Chimney breasts were once a significant feature in traditional homes, built with functionality in mind, they housed an open fire and chimney flue to keep residents warm in the colder months. Found in almost every room in the house before central heating systems were created, they are a significant...
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This blog discusses boundary walls and extension design. Did you know Local Authorities have guidelines in place which dictate the maximum height your boundary wall can be? This may be different to the height of the existing fence or brick divide, so it is worth...
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If you are planning a home extension or remodel, creating office and living space for home working is essential now, more than ever. Space to work and learn is most likely high on the agenda. Here are some of the ways you can add additional...
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As we start the New Year we are again spending more time than usual at home, we all look forward however to the summer of 2021, a time when we hope we can come together again with large family celebrations, parties and get-together’s - we will all be...
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We have completed 138 design and build projects this year and here are the four project highlights from each season. Spring Project - East Dulwich Grove, SE22 Ground Floor Wraparound Extension The final extension design for this ground floor Victorian terrace flat added 28SQM of additional...
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The Landscape Design add-on service offered by Build Team is an excellent product, of which we are very proud. It is important not to underestimate the impact your outdoor space will have on your new extension, particularly if you are opting for lots of...
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So, some reasons to extend your home - five reasons, in fact. Given that moving home can not only be very expensive, but it can also be quite a stressful and disruptive experience. It is therefore no wonder more and more homeowners are looking towards...
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Ground floor extension roofing options are many and various. In fact, roofing styles for ground floor extensions might not seem very exciting, but they are actually a very important design decision and will impact your overall scheme. The roof design can be influenced, and sometimes...
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The best kitchen layout is dependant upon you and the way you use this space. The kitchen is often considered to be the heart of the home, which is why it is no surprise that many homeowners across London want to extend theirs and create...
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A question we are often asked by prospective clients is: why design and build? What makes a design and build company a better option than the traditional model of using an architect and then contractor? There are a number of key reasons which make an...
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How to incorporate the old and new in your extension design is so key when designing your new space. You will want to think about how this is going to interact with your existing property. As well as how you want the old and new...
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Working from home has become the new normal and is set to continue well into the new year. With more than 44% of us no longer commuting to the office on a daily basis now is the ideal time to set up a dedicated home office. However, if...
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During your design phase, perfecting your extension layout is an important aspect to consider. As is the way you want to connect the new extension to your existing property. This decision will be based on a combination of your design preference, the practicality of the...
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At the start of the year when up and down the country we began to decant our offices and begin to work from home, most of us assumed it was going to be short term and it’s safe to say many of us were not...
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The importance of a utility room in a family home can sometimes be underestimated. Although it may not seem particularly important during the conceptual design process, utility rooms are becoming increasingly more popular with our clients. They are also becoming a vital part of any...
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Will you choose radiators or underfloor heating? How you will heat your home is a key question to consider during the design of your new extension as it can effect the kitchen layout and placement of furniture. You will want to know what the best...
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The design benefits of a courtyard are plenty. Everyone dreams of having a rear garden in their home, as space to party, play or just relax. But have you ever considered creating an internal courtyard space to create a green haven within your home? Read...
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A guide to exterior cladding will help answer a commonly asked question: ‘how will my house look from the outside?’ As the ‘skin’ of your building, cladding plays an important role in the way your house looks once completed. Technically speaking, it is the installation...
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With the start of the New Year it may be time to start thinking about the possibility of extending your home to gain more space and improve your quality of life. There are many different reasons to extend your home, a growing family, improve the flow around your...
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The 3 most common extensions people choose link heavily to making the most of the floor area in your home. It is key in creating the most practical living space for your family. With property in London coming at a premium, it is sometimes more...
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There are a number of different planning applications, each of which will suit different residential extension designs. Discussed below are 7 different treatments for common extensions or alterations to residential properties. Permitted Development Arguably the most straightforward extension type would be that which falls within your...
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Many houses in London have conservatories or what is sometimes referred to as a ‘lean-to’, while some people can enjoy their conservatory, many do not. The poor construction and the way they are bolted on to the exterior of the house means they aren’t really...
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As we get closer to the new decade you can expect that the next few months are going to bring a wave of new trends with it. However, the trends of late 2019 and 2020 are looking surprisingly familiar to those who grew up in...
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5 ways to divide an open plan space is an interesting design thought. In particular, given that increasingly higher numbers of our clients are requesting spaces that are not completely open plan. The idea being that they may have the potential to change in the...
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Bathrooms are one of the most functional rooms in the house. Compact bathrooms are becoming increasingly popular to make best use of the available space. We think your bathroom should be designed to give you the most efficient use of space whilst still remaining comfortable....
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What can I do with the unused room, or rear reception room, as it is more commonly known? This is certainly something to consider when designing a rear extension. The most common brief is usually to create open planning living, kitchen and dining space that...
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One of London’s most sought after boroughs, Wandsworth is a hive of activity at the moment, and being popular with young professionals and families there is a continuing demand to extend and renovate as opposed to moving. Therefore residential home extensions are the most popular form of development, having...
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Chimney breasts are typically found in old homes, projecting from the wall to accommodate fireplace to keep the occupants warm during the winter season. At the bottom of the chimney is the fireplace where a fire would be lit. Heat produced by the fire spreads...
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You may be thinking about doing an extension or a loft conversion, but feel a bit lost – ‘How do I start?’ and ‘Who can help with these questions and what should I be asking in the first place?’ If these questions have been passing through your mind,...
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New Year, New Extension project? It may be nearly mid-February, however this is the perfect time to begin the design or the build of your extension project. Creating a new space in your home is an exciting prospect and below we will discuss why now is the best time...
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With the turn of a new year, comes the opportunity to re-fresh your house with up to date decorating patterns, timeless furniture and stylish interior fittings. 2019 is going to be a fantastic year for interior design and our Architectural Designers have put together a list...
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Build Team has celebrated the end to a fantastic year, bringing many construction projects onto site and to completion, while Design Team has had comparable success in guiding new and repeat customers through the design and planning stages with some very exciting projects. In January, we...
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The home should be a place of relaxation and comfort and we believe that adopting the Danish approach of hygge is a great starting point to think about how to interior design your home and extension. The Danish adopt hygge as a means of creating a...
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Remember the bitter cold brought by ‘Beast from the East’? Keep warm and cosy in your home and your running costs low this winter with our neat toe-warming solutions. Much of London’s housing is characterised by gorgeous historic housing with treasured original features. There may be...
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As your family grows, you may lean towards extending your home to provide more space. Children have curious minds and are full of energy which is fantastic, but is all the more reason for you to re-evaluate the safety of your home and new extension....
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Underfloor heating is increasingly popular within properties, with many homeowners recognising the benefits over conventional radiators. Although it can have a slightly higher initial cost of installation, there are many long term benefits. We have highlighted five benefits offered by underfloor heating to help you...
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Why not get ready for Hallowe'en? It is that time of year again - summer has come to an end, and those chilly winter days are fast approaching. Hallowe'en is right around the corner. Festive occasions make many homeowners wish they had more space. This...
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Extending your property comes with many benefits, whether you are looking to live in the house long term or whether you are looking to sell it. We have put together a few of our top tips to keeping down the costs of your extension.SQM The finished...
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What is the best companion to a new extensions? Interior décor that lets it live up to its full potential! This year has been full of very strong interior design tends, so we selected a few of our favourite trends that work hand in hand...
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The housing market is an ever-changing world, with all of us looking for ways to add value to our property. Whether you are buying, selling or simply settled, adding an extension to your property is a great place to start. The most important factor to...
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We recently gave you a summary of our latest completed projects. We are so impressed with the transformations that we thought we’d share a bit more information with you about each of the projects. We understand it can be difficult to imagine the final result,...
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Kitchens are an essential part of your home, and we find more often than ever that clients want to design around social gatherings, daily activities, or even a place for the kids to do their homework. It’s to keep up with the latest kitchen must-haves...
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There are numerous design elements you will consider whilst planning a house extension, many in relation to the interior layout. The roof design can make one of the strongest impressions upon the atmosphere of the extension so choosing between a pitched and flat roof is...
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We have recently completed some wonderful new projects, which include a variety of ground floor extensions and loft extensions. Our clients are so happy with the finished product, we thought we’d give you a run through of our latest four so you can understand what...
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Kitchens are no longer just spaces for cooking. They have become a space for social gatherings, a hub for day to day activities or even a place for the kids to do their homework whilst you’re whipping up dinner. You’ll need to design a layout...
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Planning Permission is confusing, as precedent and policy vary borough to borough. Policy is also frequently updated, so staying on-top of the latest changes can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to working with local councils day to day. On top of this, there...
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Wet rooms are becoming more and more popular as they are a brilliant way of achieving a high quality and compact bathroom space. Most of us are used to a traditional style bathroom so you may be cautious about venturing into new, unchartered territory. We...
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Nothing completes a family like a furry friend. Whether you’re a dog or a cat person, there are always considerations to think about before starting on designing your home extension, especially in relation to how the family is going to adapt to the process and...
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Privacy within the home is paramount and isn’t something you would necessarily consider when designing a home extension. Our clients are often keen to add lots of glass and glazing, but it’s important you keep in mind the repercussions of doing so. London in particular...
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Moving home can be expensive, so this Five Reasons to Extend blog shows why it is no wonder more and more homeowners look towards home extensions. It can give them that extra bedroom, a larger bathroom or that multi-functional family kitchen. Whether you’re looking to...
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Most companies that offer a two-stage process will prioritise the build process over the architectural designs, leaving you with a design that you may not necessarily have chosen. At Build Team, we value both Design & Build equally – and we work hard to exceed...
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One of the most exciting parts of your Design & Build journey will be choosing all of the materials and styles for your new space – from the colour of your walls to your new floor, there are thousands of choices at your disposal to...
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As we move into the New Year, there is a spirit of new beginnings and the first week of January presents the perfect time to think about your New Year Resolutions. Whilst we love setting ourselves goals such as going to the gym regularly or...
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Happy New Year! Our Design and Build Team can’t wait to get started on a multitude of new and exciting projects for 2018. We always think, what better time to get started on an extension than at the beginning of the year? In an industry...
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The year of 2017 has been a year of celebration for the Build Team Group. The year kicked off our tenth year anniversary, and we are very proud to say that for over a decade we have helped homeowners across London transform their homes. The year...
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If you’re thinking about extending your kitchen, open plan living is ideal as you will be left with a generous room size that can be very multifunctional. Open plan living needs to be well thought out, as you don’t want to lose that much loved...
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We often get asked by prospective clients how much does an extension actually cost, and our answer is always the same; the cost is dependent on the size and the design of the scheme. If you find yourself going for a large scheme and you...
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Tis' the season to spend less time outdoors, and more time getting cosy in your home. Extensions offer a great opportunity to modernise your home, both visually (if that’s your preference) and also practicality. Most period-home owners come to realise older Victorian properties come a...
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Loft conversions are a fantastic way to add an additional bedroom, bathroom, study or playroom and make effective use of a space that generally goes unused. When designing your loft conversion, it is important to consider the lighting design early in the process; the right...
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We often have clients who want to start the build as soon as possible. Whether you’re counting down the days to a due date, or perhaps you want to finish your kitchen in time for Christmas, or you might be renting another property until the...
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The Design & Build process is typically new to our clients, and we understand that it is our job to ensure that you (as the client) are well informed, and the project runs smoothly. You will receive dedicated support for both the Design & Build...
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There are loads of ways to shape your new kitchen, and the most important thing is to ensure that it is comfortable to use; style should follow function. Of course there isn't a 'one style that fits all' model, so here are a few basic patterns...
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Doors have come a long way during the past decade, both in style and functionality. They are generally designed to maximise natural light penetration, which is why they make a fantastic asset to a home extension. The external garden doors will act as a focal point...
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One question we are frequently asked is: Will my extension look like everyone else’s? Our answer: Absolutely not! You have endless options at your disposal when it comes to doors, windows, height, roof type, and materials – and this is just the shell extension. If...
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Whether you’re intending to do a ground floor extension, loft conversion or a lower ground floor basement – it is very likely that glass will play a large part in your overall design, especially if you want to maximise natural daylight into your home. These...
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A white base interior can brighten up a room, and create the illusion of more space. If you’re keen on a neutral colour scheme, this kind of design can be a fantastic start, and it remains extremely flexible and versatile throughout the decorating process. So what...
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Adding value, gaining more light and providing another living space for a growing family are all common reasons many of our clients choose to extend their home. Creating an open-plan space can provide all these assets and more. Open-plan living has become the dream for...
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Adding value to your home whilst gaining additional space are two of the most exciting advantages of having a loft conversion built. Especially once you begin dreaming about what the new space could be; a kid’s playroom, a study or even an extra bedroom with...
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Utility areas are great if you want to create a room to hide all of your clutter and unsightly items. Washing machines, tumble dryers and ironing boards require space and are generally awkward to hide away. You can hide them away in your kitchen, although...
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Home extensions are often associated with growing families, but they are also a fantastic investment opportunity and don’t necessary need to revolve around you. Lots of our current clients live abroad or outside of London, and are currently extending their second homes as an investment,...
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Homeowners undertake home extensions for various different reasons, but an increase in space is usually a common cause among clients. An increasing number of our clients are approaching us to ask about the feasibility of two storey extensions, so they can gain an extra bedroom...
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Your choice of flooring will completely transform how your home will look. It requires a fair bit of thought as it often takes third place in the expense scale: the first being the shell of the extension, the second is typically your kitchen, and the...
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When it comes to designing your extension there are lots of factors to consider; all of which impact the options available to you. For example, designing a home extension to a ground floor flat is very different the design for a full house. One of...
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When undertaking an extension, clients often find it a great excuse to carry out the bits and bobs they’ve been meaning to do for years – for example internal bathroom refurbishments, hallways refurbishments, and replacing boilers. The boiler is a great example, as it’s likely...
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Open plan living is not for everyone, and lots of people like the traditional feel of separate rooms which hold different functions. One advantage of open plan living is the uninterrupted light, as natural light has the freedom to penetrate every corner of the room....
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The shape and style of your extension will make such a difference on your daily activity, so it’s important you revolve your design around you. It’s important to think about practicality when you design your home; it’s no use having a kitchen that is beautiful...
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Summer feels like it is here at last and with it comes a host of new ideas for colour schemes within your home! Centred on sombre pastels and water colour palettes, these light touches of colour can revitalise any drab Winter-themed room and bring in...
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You don’t have to spend a lot to have a fabulous extension – some of our favourite interior finishes have been within some of our budget projects! There are two elements to think about when designing your extension. The first is the exterior shell – this...
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When planning your kitchen, practicality should meet design. It is paramount to have a practical kitchen that is a joy to use but that does not mean that it cannot be stylish and designed with your personality in mind. Have a look at some ideas...
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Perfectly Imperfect Treasure Some consider an interior exposed brick wall to be a timeless treasure, not to mention an inherently interesting feature. It has a rustic, organic character not usually found internally. Added to which, it can suit both modern and stylish projects, as well as...
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A summer house gives you a secluded space in your garden, away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life. If you’re looking for your own private hideaway it’s the perfect accompaniment to your extension. A versatile space in your garden open to a...
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London has some pretty incredible views – they might not be seaside savvy or mountainous landscapes, but the city skyline is a hard one to beat. Roof terraces offer a fantastic opportunity to incorporate some sky-high views into your home; they can also be a...
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No two extensions are the same. Trust us - we should know, having designed 500 home extensions across London over the past decade. Clients are often concerned that their extension will just be a typical, cookie cut design – but that is far from reality....
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It’s easy to get wrapped up in all of the exciting design features when creating an extension – there are thousands of options at your disposal and it’s easy to forget about the functional, practical aspects. That is where our Design Team are here to...
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Kitchen Shapes Designing an extension offers you the opportunity to tap into your creativity and design the interior space to suit your personal style. The layout of your kitchen is very important as it’s a very functional space – looking pretty simply isn’t enough! It is...
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Extractor Fans We are frequently asked whether extractor fans are a necessity – as they are often large and bulky and don’t have an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The answer is yes and your Building Control Officer will be looking out for your extractor fan. It’s not...
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Chimney breasts were once a significant feature in traditional housing design. They were built with functionality in mind; to keep residents warm in the winter months by offering the opportunity to have a real fire. As central heating systems have become more efficient, the requirement...
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Designing an extension offers the perfect opportunity to incorporate features that you’ve always loved. Exposing brick walls in your home can instantly change the style and atmosphere of the room. The popularity of these walls have sky rocketed in the past few months, and it’s...
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Our Design Team believe that no person is the same, so no extension should be the same. Every single design we create is different; our team create tailor made designs, wholly specific to individual client needs and specifications. There are an endless world of possibilities...
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Our prospective and current clients often assume that you can’t vary much in a Loft Design but the truth is there are a surprising amount of possibilities. The first question we ask our Design clients is what are you planning on using the new space...
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Building an extension doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might think – it’s all about prioritisation and figuring out if you want to spend a little more on certain aspects. We would recommend investing a little more in your kitchen, as this is...
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We find that our clients choose to extend for many different reasons - some want a dining area, others want more natural light; flats usually want an extra bedroom. One of the most common reasons is the growing demand for a larger kitchen and it’s...
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Your boundary wall height will affect your roof design, as lower boundary walls prefer a pitched roof to make the design practical. Higher boundary walls offer you more flexibility, as you’re free to choose from either a pitched or flat roof design. Making a decision on...
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Having a WC on your ground floor is not only convenient, but it can increase your property value by about £10,000. One question that our clients frequently ask is how they can incorporate a WC into their design, without detracting from the extended space. The...
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Storage is often overlooked as it’s not something which is particularly exciting during the Design process. While it’s not that exciting, it is extremely practical and deserves some thought when you’re thinking about the layout of your room. You have lots of options when it comes...
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Add Space and Value There are endless benefits to extending your home, and the immediate ones that come to mind tend to be visual; you’ll have more light, you can design your kitchen around you and your family, you can create more efficient functionality in your...
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One of the advantages of carrying out an extension are the choices you have at your disposal – you can completely tailor your design to your taste and budget. Just because you go for a low cost option doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your...
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Your garden has a huge impact on your kitchen as it can influence the level of natural light and ambience within the room. A kitchen extension is usually quite a drastic redesign of the rear of the property, and can cause quite an upheaval to...
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The kitchen is the focal point of your home and is often the only room which is consistently used by the entire family. It’s such an integral part of the home, it’s important to put functionality at the forefront of your specification. The layout options...
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When you’re designing your Extension, it’s important to think about what you want to gain from the space. This will vary depending on your day to day lifestyle; however one factor that repeatedly arises with all of our clients is Light. When we say light,...
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