Radiators or Underfloor Heating: Which Should You Choose? 21 February, 2020 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. It's likely will what to know what the best heating source for your property would...Read More
The Design Benefits of a Courtyard 07 February, 2020 Everyone dreams of having a lush flourishing rear garden in the house, where people can party, play or just relax. But what about creating an internal courtyard space to create a green haven within the home? Improved Natural Light Sometimes, when designing a wraparound extension to a...Read More
A Guide to Exterior Cladding 24 January, 2020 A question we are commonly asked is ‘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 of a material to cover...Read More
New Year, New Decade, New Extension 10 January, 2020 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...Read More
The 3 Most Common Extensions 22 November, 2019 Making the most of the floor area in your home is key in creating the most practical living space for your family. With property in London coming at a premium it’s sometimes more cost effective and better value for money to extend your home rather than moving. If...Read More
Ground Floor Extension Window & Door Options 08 November, 2019 While Bi-Fold doors are still the most popular choice of door for rear extensions, due to their function and manipulability, there are multiple other options available for clients who wish to do something that little bit different with the rear façade. Here we have a...Read More
7 Extension Treatments and Planning Application 25 October, 2019 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...Read More
Replacing a Conservatory with an Extension 11 October, 2019 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...Read More
Surfacing Interior Design Trends 30 August, 2019 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...Read More
5 Ways to Divide an Open Plan Space 16 August, 2019 More and more of our clients are requesting spaces that are not completely open plan or have the potential to change the space later on after they have used the space and developed as a family. Some clients are also asking to divide up spaces...Read More
Compact Bathrooms 12 July, 2019 Bathrooms are one of the most functional rooms in the house. We think your bathroom should be designed to give you the most efficient use of space while remaining comfortable. Where space is at a premium, compact bathrooms can work well, especially if contained as part of another...Read More
The Unused Room 04 July, 2019 When designing a rear extension the most common brief is usually to create open planning living, kitchen and dining space that opens out onto the garden. In a tradition Victorian terrace, of which there are many in London, the rear outrigger is used to create...Read More
Build Team Loves Wandsworth 13 June, 2019 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...Read More
Designing around your chimney breast 21 March, 2019 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...Read More
What to Expect from a Build Team Site Visit 21 February, 2019 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,...Read More
New Year, New Extension 07 February, 2019 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...Read More
2019 Interior Design Trends 10 January, 2019 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...Read More
Build Team – 2018 in Review 20 December, 2018 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...Read More
Live Well with Hygge 13 December, 2018 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...Read More
How To Retain Heat This Winter 29 November, 2018 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...Read More
5 Tips For Designing A Child Friendly Home 19 November, 2018 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....Read More
5 Benefits of Underfloor Heating 05 November, 2018 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...Read More
Get Ready For Halloween 22 October, 2018 It’s that time of year again, summer has come to an end, those chilly winter days are approaching and Halloween is right around the corner. These festive occasions make many home owners wish they had more space, which is why a family orientated design is...Read More
5 Tips To Keeping Your Extension’s Costs Down 11 October, 2018 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...Read More
Interior Design Trends Of 2018 28 September, 2018 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...Read More
Adding Value To Your Home 07 September, 2018 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...Read More
Before and After 23 August, 2018 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,...Read More
Design Your Kitchen Around You 09 August, 2018 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...Read More
Flat roof vs Pitched roof for your extension 27 July, 2018 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...Read More
Four Completed Projects 26 June, 2018 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...Read More
Designed for Entertaining 13 June, 2018 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...Read More
What is Permitted Development? 31 May, 2018 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...Read More
Perfect Your Wet Room 17 May, 2018 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...Read More
Floors to Last a Lifetime 04 May, 2018 If you are undertaking a home extension, it’s a fantastic time to refurbish other parts of the home. Floor finishes are a massive eye catcher and can really impact the way a space looks and feels so it’s really important that you dedicate some time...Read More
Pet Perfect Homes 19 April, 2018 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...Read More
Stylish Spaces 09 March, 2018 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...Read More
Five Reasons to Extend 23 February, 2018 Moving home is not only expensive, but it’s also very stressful and disruptive. It’s no wonder more and more homeowners look towards home extensions to give them that extra bedroom, a larger bathroom or that multi-functional family kitchen. Whether you’re looking to do a small...Read More
The Detail in the Design 09 February, 2018 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...Read More
Create Your Wonderwall 19 January, 2018 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...Read More
New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home 05 January, 2018 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...Read More
Liveable Lofts 05 January, 2018 Loft conversions are a great way of adding liveable space to your property as well as value. There are endless possibilities from what a loft space can become, with the most popular being an additional bedroom and ensuite. Both of these will add significant value...Read More
New Year, New Extension 01 January, 2018 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...Read More
2017 in a Nutshell 22 December, 2017 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...Read More
The Perfect Snug 22 December, 2017 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...Read More
How to Upcycle Furniture 07 December, 2017 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...Read More
Get Your Home Winter Ready 07 December, 2017 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...Read More
Light up Your Loft 23 November, 2017 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...Read More
Fast Track to Build 10 November, 2017 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...Read More
The Design & Build Check List 27 October, 2017 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...Read More
Kitchen Layouts 27 October, 2017 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...Read More
Get More from Your Door 12 October, 2017 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...Read More
Unique Home Designs 12 October, 2017 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...Read More
Get Creative with Your Windows 29 September, 2017 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...Read More
Jazz up a White Interior 14 September, 2017 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...Read More
Create Open-Plan Perfection 31 August, 2017 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...Read More
Enhance Your Lofts Exterior 31 August, 2017 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...Read More
Utilize your home with a Utility Area 18 August, 2017 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...Read More
Converting a House into Flats 04 August, 2017 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,...Read More
Is Two Storey Too Tall? 13 July, 2017 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...Read More
Flawless Floors 23 June, 2017 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...Read More
Get Creative with Your Courtyard 02 June, 2017 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...Read More
The Best Boiler 02 June, 2017 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...Read More
Separate Internal Space 19 May, 2017 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....Read More
Design your Extension Around you 04 May, 2017 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...Read More
Season Trends for your Home 20 April, 2017 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...Read More
Spend Without Splurging 20 April, 2017 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...Read More
5 Great Kitchen Ideas 07 April, 2017 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...Read More
Exposed Brick Wall 07 April, 2017 An interior brick wall can be considered a timeless treasure as well as an inherently interesting feature. It has a rustic, organic character not usually found internally and can suit both modern and stylish projects as well as traditional schemes equally well. Bricks became unfashionable...Read More
The Summer House 09 March, 2017 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...Read More
Home with a View 09 March, 2017 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...Read More
Not So Ordinary Extensions 24 February, 2017 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....Read More
Bathroom & WC’s 21 December, 2016 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...Read More
Shape Your Kitchen 01 December, 2016 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...Read More
007 Your Extractor Fan 01 December, 2016 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...Read More
Chimney Challenges 18 November, 2016 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...Read More
Brick: Exposed 03 November, 2016 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...Read More
Extend for You 03 November, 2016 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...Read More
Live in your Loft 20 October, 2016 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...Read More
Spend a little, Gain a lot 21 September, 2016 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...Read More
Size up your Kitchen 21 September, 2016 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...Read More
Boundary Wall: Roof Design 08 September, 2016 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...Read More
The Loo for You 26 August, 2016 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...Read More
Smart Storage Solutions 12 August, 2016 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...Read More
Get More from Your Design 15 July, 2016 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...Read More
Save. Spend. Splurge. 15 July, 2016 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...Read More
Garden Living 29 June, 2016 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...Read More
Kit Out Your Kitchen 17 June, 2016 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...Read More
Turn On the Light 17 June, 2016 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,...Read More
Plan For Open Plan 08 June, 2016 Open plan living has become popular in modern day living, particularly in homes where space is valuable. If you’re thinking about extending your kitchen, open plan living is an ideal choice because you’re likely to be left with a very generous finished room size. This...Read More
Inside Out 08 June, 2016 Summer is in the air! The sun is shining and the BBQ’s are being dusted off – so what better time to think about making the most out of your garden and kitchen? When designing an extension, we always encourage our clients to think about...Read More
Start with the Finish 19 May, 2016 There are two important design considerations that we encourage all of our clients to think about during the Design Process. The first is the obvious one; the ‘shell’, which is anything to do with the structure of the extension (ie. windows / doors / chimney...Read More
Get More from your Floor 08 April, 2016 For most of us, Design is at the forefront of our minds and we initially think about how something is going to look, and we forget about functionality. Underfloor heating is, in particular, important to think about early on because it effectiveness can vary depending...Read More
Design the New with the Old 24 March, 2016 If you’re thinking about extending, you should think about how you want your new space to interact with your existing property. One thing you should think about is what you want to do with the room that sits behind your existing kitchen, which is typically...Read More
Cash in on your Garage 11 March, 2016 The traditional ‘Garage’ seems to be going out of fashion, as homeowners are realising the potential of what might otherwise be used as dead space. A typical garage spans 3 x 6m, which is a huge area, especially when you consider how the space could...Read More
Design for your Family 25 February, 2016 The reason for extending is usually quite simple; you want more space in your home. While reasons for the additional space vary massively, we do find that lots of our clients want to accommodate their growing families. We thought we would put together some helpful...Read More
Brighten up with a Courtyard 12 February, 2016 Depending on your design options and personal preference, you might need to find a way to get natural light through to the room that sits behind your kitchen. This is a common obstacle for designs that want to avoid knocking through that internal rear wall...Read More
Convert Your Loft 30 December, 2015 Loft conversions are a great way to add space to your property and make the most of the space you have available. The most common design option is to add a bedroom and a bathroom. Adding a bedroom can add 9 to 10 per cent...Read More
Liven up your Landscape 23 December, 2015 You shouldn’t underestimate the impact your outdoor space will have on your new indoor space, particularly if you are opting for lots of glass and bi-fold doors. Many of our clients choose to redesign their garden while they are redesigning their kitchen extension, mostly because...Read More
Popular Layout Options 23 December, 2015 For many of you, having the opportunity to design an extension will be the first time you are offered the opportunity to design a living space exactly around you and your lifestyle. The layout of your extension is completely yours to design and should be suited...Read More
Design your Interior 18 December, 2015 When designing your kitchen extension, you should ask yourself this question: How do I want the space to look when it’s finished? The answer to this question requires some thought about your interior design. Many people associate ‘interior design’ with a bit of paint or some...Read More
