All Advice Articles

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...

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...

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: 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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/...

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...

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...

How to avoid your dormer becoming an eyesore

When it comes to adding both new space and value to your home, no project does it better than the loft conversion. However, finding the headroom an...

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...

Maximising space for a growing family

One of the most common reasons homeowners take on a new project is to prepare for a growing family. Whether this is by increasing their living spac...

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...

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...

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 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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Resi 2.0: Introducing the new customer dashboard

This week we’re incredibly excited to announce the release of version 2 of the Resi Dashboard! This Dashboard is a unique online platform that we...

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...

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...

What is a party wall agreement?

A party wall agreement is, as it says on the tin, a legal agreement made between you and your neighbours, regarding any building work occuring that...

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...

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 ...

5 things you need to know about glass roofs

If there’s one thing that can truly give your home the WOW factor, it’s a glass roof. Not only are they visually stunning, they can transform your ...

A guide to flat-pack extensions

With the price of stamp duty hammering homeowners, not enough homes on the market, and unstable house prices, more and more people are choosing imp...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 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...

Single storey extension ideas under £30,000

When it comes to extending your home, you don’t have to break the bank to get amazing results. While some single storey extensions can cost upwards...

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...

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, ...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

What Resi's new TrustMark partnership means for our customers

This week we’re very excited to announce our official partnership with [TrustMark!](https://www.trustmark.org.uk/) [TrustMark is the Government E...

What is a project manager and do you need one?

When it comes to getting the best possible result from construction, having a project manager on board can be just the ticket. Not only can they h...

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...

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'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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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)...

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...

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 for a conservatory?

If you’re looking to add more space to your home, a conservatory is not only an effective option, but a budget friendly one too. Typically cheaper...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 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 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 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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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 to build a glass extension on a listed building

Whether you’ve bought, inherited, or are considering a listed building, many assume these protected buildings can’t enjoy modern extensions other h...

The dangers of a cheap architectural quote

If in your hunt for the perfect architect you’ve found one who’s offering an incredibly cheap service, you might be thinking: *is this too good to ...

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...

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 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....

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...

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 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...