All Advice Articles

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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, ...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

Kitchen renovations to get your 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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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-...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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 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...

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 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...

What is the best flooring for a kitchen?

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

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

Converting your garage into a home gym

Are you a gym bunny, or someone looking for a serious kick in the fitness bum? If so, you might be considering installing your very own home gym. ...

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 ...

Everything you need to know about basement conversions

So you’re considering a basement conversion, but not 100% sure whether your home is suitable, or if the end results are going to be right for your ...

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...

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 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...

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'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...

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...

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 ...

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 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 ...

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 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 ...

Five 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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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:...

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...

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 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 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...

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 ...

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 ...