion](https://resi.co.uk/case_studies/inchmery_road) is a great way to add space and value to your home. Whether you’re angling for a...

A guide to insulating your loft

It’s easy to forget about your loft, especially if it’s inaccessible or only used as a place to shove the Christmas decorations. However, with ener...

Types of loft conversions

There are four main types of [loft conversion](https://resi.co.uk/case_studies/inchmery_road) found in UK homes. A loft conversion can be used as a...

How much does it cost to convert a loft?

Loft conversions are a great way to add space and value to your home, but at what cost? This price will depend on the structure of your roof, the a...

How much does it cost to build a rear extension?

We know that building an extension can seem daunting at first, not knowing where to start or who to talk to. But once you get the costings of your ...

How much does an orangery cost to build?

Orangeries are having a bit of a moment, after living in the shadows of conservatories for so long. Once built in the 17th and 18th century to hous...

Why are some architects cheaper than others?

Whether you’re extending, converting, or renovating your home, [an architect is one of the best assets you can have](https://resi.co.uk/advice/cost...

How much does it cost to move house?

Moving house can be expensive. The average house price in the UK is just over £300,000 (rising to £1 million in London), so expect to pay around £2...

Everything you need to know about your local authority

When it comes to extending, you’ve probably run your project past everyone you can think of. Your partner, your parents, your kids, friends, co-wor...

How much does it cost to build a house?

If you’ve got the patience, the dedication, and the resources, you might be the kind of person who takes on the challenges of a self-build project....

How much do architects charge?

Second to actually buying your home, an extension will be one of the biggest financial investments you under take. But don’t let that put you off! ...

How much does a garage conversion cost?

__A typical garage conversion can cost anywhere between £5,000 and £7,000 without fittings - around £1,000 to £1,250 per square metre.__ Compare t...

What percentage of construction cost do architects charge?

Clients could expect to pay architects around 7-10% of the construction cost from their project. Architects' fees can be calculated in three ways:...

How much does it cost to build an annex?

If you’ve decided that erecting an annex is the right option for your home, make sure you’ve got your budget nailed down before you do so. It’s alw...

How much does a kitchen extension cost?

Often referred to as the heart of the home, it’s no wonder [kitchen extensions](https://resi.co.uk/advice/design-and-inspiration/kitchen-renovatio...

Five benefits of using an architect

You’re looking at expanding or converting your home, and you find yourself thinking: do I even need an architect? Afterall, aren’t they just for fa...

Can my architect help me if my planning permission is refused?

While having your planning application refused may feel like the end of the world at the time, hang tight! It’s not the end of your home improvemen...

Do I need an architect?

Whether you need an architect or not will depend on the home project you’re taking on - though you might be surprised how useful they can be, even ...

How to choose internal flooring for your extension

Internal flooring might feel like a finishing touch for your house extension or loft conversion, but it’s worth starting to think about it early in...

The pros and cons of hardwood floors

If you’re thinking of installing hardwood floors in your new conversion or extension, there are a few elements you need to consider. Hardwood floor...

How to pick the right materials for your conservatory

So you’re [considering a conservatory](https://resi.co.uk/advice/home-extensions/do-conservatories-add-value-to-your-house), but which one is going...

Do you know the cost of glazing?

Put simply, double glazing involves two panes of glass separated by a vacuum or inert gas (What’s that, you ask? Check our handy glossary for compl...

A guide to structural glass and your extension

You might have spotted structural glass on either Grand Designs or in the pages of architectural magazines. It’s a popular material for making stun...

How to choose your bi-fold doors

If you’ve decided that bi-fold doors are for you, you need to first make sure you’re choosing the right ones. Ensure that your investment will not ...

Laminate or real wood flooring? Which is best for your house

When it comes floors, fall into two categories. Those who adore carpets, and those who can’t imagine life[ without a hardwood floor](https://resi.c...

Oak framed vs brick extension - which is best?

When it comes to building your home, making sure it stands up is a big priority. But what frame you buy is a question very much in the air. Do you...

How to build an annex without planning permission

Very few people get excited about planning, and if you did most of your friends would become very concerned. But [here at Resi](https://resi.co.uk)...

How long do you have to implement planning permission

Generally speaking, most planning permission __runs out after three years.__ Meaning, if you haven’t started work by this point, you’ll need to rea...

What happens after you've obtained planning permission?

Getting planning permission or a lawful development certificate can take between 8-10 weeks, so it’s good to apply early. However, once you know th...

Why your local authority matters when extending

If you’ve decided to take the plunge into extending your home, there’s someone (or some people) you’re going to have to become very acquainted with...

Make the most of the Larger Home Extension Scheme

*Update: As the deadline for this scheme is drawing to a close, we've added in some further tips for homeowners considering this route in a limited...

Do I need planning permission for my flat or maisonette?

Flats and maisonettes do not fall within your permitted development rights, meaning you will have to seek planning permission for changes you want ...

What happens during the planning process?

Before you start worrying about the colour of your walls or what pictures to hang, you need to make sure that you have permission to go ahead with ...

Reasons why planning permission is refused

Planning permission can be denied if your build is guilty of these offenses: - Your build overshadows a neighbour, causing loss of light - Your bu...

Do I need planning permission?

Extending your home is an exciting and potentially value-adding project, but it can also be full of practical and administrative hurdles. From draf...

What are permitted development rights?

Permitted development rights are a type of general planning permission granted by Parliament. If your plans fall within certain restrictions, this ...

How to improve your chances of a successful planning application

Make sure your project gets the best start in life with our expert tips of achieving planning success… ## Pre-Application Don’t be afraid to sta...