How to get the most from your architect
- At 16/01/2019
- By paultesta
- In advice, construction, design, money, sustainability



Working with an architect is an investment. Choose the right one and their fee will be paid back in spades by the value they will add to your project.
However, to get the most from your architect it’s important that you’re prepared as a client.
Here are our top tips to get you started:
Read More»What are your health & safety responsibilities as a self-builder?
- At 24/10/2018
- By paultesta
- In advice, construction, money



Behind the excitement of building your dream project lurks one of the least glamorous, but most vital aspects of construction, Health and Safety.
Self-build finance: everything you need to know
- At 25/09/2018
- By paultesta
- In advice, money



Organising your funding may not be the most exciting part of your self-build project, but it’s one of the most important.
Before focusing on the design, build and materials, it’s important to know your budget and how you are going to fund the build.
We’ve teamed up with BuildStore Mortgage Services, the UK’s leading self-build mortgage experts, to give you the low down on how to work out your budget, understand your borrowing options, and be best prepared when applying for funding.
Take cover: everything you need to know about insuring your property
- At 26/07/2018
- By paultesta
- In advice, construction, money



There are lots of things to consider when planning a new project. Often one of the last things people consider is insurance.
Which is why we have teamed up with Paul Taylor from Actus Insurance. Paul has put together his top tips for planning your project insurance cover.
Read More»Thinking of Self-Building? Don’t plan your project without reading this…
- At 23/05/2018
- By paultesta
- In advice, construction, design, money, planning, sustainability



Following on from Paul’s latest column in Homebuilding & Renovating magazine, we’ve been thinking about the benefits of self-building.
So here are our top tips for self-build success:

Why it pays to be patient when planning your dream build
- At 25/04/2018
- By paultesta
- In advice, construction, design, money, news, planning, sustainability



Our Top Tips for getting your project finished on time.
When you’re investing so much money into your construction project, including architect fees, it’s worth taking your time to make sure it’s planned correctly. Especially as you’re likely to be enjoying the finished building for many, many years to come.
Read More»Are You Concerned The Construction Stage Of Your Project Won’t Run Smoothly?
- At 29/11/2017
- By paultesta
- In advice, construction, money



Our top tips for realising the project of your dreams.
How much would your dream build cost
- At 21/08/2017
- By paultesta
- In advice, design, money



Stamford Road, Oakham [2017] – £1425/m2 Average Cost [Refurbishment & New Build]
Building a new home, a new extension or remodelling and retrofitting your house is an exciting prospect. It’s really important, though, that you enter the process as well informed as possible and to be realistic about cost. We have had more issues around project cost than anything else so aligning your expectations to reality is a vital step before you engage an architect to help you realise your dreams.
Read More»