Practical guidance for better building decisions.
Clear, experience-led advice on planning, architectural design, building regulations, structural engineering and party wall matters.
Buying a House With Unauthorised Building Work: What Every Homeowner Should Check Before Renovating
Buying a property with previous building work can become a costly mistake if planning permission, Building Regulations or structural alterations have not been properly documented. This guide explains how to identify potential issues, understand the approval process and prepare your property for renovation using real experience from London projects completed by AC Design Solution.
Read the guideBrowse by topic
Latest guidance
New advice, project insight and practical explanations from our multidisciplinary team.
Can your loft take an ensuite? The structural checks to make before you design
Before you design a loft ensuite, check three things: can the floor carry it, where the waste can actually drain, and whether you've got 2.2m headroom.
Read article
Can You Extend the Front of Your House?
Front extensions usually need planning permission. Learn the rules, permitted development limits, building regulations, costs, and design considerations before you build.
Read article
Who pays for party wall surveyor
Find out who pays party wall surveyor costs, when fees may be shared, and what building owners and adjoining owners must do under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 in the UK.
Read articleBrowse all advice
59 articles
Party Wall Notice Timescales
Understand Party Wall Notice Timescales, including two-month and 14-day notice periods, neighbour response deadlines, and when building work can legally begin in England.
Read article
what size extension can i build without planning permission
Learn how big a house extension can be without planning permission in England, covering permitted development limits, prior approval rules and key exceptions to consider.
Read article
Do You Need Planning Permission for an Extension?
Do you need planning permission for an extension? Find out what permitted development rights cover, when to apply, and what building regulations require.
Read article
House extension costs: Breakdown by size & type
House extension cost in the UK ranges from £25,000 to £130,000+. Budget £1,800–£3,000/m² in 2025. Get fixed-fee extension drawings from AC Design Solution.
Read article
No Party wall agreement
Victorian terraced houses with shared party walls, illustrating the risks and responsibilities of carrying out building work with no party wall agreement.
Read article
velux loft conversion
How much does a Velux loft conversion cost in 2026? This complete guide covers average prices, planning permission, building regulations and expert tips.
Read article
What is a party wall
Know the difference between a party wall and a boundary wall before building near a shared boundary, and avoid delays, disputes, and legal costs.
Read article
Party Wall Award Costs
Party wall award costs in London range from £700 to £2,000. Fixed fees, enclosure costs with a worked example, and advice on keeping costs down.
Read article
How to Identify a Load Bearing Wall
Before you knock down a wall, find out if it's load-bearing. This guide explains how to identify load-bearing walls, what wall removal involves, and when to call a structural engineer.
Read articleReady to discuss your project?
Tell us what you are planning and receive a clear initial fee estimate from the right member of our team.