All Advice Articles

Happy Homes: making your home feel 'secure'

As part of our Happy Homes Survey, we’re taking the results our pioneering research uncovered and showing you how to apply it to your own household...

Happy Homes: making your home 'adaptable'

As part of our Happy Homes Survey, we’re taking the results our pioneering research uncovered and showing you how to apply it to your own household...

Happy Homes: making your home a 'mirror'

As part of our Happy Homes Survey, we’re taking the results our pioneering research uncovered and showing you how to apply it to your own household...

Happy Homes: making your home 'relaxed'

As part of our Happy Homes Survey, we’re taking the results our pioneering research uncovered and showing you how to apply it to your own household...

Happy Homes: making your home feel 'nourishing'

As part of our Happy Homes Survey, we’re taking the results our pioneering research uncovered and showing you how to apply it to your own household...

Happy Homes: making your home 'connected'

As part of our Happy Homes Survey, we’re taking the results our pioneering research uncovered and showing you how to apply it to your own household...

Planning permission: changing a commercial property into residential

You see them films, perhaps in home magazines or as part of grand TV projects - the converted building. Once a church, now a home for four. Once a ...

10 home improvements you can do without planning permission

Planning permission got you putting off that big project? Perhaps you’ve seen one too many planning nightmares in Grand Designs and have decided to...

Do you need planning permission for an extension?

Are you looking at extending your ground-floor? If so, planning permission has no doubt crossed your mind. Do you need it? What rules will you hav...

A guide to home improvement in conservation areas

Conservation areas were introduced to help manage and protect Britain’s most prized areas. Whether they stand out due to their historic significanc...

Do I need planning permission for an orangery?

If you’re looking to get a little more sun into your home, an orangery might be the perfect choice. However, like many construction projects, you m...

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...

Do you need planning permission for a loft conversion?

Short answer: maybe. Loft conversions come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and whether or not you need planning permission will depend on these ...

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 is the best flooring for a kitchen?

Whether you’re looking to fully refurbish your kitchen, or just to give your floor a makeover, what material you choose can have a big impact on th...

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...

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]...

More is More: Tips for designing a maximalist home

Has the minimalism craze of the 2010s got you feeling… very little? Are you dying to add some colour to your home? A little bit of fun? Then welcom...

10 ways to reduce the cleaning in your home

Housework, does anyone really enjoy it? Sure, there are those rumoured tidy freaks, those who can’t wait to strap on a pair of yellow gloves, but t...

The bathroom trends that defined the 2010s

Hard to believe that the 2010’s are now behind us and what a decade it’s been! In terms of our homes, these last 10 years have seen us become bolde...

How to create a garden that's wildlife-friendly all year round

Think a garden is nothing more than a place to lounge in during summer? Think again! UK gardens have the potential to be wildlife saviours, yet so...

30 transformative flooring ideas for your home renovation

You might not think much of them day to day, but the floors we walk on play a big part in shaping our homes. Next to repainting the walls, replacin...

10 multifunctional kitchen diner ideas

Let’s start with a quick history lesson. Following the end of WWII, the kitchen underwent a major renovation. Before it was a space to be hidden a...

15 loft bathroom ideas that utilise space brilliantly

Whether you want to create the en-suite of your dreams, a luxury spa experience, or you simply want to give guests (and moody teens) a space they c...

15 genius ways to utilise the space under stairs

Don’t let the space under your stairs go to waste. With some help from your architect, even this area of your home can get the royal treatment. Whe...

How to create an eco-friendly home

With the climate emergency looming over us, and many people out on the streets calling for change, you might be wondering how you can do your part ...

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...

10 loft and attic storage ideas

One of the best things about converting your loft is all the storage options this opens up for your home. If you’re someone who’s looking for some...

10 garden room extension ideas on a budget

She shed, man cave, pod, retreat - whatever you call them, garden rooms are certainly on the rise. And it’s no surprise, as they not only offer t...

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 ...

5 things to know about adding a mezzanine

First things first, what is a mezzanine? The easiest way of thinking about a mezzanine is to see them as a floating extra floor. Not big enough t...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

5 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 ...

Garden Rooms: the essential guide to creating your own

A garden room is a great way to get more usable space at home. Whether you need a home office, a place for the kids to hang out or a base for your ...

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 ...

Barn conversions guide: planning permission, cost and ideas

Is there any project more quiescently British than a barn conversion? With their high ceilings, rustic beams, and general *country-ness*, who would...

The benefits (and pitfalls) of extending your home with a neighbour

Neighbours can get a bad reputation in the home extension game. You hear classic horror stories about the nightmare family next door, of vicious pa...

5 things you need to know about home extension and timings

We’ve worked with a lot of homeowners - over 2000, in fact - and if there’s one thing that shocks people the most about remodelling it’s the time i...

How much money can DIY save you on your extension?

If you’re looking to save money on extended your home, look no further - DIY is the answer! By taking on a few of the basic handy jobs, you could ...

5 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 pitfalls to avoid when extending your home

Extending your home is a big project. Second to actually buying your home, it’s going to be one of the biggest financial commitments you’re likely ...

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...

How much does it cost to build a granny flat

Homes are changing and one big change is the rise of multi-generational homes. Either through adult children living at home, or older relatives nee...

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...

The benefits of a free Resi consultation

Before you dive into your project, you’ll likely want to know what options are available to your home. This is where an architectural consultation...

Do I need an architect to build a house?

In short: it’s very, very likely. Building a home is one of the biggest construction projects you can take on, requiring expert design skills and ...

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...

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...

How much does it cost to build a conservatory

They’re one of the most popular additions for British homes but how much will a conservatory set you back? __On average, a conservatory can cost a...

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...

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...

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 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! ...

Everything you need to know about downstairs toilet building regulations

There are many reasons to build a downstairs toilet. You might host regular parties and want a way to keep nosy guests from upstairs, or perhaps yo...

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...

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...

How much does a garage conversion cost?

On average, when it comes to converting your garage, you can expect to pay between £6500 - £13,500 for your everyday home. Compare that to your [a...

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...

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...

Introducing... Resi's new build service!

This week we have some very exciting news… the launch of our new build service - our *new new builds*, you could say. In taking on new builds, we...

New year resolutions for your home in 2020

Whether you’re reading this at the start of the year or towards the end, no doubt you’ve landed here because you want to use 2020 as a year to unlo...

Log burning stoves: are they right for your home?

Whether you’re reading this in December or July, no one can deny the pleasure of curling up by a real fire when the weather turns icy. Because of t...

10 home remodelling mistakes people make early on

The home horror stories, we’ve all heard at least one. The couple who picked a dodgy builder, the family who ended up in a war with their neighbour...

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...

10 things to consider before buying a renovation property in the UK

When it comes to buying a new house, if you’re not afraid to roll up your sleeves, you might have been tempted by a ‘fixer-upper’. These renovation...

Knocking down walls! Resi sponsors Dulwich Hamlet's F.C.

Football season is here and we couldn’t be more excited! Why? Because this year, we’ve become one of Dulwich Hamlet F.C’s official sponsors. The t...

Brexit: Should I still extend my house?

Every week, we provide free consultations to hundreds of homeowners across the UK. And in recent months, we’ve noticed one question is coming up mo...

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 the...

Beware the party wall ambulance chaser!

Unless you’ve encountered them yourself, it’s unlikely you’ll know anything about these dodgy practitioners. However, party wall ambulance chasers ...

Resi becomes one of the first 'Good Work Standard' employers in London

This week, Resi is very excited to announce that we’ve been recognised by the Mayor of London as one of the city’s first Mayor’s Good Work Standard...

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...

Do I need an architect or structural engineer?

Unless you’ve done a big home project before, you might find yourself bamboozled by the list of professionals your extension or conversion might ne...

5 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...

Pitched vs flat roofs - which should you build?

Whether you’re extending, converting your garage, or building your dream home, you’re going to need a roof. This is Britain, after all. For many, ...

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 ...

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...

How much does it cost to have house plans drawn up?

We’re back, answering some of the most common questions we’ve seen floating around on the internet. Today’s is one that frequently pops up… “How m...

Do I need an architect to renovate my home?

If you’re building a new home from scratch or going for a big extension, it might seem obvious that you need an architect by your side - but what a...

A guide to 'fast-tracking' your project

When it comes to improving your home, many homeowners are a little shocked by the timings involved. Planning alone can take over 10 weeks, to say n...

Do you need a party wall surveyor?

If your project is affected by a party wall matter, you might have heard the term ‘party wall surveyor’ batted about. But how can this professional...

Why you need an architect during building regulations

Building regulations, they’re confusing. Unless you’ve completed a project before, it’s likely these technical requirements are new ground for you,...

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 So...

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...

The pitfalls of 'design and build' companies

If you’re pursuing an extension or conversion, you’re probably considering a range of companies for your project. Perhaps some of them are architec...

How many quotes should you get for construction?

Home design? Sorted. Planning permission? Nailed it. Building regulations? Don’t even worry about it. It looks like you’re all ready to go into c...

A guide to insurance and construction

After planning and building regulations, we can understand why a lot of homeowners feel overwhelmed with the admin, perhaps a little less than enth...

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...

Construction timelines for converting or extending your home

You’ve got creative in design, been given the thumbs up in planning, found the perfect contractor and even got approval from building control. All ...

A guide to types of contractors and builders

When it comes to construction, you’re likely going in knowing you need a builder - but what kind? Contractors come in all shapes and sizes, each w...

10 mistakes too many people make during construction

If you’ve made it through the trials of planning and building regulations unscathed, it means you’re ready for the most hazardous leg of your journ...

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...

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...