2025-03-18

Designing an extension that blends old bones with a new addition

Designing an extension that blends old bones with a new addition Chartered architect Jan Maciag, RIBA, shares his top tips on designing an extension that works with your house Designing an extension to a house is tricky. Follow the original? Do something new? Across the UK, hundreds of thousands of older properties have been updated with a 21st century addition at the back. Typically, the extension spans the width of a house and achieves a large, open plan kitchen-dining-living space. So how do...

2025-03-17

Contrasting extensions that pack a punch

Contrasting extensions that pack a punch Want to add a contemporary extension to a traditional home? Check out this inspiring selection of projects What does contemporary mean, exactly? The dictionary definition is “belonging to or occurring in the present.” In architecture, contemporary and modern are sometimes used interchangeably but they are different. Modern or modernist architecture emerged in the 1920s as a new, experimental architecture. Traditional materials of stone, brick and wood...

2025-03-14

Guide to glazed extensions

Glazed extensions work well with modern and period buildings. Here’s what you need to know. Sleek glass extensions add light and style to your home. The latest technological innovations mean structurally strong, energy efficient glazing can now be crafted in vast panes and incorporated into the design of your home. If a minimalist, frameless ‘glass box’ is not to your taste, other options include a side return extension that combines glazing for walls and roof with brick walls...

2025-03-13

4 home improvements that will return the most value

4 home improvements that will return the most value If you’re in the process of planning and budgeting for significant home improvements, it’s worth considering the projects that will also add the most value to your property. The HomeOwners Alliance share the top 4 projects that will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Convert your loft It won’t come as a surprise that converting your loft has the potential to add the most value to your property, not to mention the most...

2025-03-12

Double height living space – ideas and inspiration

Double height living space – ideas and inspiration From beautiful barn conversions to minimalist modern homes, stunning living spaces to set your imagination soaring Few architectural features offer the wow factor of double height spaces. Whether it’s an entrance hall or living room, they create inspiring, cathedral like spaces usually with striking natural light that can be a joy to inhabit. In home extensions, double height can also be used to create a focal point that draws the...

2025-03-11

Clever ways to make your home feel at one with nature

Clever ways to make your home feel at one with nature Linking indoor and outdoor spaces is not a new design concept. John Brookes wrote his seminal book ‘Room Outside’ in the 1960s. That was 60 years ago. And while the range of products has increased exponentially, the role a garden can play hasn’t changed - an extension of our home. In this article we explore different ways to help you create a beautiful and functional indoor-outdoor space that complements your...

2025-03-10

Stylish ideas for single storey extensions

Stunning ideas to inspire your project Building an extension is a great way to add more space and light to your home. Whether you’relooking to expand your kitchen, add a home office or build a garden room, here are some ideas and inspiration for your project. Invest in the design? Whether or not to hire an architect for your project is a key decision. For some, it may seem like an unnecessary expensive, especially if the budget is limited. All that may be required for a small extension is...

2025-03-07

What can you build for your budget?

Building costs have soared since 2020 - so what can you build for your budget? Budgets can make or break a project whether you’ve got £25,000 or £700,000 to spend. Before you get carried away drawing up plans for that dream extension you’ve always wanted, it’s vital to work out roughly what you can afford to spend without going bankrupt. Whether you’re going to expand an existing room, add a new one or even an extra floor, everything comes down to the size of...

2025-03-06

Kitchen trends 2025 – what’s hot?

Whether you’re planning a new kitchen or simply updating your existing one, you may well be looking for inspiration. From supersize fridge-freezers and hidden extractors to the latest colours and finishes, here’s what the experts say will be hot in the year ahead. Warm, natural colours Cabinet colour is one of the first things many people consider when looking for kitchen ideas. Associated with sunshine, happiness and positivity, yellow is an increasingly popular choice for the...

2025-03-05

How to find a good architect

Find the best professional to turn your dream into reality Selecting an architect to extend or renovate your home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Contrary to what some builders might say, they do a lot than draw pretty pictures. A good architect has the expertise and imagination to make the most of any space available and the skills to guide you through the planning process. They can tell you if a scheme is feasible and cost-effective, find the best local builders,...

2025-03-04

How to get the best from builders’ quotes

Getting builders’ quotes is a key part of any project. Whether you plan a two-storey extension or bathroom refit, building work can be expensive and you’ll want to avoid spiralling costs. Getting builders’ quotes is a key part of any project. Building quotes and estimates often get mixed up, yet they are different. An estimate is an educated guess of how much a project might cost. By comparison, a builder’s quote is a fixed price for a job and should include a detailed...

2025-03-03

Hiring and working with trades

How to find the right people for your building project The cowboy builder who asked for the full amount upfront and disappeared with a friend’s life savings at the start of a home extension. The plumber who came with stellar reviews from a check a trade website and whose botched bathroom job caused water to leak into the room below. The carpenter who was so flaky he put his foot through the hallway ceiling while in the attic, causing plasterwork to come crashing down on a brand-new wool...

2025-03-01

Clever loft conversion layouts

Clever loft conversion layouts Planning to extend upwards? There are multiple possibilities, so before you start work take inspiration from these ideas Loft conversions are generally considered the most affordable type of extension because they can be built under the existing roof structure. Foundation works are rarely required. Yet they can be surprising complex: quirky geometry roof shapes, sloping ceilings and limited headroom. Added to this is the need for space for a staircase from below....

2025-02-28

Cooking up a new kitchen?

Factors to consider when choosing a dream kitchen From rustic farmhouse to modern minimalism and Scandi forest vibes, there are so many different styles it can be overwhelming to pick a new kitchen. Plus, buying a kitchen is a big investment, so it needs to be strong and built to last. So, what are the key factors to consider when choosing a kitchen? Focus on functionality & workflow When choosing a new kitchen, you might be focused on looks above all else whether it’s a supersize...

2025-02-27

Stunning Vaulted Ceilings

Get inspired with these lofty, light-filled interiors Building a new extension offers the perfect opportunity to incorporate a vaulted ceiling into your home design. But it’s not the only moment to consider this stunning feature. Whether you’re expanding into the loft, replacing the roof of an existing house or converting a barn, a vaulted ceiling can transform the look and feel of your home. While vaulted ceilings are impressive, the right cladding can further enhance their...

2025-02-26

Look to the sun for more natural light

Designing with light Daylight is an essential element for any home, transforming spaces into bright, uplifting environments. By maximizing natural light, you can create a more inviting atmosphere, reduce reliance on artificial lighting, and enhance both mood and energy efficiency. Embracing this free natural resource not only boosts your home's aesthetic appeal but also promotes a healthier living space. Why is daylight important? In the UK, daylight is deemed so important that people have a...

2025-02-25

Choose doors with wow factor for your home

Choose doors with wow factor for your home Rustic, reclaimed doors offer a unique charm. Alex, whose company specialises in doors made from reclaimed and engineered wood, emphasises their individuality. “A reclaimed internal door instantly adds charm and character. Each one is bespoke, with natural variations in colour, grain, knots and marking, making it a true wow factor piece in your interior scheme.” For added visual interest, choose from a variety of patterns and designs, such...

2025-02-21

Solving exterior window condensation in spring and summer

Solving exterior window condensation in spring and summer In warmer months, you’ll be more likely to find condensation on the exterior of windows than on the inside. While it’s usually less concerning than interior condensation, it can still be an annoyance or lead to mold growth along your window’s exterior frame and sill. Here’s how to prevent it: Seal your windows with weatherstripping. Adding weatherstripping around your windows creates a tighter seal, reducing...

2025-02-20

How to Get Rid of Condensation Inside Windows: Seasonal Guide

Constantly spotting wet streaks or droplets appearing on your windows? It’s not just irritating when you want to see outside. Regular condensation can actually be a sign that your windows need attention – or even lead to mold. Condensation varies by season, forming inside or outside windows. Let's understand why and explore seasonal solutions. Why do my windows have condensation on the inside? No matter the season, condensation forms when warm, humid air meets a cool surface –...

2025-02-19

Window shopping: Timber or plastic? Double or triple glazed?

What makes a great window? Windows play a crucial role in any home extension or refurbishment, far beyond their basic functions of letting in light and providing views of the outside world. They influence the overall aesthetics, energy efficiency, ventilation, and even security of your house. Windows are a big house The existing style of your home Local planning authorities are likely to grant permission for projects that complement the existing design of your property. Gloucester City...

2025-02-18

Replacement Windows : 11 Types of Windows for Your Home

Replacement Windows : 11 Types of Windows for Your Home Function and style are just the beginning. Learn which windows are best for every situation. Have you been thinking of replacing the old wood or vinyl windows in your home? With so many window types, configurations, and add-ons available today, deciding which styles and features are right for you can be a daunting task. Let’s look at 11 of the most popular types of replacement windows to see what sets each one apart from the...

2025-02-17

Bifold vs sliding doors – the pros and cons

Bifold vs sliding doors – the pros and cons Bifold doors that ‘bring the outside in’ have seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years but how do they differ from sliding doors? Which option is best for you? What’s the difference? Bifold doors fold back against themselves, concertina-style. Typically, between two and seven panels are connected by hinges and run along a concealed track on the floor or ceiling or both. Whereas sliding doors tend to be made of two or...

2025-01-15

Are Casement Windows the Best Option for Your Home Update?

Pros and cons of casement windows Until it’s time to make a choice, you may not realize just how many types of windows there are for homes. Everyone is familiar with the traditional double-hung style, which lifts open from the lower sill or down from the top of the frame. There are sliding windows, picture windows, bay windows, and more. Often overlooked, though, is the casement window. They come in a broad range of styles and sizes and blend well with other window designs, but casement...

2025-01-11

Tempered Glass: Revolutionizing Window and Door Solutions

Much of the glass that’s used for residential and commercial applications is tempered safety glass. In short, tempered glass is heat-treated, making it about 4x stronger than regular, annealed glass. By design, when broken, tempered glass disintegrates into small pieces and is much less likely to do harm. When shattered, tempered glass windows can help protect a building’s occupants and equipment from the hazards of large shards of fragmented glass debris. Below, we discuss what...