Author: dhdesignbuild

Outside Workspaces

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If during the Coronavirus pandemic you find yourself working from home, you may find yourself thinking about your future working arrangements with your company. Finding yourself working on a laptop at home may initially feel great but then the reality kicks in when the house becomes noisy and you find yourself becoming constantly distracted and unable to focus on the job in hand. If your living space or work space is feeling smaller, a garden retreat could be the perfect summer project. Many families are now thinking that with travel arrangements and holidays severely affected by the coronavirus outbreak, now would be the perfect time to put the money towards a garden building, summer house, home office, gym, entertainment room, studio or childrens den.

We have noticed a recent surge in garden building enquires and feel that over the next few years this will continue to rise. We have therefore provided a brief breakdown of the types of garden rooms available to you. We have also dedicated a page that will provide you with useful information regarding important factors which focus on the planning, permitted development and building regulation aspects of your project. Please have a look at the following types of garden rooms we specialise in.

The Home Office

Is working in the house becoming unbearable? Space at the back of your garden crying out for change? Finding that you are working from home more than before? Well it sounds like now would be a good time to construct a home office. We are here to assist you with the design of a home office to meet your requirements. We will carry out background planning checks to determine the best approach for your unique structure. Please refer to the Planning Support Tab for further information.

The Summer House

Are you looking for a retreat away from the house where you can relax and listen to the sound of the birds with your favourite tipple close to hand? Then open your mind to the wonderful thought of having your vey own summer house designed for you. We can design to a size and style that meets with your requirements and enhances the garden space around it. Maybe you are looking for a low maintenance structure with a composite decked area in front to sit with family and friends. Look no further.

Please get in touch by clicking on our CONTACT tab and we would be happy to discuss your ideas.

Bifolding vs Sliding doors

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When designing a rear facing extension or new build home, we’ve found 9/10 clients are looking to introduce either a set bifolding or sliding doors. Which is no surprise considering both of these products allow you to open up your home to the outside world and create indoor/outdoor flow within summer months.


Additionally, they also allow for copious amounts of natural daylight to enter your home, while being predominantly shut during the colder winter months. The question on most client’s lips is “which is better?” and that question is completely dependent on a number of things. What you should ask yourself is what’s best for you? Below we compare the two mechanisms on several important factors, whilst also considering different materials for both door options, this to help you answer this question for yourself.

Pitched roof or flat roof?

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Over the years we are constantly being asked by our clients, which is better… a pitched roof or a flat roof? The answer is dependent on a number of factors and personal preference. In order to help you make this decision for yourself we have decided to create a comparison of the two roofing systems in several categories including cost, usability, durability and aesthetics.

COVID-19 Update

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Following this evenings COVID-19 update from Boris, l feel it necessary to update everyone on my business status. These are extremely difficult times and an extension might be right at the back of your mind because you have other things to worry about and focus on. You might have spent the lockdown time thinking about what you would like to do once things are back to normal.

The planning process alone can take anywhere between 8 and 12 weeks currently. …The building regulations process can take 4 to 6 weeks to secure approval. Now would be a great time for you to take the first steps and get the ball rolling. Please note that planning approval will be valid for 3 years from the decision date.

I will now be available to visit clients but only by sticking 100% to the governments social distancing rules. If you are not comfortable with this then I am always happy to discuss your ideas over the phone. By doing this, some of the initial questions can be dealt with: Can I?; How do i?; What happens?; and the dreaded what will it cost?

Taking things another step further can be done using the marvels of modern technology! Why not get in touch to arrange a free consultation. Stay safe and l look forward to hearing from you.