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For Homeowners

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Your project

Your house is probably the most expensive thing you own. We think it’s important when you’re considering having building work carried out to get the right advice from the start to avoid any “Grand Designs” mistakes.

Where do you start?

If you have no idea where to start, talk to friends and family who have had building work carried out. Remember, Architects don’t just draw pretty pictures, they are there to help and they know about the whole process. Don’t be afraid to ask as you’ll be getting professional unbiased advice. Most times it’ll also be free if you just need a chat.

Practical help

Here are a few simple points to consider:

First Ideas
Think about what you might want to achieve and why. Are you looking to make more space, make money or both. Look around for ideas in magazines, on the internet and in your town/village You can look though our portfolio of projects.
Team
You’ll most likely need an Architect, but could also need a Structural Engineer, Civil Engineer along with other professional advisers. Start with a good Architect and they’ll be able to advise you.
Budget
How much do you want to spend? Speak with friends and family who may have had work carried out and find out how much it cost. As well as the cost of paying the builder you will have professional fees (Architect etc), application fees (Planning application if applicable, Building Regulation application fee etc) and the build cost. Don’t forget VAT!
Time
These things take time. Properly carried out the whole process from appointing an Architect to getting the keys to your finished project can take months, if not years.

See More Project Inspiration

Useful Information

You might find these links useful:

The Planning Portal
The national Planning Portal – loads of information relating to planning applications. Click here
Flood Risk
Find out if your house is at risk of flooding. Click here
Good Homes Alliance
A group of housing developers, building professionals and other industry supporters whose aim is to transform the UK housing sector to ensure it creates and maintains Good Homes for all. Click here
Energy Saving Trust
A non-profit organisation funded mostly by the British Government in order to help fight climate change by promoting the sustainable use of energy, energy conservation and to cut carbon dioxide emissions in the United Kingdom. Click here

Can we help with your project?

We’re here to provide friendly, impartial, professional advice. Calling us could be the best thing you’ve ever done?

Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want a quote?
Something on your mind – ask us a question.
Get in contact now.

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What our clients say about us

  • “Very reassuring”
    Private client,

    We asked Thinking Buildings to revisit and redesign the planning permission we had obtained for our house ​as we had some concerns about the functionality and appearance of key elements of our original design. Thinking Buildings quickly got to grips with the project and were able to lift the plans ​and...

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  • “the perfect balance between creative design, professional skills and trusted advisor”
    Ian & Lynne McArdle,

    We heard about Thinking Buildings via a RIBA search of local practices – Darren responded extremely quickly when we registered our project on the RIBA website, and we were won over by his pro-activity and desire to support us in our project from the outset. We met three or four...

    Read more
  • “we very appreciate the effort and dedication”
    Ian & Lynne McArdle,

    Thank you Darren for the efficient way with which you have closed this out. We are really pleased with the finished article, and very much appreciate the effort and dedication that has gone into delivering such a fantastic end product. I would not hesitate to recommend you, and I very...

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  • “professionalism and knowledge helped us understand the renovation process”
    Sara & Oli Smith,

    I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you very much to Thinking Buildings, in particular James Hutton for his help, expertise and patience with our requirements. James’ professionalism and knowledge helped us understand the renovation process when buying our new home and the potential that we were...

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  • “Thinking Buildings were committed to creating the best outcome”
    Julian Dickens,

    A number of people have told us that there are only two kinds of architect; those who  will design something exciting – but it will be their vision and their house design, not yours; and those who will design the house you want, but it won’t be very exciting. We...

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