An Architect Guide to Building a House in London
Building a House in London
Designing and constructing a new build in London is an incredible privilege and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’ll change the layout of the city for many years to come and provide a haven of tranquillity for its residents in one of the most beloved cities in the world. With so many things to consider when building a house in London, here’s a checklist from an architect’s perspective.
- Think Carefully About the Location
There are many wonderful areas in London, so it’s a good idea to explore the boroughs to see the architectural concepts in each area. This might help you to decide where to settle. After all, experienced architects for luxury homes in London will likely advise that you embrace the cultural and design heritage of the local area. This shows respect for neighbours, is more likely to be approved by the council and will ensure your new build doesn’t damage the aesthetics of an area. If there’s something about the layout or design of a borough you don’t like, move on and find somewhere that you prefer.
As well as the look and feel of a place, which will undoubtedly impact your property design, think about how the location aligns with your current living situation as well as long and short-term goals. Is it close to work and schools? Is it close to train and bus stops? Is the area safe for children? Do you see yourself living there long-term? If not, what’s the rental market like?
- Set a Realistic Budget
Even if you have financial freedom, setting a budget will help you to feel in control of your London new build project from the start. Knowing how much you want to spend on each element of the project is also helpful as it’ll enable you to source the most suitable materials, fittings, fixtures and anything else needed to make your design dreams a reality. Be sure to set aside funds for the architect fee too, as this is something many people forget. Reputable architects in London will be upfront and transparent with costing to avoid any surprises.
- Choose Building Materials Carefully
If this is your first new build, it can be easy to get bogged down by the wide range of building materials available. But there are a few main considerations to keep in mind such as the climate, energy efficiency, durability, maintenance requirements and aesthetics. If all the houses in your chosen area have been crafted from red brick and off-white mortar, for instance, choosing something dramatically different could be an issue. What’s more, if you’re going for sustainability, you could weigh up the pros and cons of using recycled steel, reclaimed wood, bamboo, cork, rammed earth and natural insulation materials like sheep’s wool or cellulose fibre. The best thing to do if you’re unsure is to seek the help of an experienced London architect who can point you in the right direction.
- Think About Property Design
Your London new build needs to be built with you and your family in mind. Think about how you live and what rooms you’ll need to enjoy your space fully. If you’re musical, for instance, you might require an insulated music room as well as a living and dining room. Think about family size too and if you plan to have children/more children as this could impact the number of bedrooms on your design plan.
London Architects
There’s a lot to think about when building a house in London, so contact the Architects of London today for advice. With offices in Kensington, Chiswick, Romford and Hampstead, we’re always happy to implement our local knowledge and will help you to build the perfect London home.
