All Advice Articles

Approved inspectors vs Local authority building control

When it comes to complying with building regulations, you have two options on who can approved your technical drawings - your local building contro...

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...

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...

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...

10 garage conversion ideas

If your garage is going spare, acting like a glorified storage unit, then it could be time to get this space working harder. Garage conversions are...

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...

Contemporary home design inspiration for 2019

Heading into 2019 with a desire to transform your home? Perhaps you’re finding your current space a little dated. Maybe too cramped? Not enough lig...

5 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...

Top 5 interior design trends for 2019

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

5 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...

How to maximise the space in your home

When it comes to your home, no doubt you (and future buyers) want to have as much space as possible. However, in the last decade, homes have been g...

Loft conversion ideas for 2019

If there’s one resolution all homeowners can make this year, it’s that no space should be left going to waste. This is especially true for lofts. I...

Living roofs: 5 things you need to know

Living roofs are going to be big in the next few years. How do we know? Every year we provide over 10,000 consultations to UK homeowners, and more ...

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 ...

Creating your own industrial kitchen design

When it comes to kitchen trends, no style is having more of a moment than the industrial model. Whether you want sleek modern finishes, or rustic t...

How to design a safe (fun) home for children

When it comes to preparing for your home for kids, there’s plenty to consider. Not only do you want to make sure your home is safe for even the sm...

Kitchen renovations to get you hungry for more!

Is the kitchen the heart of your home? A communal hub of romantic dinners, Sunday lunches, and feasts with friends? If so, make this the year you g...

French, sliding, bi-fold - which doors are right for your extension?

Think doors are boring? Think again! If you’re undertaking a rear, side, or [wraparound extension](https://resi.co.uk/advice/home-extensions/guide-...

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...

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...

Bi-fold door inspiration for your home

Bi-fold doors have been skyrocketing in popularity these last few years, with many of our own customers seeking out these folding wonders, and it’s...

5 feature wall ideas for 2019

When it comes to your home, who doesn’t want a little WOW factor? And if you’re looking for a bold way to transform either your living room, bedroo...

How to achieve a 'broken plan' home

It feels like for years the trend of open plan living has reigned supreme, yet a new contender is entering the ring. Broken plan living. A twist o...

House extension ideas: before and after photos

Are you in the mood for some home inspiration? If the answer is yes, then brace yourself for some before and after delights. While we all love to ...

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...

The best trends to makeover your bathroom

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 ...

Who are Resi?

We’re the UK's leading architecture practice for everyday homeowners. Since opening our doors in 2017, we’ve helped transform over 1500 properties ...

What is a structural engineer and why do you need one?

Architect. Surveyor. Structural engineers. When it comes to big home projects, you often find yourself confronted with a list of professionals tha...

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...

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...

We're calling on the government to cut VAT on home improvements

A recent national survey by Resi, the Homeowner’s Alliance and YouGov found that a third (31%) – approximately 5.3 million – of UK homeowners pay c...

A guide to window frames for your home

If you’re in the process of an extension, or perhaps a renovation, you might be considering what to do with your windows. While many mull over th...

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...

Home remodelling vs buying a new home - which is better?

When you’ve become tired of staring at the same four walls, you might find yourself thinking: something needs to change. This leaves many homeowne...

How Resi can cut your extension times in half

Cut times in half, you say, how is that possible? Well you’d be surprised. Not only has Resi transformed the way homeowners can complete their pro...

Ultimate guide to the UK's homebuilding and renovating shows 2019

Rather than spend hours trawling through Google, or pestering friends for recommendations, trade shows offer a fantastic alternative to sourcing gr...

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: I chose the cheapest contractor quotes and paid for it!

Before becoming a Resi founder, Alex Depledge took on what she thought was going to be a simple side extension for her London home. What followed w...

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...

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...

Do you stay or rent when you renovate with children?

It’s no surprise that one of the most common reasons homeowners extend is to accommodate a growing family. But what happens to your family when you...

How we pick our Connect professionals

It’s no secret, to unlock the most potential in your home, you need the best professionals by your side. Whether you’re renovating, converting, or...

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, ...

A guide to choosing a good builder for your home

If you’re worried about your home becoming a cowboy horror story, or struggling to make sense of the options near you, listen to the expert advice ...

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...

Dangers of a cheap contractor quote

While finding the best man for the job should be your number one priority, it’s only natural that price is going to play a big factor in who you pi...

How to insulate your new garage conversion

Thinking about extending your garage? If you have, you may have thought about decor, what kind of room you’ll create, maybe even how you’ll remove ...

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...

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...

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

When it comes floors, people tend to fall into two categories. Those who adore carpets, and those who can’t imagine life [without a hardwood floor]...

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...

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...

Cost cutting tips for your rear extension

Who hasn’t switched on Grand Designs and thought: *I would love to do something like that, if I had the money.* Well, we’re here to tell you that...

A guide to loft conversions and planning

Whether you plan on converting your loft into a bedroom, study, or new bathroom, you’ll need to consider which area of planning your project falls ...

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...

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....

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 much does it cost to get planning permission for an extension

If you’re about to apply for planning permission, or are wondering how fees have changed over the years, worry not! Our in-house planning team are...

The best time for sorting out your finance when remodelling

It goes without saying that transforming your home becomes a lot harder when you don’t have the proper finance in place. That being said, few peop...

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...

What type of finance do you need for home improvements?

When it comes to those big home improvements, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to financing the project. Often, as a resu...

A guide to lawful development certificates

A lawful development certificate isn’t a legal requirement, but they are incredibly worthwhile to obtain. The certificate essentially proves to bo...

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...

5 unexpected costs of extending your home

When taking on a big project like a rear extension, the last thing you want is to have your budget surprised by an unexpected cost. Yet with so muc...

5 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...

Do I need an architect for planning permission?

Planning permission, if you’ve never taken on a home project before, it’s likely you’ve heard the horror stories. Tales about unruly planning offic...

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...

Everything you need to know about dormer loft conversions

It’s no secret that UK homes are facing a space shortage, especially in the high demand city areas. But with not enough new homes being built, and ...

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...

Architect drawings for loft conversion: why do you need them?

Architectural drawings might sound fancy, but they’re an essential part of achieving a quality conversion. To make sure you’re not tempted to scrim...

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...

5 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...

How much value does planning approval add to your house?

When it comes to selling your home, everyone is after two things: a good price, and a quick turnaround. While there are many tips for getting the ...

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...

Permitted development rights and the green belt

Permitted development rights and the green belt are two terms you may have heard in passing, but until you actual get into a big home project, you ...

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 ...

Make the most of the Larger Home Extension Scheme

If you’re planning on building a single storey rear extension under your permitted development rights, you can now take advantage of a doubled size...

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 ...

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...

Explained: change of use and use classes

When facing the nitty gritty world of planning legislation, many homeowners can find themselves becoming lost in the jargon. No more so than with U...

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 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 ...

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...

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...

Do I need planning permission for a garage conversion

Whether you’re going for a new study, gym, bedroom, or playroom, you’re probably wondering whether or not your garage conversion needs planning per...

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...

7 tips to keep house extension costs down

There are two simple tips that will always save you money during a building project: don’t cut corners and pay attention. Here are 7 things you ca...

Do you need an architect for an extension?

Is it illegal to build an extension without an architect involved? No. However, just because architects aren’t a legal requirement, it doesn’t me...

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...

How long does a house extension take?

Full disclosure: there’s no guaranteed timeline for any residential extension project. Depending on the size and scope of your extension, the lengt...

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 ...

5 key questions to ask your architect

Figuring out how to choose an architect for your home building can be tough. However, getting the *right* architect is even tougher, which is why i...

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...

How much does an extension cost?

With interest rates increasing, more and more homeowners are turning to extensions, not upsizing, to give them some much needed space. In fact, [ne...

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...

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 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 ...

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...