Guides
Guides for planning your house and home
From planning permission and permitted development to furniture in real measurements. Read, then try it on your own drawing.
Planning & regulations
Local plans and permitted development explained
What you can build without planning permission: permitted development, the 50% curtilage rule, height limits and boundary distances in plain English.
Read the guide · 6 minPlanning application checklist – step by step
From pre-application advice to completion certificate: drawings, fees, the 8-week decision period, Building Regulations and time limits.
Read the guide · 6 minDrawing your own planning drawings – what is required
Location plan, block plan, floor plans, elevations and sections at 1:50 or 1:100 – what UK councils normally expect.
Read the guide · 6 minGarden rooms and annexes – size, height and use
Outbuilding rules under permitted development: 2.5 m height near boundaries, 4 m dual-pitched roof, and when an annexe needs planning permission.
Read the guide · 5 minLayout & furnishing
Furniture clearance guide – walkways and free space
How much space around the dining table, bed and sofa? Practical clearances for comfortable rooms.
Read the guide · 4 minPlanning a bathroom – sizes and accessibility
Turning circle, WC clearances, shower sizes and Part M guidance for bathrooms.
Read the guide · 4 minRenovating a flat: how to plan it properly
Renovating a flat? How to plan the layout, bathroom, electrics and sound – and what to check with your freeholder before any builder starts.
Read the guide · 8 minBuilding a house: how to plan it right
Building your own house? Choose the plot, house type and layout in the right order, understand your responsibilities and avoid costly mistakes.
Read the guide · 10 minPlanning a garden: what to think about first
How to plan a garden in the right order: map sun and shade, divide it into zones, place the patio by the sun and build in stages without costly mistakes.
Read the guide · 9 minConstruction
Timber frame basics – studs at 400 mm centres
Sole plate, studs, head plate and lintels: how a UK timber-frame wall is built.
Read the guide · 4 minBuilding a mountain cabin – layout, rules and common mistakes
Planning a cabin in the Highlands? How to design for snow, wind, boot rooms, ski storage and sleeping space – and what to check with the council first.
Read the guide · 8 minBuilding a holiday cottage – rules, layout and mistakes
Planning a holiday cottage? How to think about the plot, planning permission, drainage, damp, the terrace and guest beds – and what to check first.
Read the guide · 8 minExtending your house: what to think about first
Planning a house extension? How to choose between building out or up, join the new layout to the old and avoid the most expensive mistakes.
Read the guide · 9 min