Journal
Before youbuild
Plain-English guides to planning, building regulations, HMOs and designing your own home, written from our experience across the Midlands.
Planning6 min read
Do I need planning permission for an extension?
Permitted development, prior approval or a full householder application: how to tell which route your extension needs.
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HMO7 min read
HMOs and Article 4 in Nottingham: what investors need to know
Why Nottingham's Article 4 direction changes the HMO game, and how a well-designed scheme can still succeed.
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Process5 min read
Planning permission vs building regulations: what's the difference?
Two separate approvals, two different questions. Here's what each one covers and when you need it.
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New build7 min read
Planning your own grand design: a step-by-step guide
From finding the plot to appointing a builder, the stages of designing your own home and where people go wrong.
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Design4 min read
Why see your home in 3D before you build it
Photoreal CGI isn't a luxury extra. It's the cheapest way to get the big decisions right.
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Advice5 min read
How to choose an architectural designer for your home
Architect or architectural designer, fees, portfolios and the questions to ask before you appoint anyone.
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Every project starts with a free discovery meeting. Tell us what you’re planning and we’ll guide you from the first sketch to construction drawings.
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