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H1: Should You Renovate or Extend? My Personal Feasibility Advice for Your Leicestershire Home It’s the question that starts every client conversation: Should I renovate or build a new extension? As your Architectural Designer, I provide clear, objective advice based on feasibility, cost, and design potential . The Process I Use to Advise You: I Conduct a Measured Building Survey:  I first establish the true constraints and opportunities of your existing home. I Analyse Lifes

H1: My Top 5 Design Trends for Leicestershire Kitchen Extensions in 2026 The kitchen remains the core of modern living. As your Designer in Leicestershire, I help you move beyond trends to create a timeless, functional space. Here are the top 5 concepts I'm using for House Extension Design in 2026: Broken-Plan Functionality:  Using subtle changes in ceiling height, internal glazed screens, and bespoke joinery to define areas (e.g., kitchen, dining, snug) without losing the fe

H1: Why My Model Saves Your Time and Money The conventional "Design-Bid-Build" model is fraught with delay and conflict. As your personal and construction expert, my Design & Build  service eliminates this fragmentation, providing you with a single point of accountability. The Problems I Solve with My Service: Traditional Method Problem My Solution Cost Uncertainty I estimate build costs as I design , preventing budget shock when tenders come in. Blame Game I take full respon

H1: The Designer's Eye, the Carpenter's Hand: My Approach to Bespoke Timber Work My dual qualification as an Architectural Designer (MA) and a Carpenter (City & Guilds) is best demonstrated in my bespoke timber work. This is where House Extension Design becomes art, backed by practical trade knowledge. How My Carpentry Expertise Elevates Your Design: Custom Joinery:  I specialise in designing integrated features—from hidden storage and media units to expansive window seats—th

H1: Searching for Carpenters Leicestershire? Why Hire Me, the Designer with Hands-On Expertise If you typed "Carpenters Leicestershire" or "carpenter near me" into Google, you're looking for quality, craftsmanship, and a tradesperson you can trust. You’ve found the person who provides all that and the design. I am Robert Drague, an Architectural Designer who is also a City & Guilds-qualified Carpenter. The Problem:  Most designers have never lifted a hammer. They produce draw

H1: Why I Insist on Measured Building Surveys: The Accurate Foundation for My Architectural Design As an Architectural Designer, my work is only as good as the measurements I start with. I cannot, and will not, design an extension, without a current, professional Measured Building Survey . Why I Personally Oversee Your Survey: Construction Risk Mitigation:  My background as a carpenter means I know exactly how walls meet roofs, how drains run, and how floors are constructed.

H1: Essential Costs in Leicestershire: My Personal Budgeting Secrets The true cost of an extension in Leicestershire is never just the builder's final quote. Over my 17 years in this industry, I’ve seen budgets fail because homeowners miss the 'soft costs.' I offer total transparency. Cost Category What I Help You Budget For Robert Drague's Advantage Design Fees My Architectural Design Services 5\%-15% of build I am dual-qualified ; my fee covers the precision of design and  

H1: How to Find the Right House Extension Designer: 7 Critical Questions I Recommend Asking Searching for a "House Extension Architect" is common, but what you really need is a qualified, experienced Designer  who manages the whole project. You're hiring a person , so you need to vet them carefully. Here are the 7 questions I, Robert Drague, recommend asking any professional: What are your qualifications (RIBA, CIAT, MA, etc.) and your building experience?  ( My Answer: MA in

H1: Single vs. Two-Storey Extension: My Design Advice for Maximising Value As your Architectural Designer, one of the first questions I help you answer is: Should we go up or out? Both single and two-storey extensions offer fantastic benefits, but one usually provides a better return on investment for your House Extension Design. Design Option Best Used For Why I Recommend It Single-Storey Open-plan kitchens, light-filled living areas, connecting to the garden. Lower overall

H1: Permitted Development vs. Planning: My Personal Guide for Your Leicestershire Extension Starting an extension project in Leicestershire often begins with a headache: Do I need Planning Permission? I'm Robert Drague, your dedicated Architectural Designer, and I'm here to simplify that for you. While Permitted Development (PD) rights allow certain extensions without full planning, navigating the fine print is where my expertise comes in. My Personal Approach to Planning: Th