All Advice Articles

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....

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 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 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...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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/...

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...

A guide to groundworks, foundations, and your extension

With all your permissions in place, and your professionals hired, it’s time to dive into construction, right? Well, almost. Before any tangible bu...

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...

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...

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...

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: 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Five pitfalls to avoid when extending your home

From whoopie cushions to elaborate stunts from brands, April Fools' is a day where nothing should be taken at face value. But what about the rest o...

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 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...

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 ...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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! ...

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 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 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 to do in the event of a party wall dispute

So you’re getting ready to transform your home. You’ve done everything right so far. You’ve obtained planning permission. You’ve been given approva...

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 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....

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...

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...

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 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 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 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...

Drains, CCTV surveys, and build over agreements

Drains: they’re not the most glamorous part of a household, but when it comes to extending you might be surprised by how big their role is. Every ...

Money saving tips for building a house

If you’re braving the exciting world of house building, the prospect of the money involved might feel a little daunting. After all, it seems like e...

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...

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 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...

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 ...

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 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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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 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...

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 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...

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...

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, ...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

Everything you need to know before buying skylights

When it comes to getting natural light into your home, who doesn’t love a good skylight? Compared to glass ceilings, they’re a cost effective way t...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 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 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)...

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 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 ...

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...