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How to Work Out What You Really Want From Your Home Extension
Not sure what you really want from your home extension? Explore practical ways to clarify your priorities, budget, layout and brief before you start.

Karenna Wilford
4 days ago3 min read


10 Questions to Answer Before Starting Your Home Extension or Renovation
Planning a home extension or renovation? Explore 10 essential questions on design, budgets, planning permission, layouts and choosing the right architect.

Karenna Wilford
Oct 164 min read


Before You Meet Your Architect: What Every Homeowner Should Know
What information does an architect need from you? Discover which plans, photographs, ideas, budget details and priorities to bring to your first consultation.

Karenna Wilford
Oct 93 min read


What to Prepare Before Hiring an Architect: A Homeowner’s Complete Checklist
Planning an extension, renovation or new-build home? Use this practical homeowner checklist to prepare for your first meeting with an architect.

Karenna Wilford
Oct 25 min read


Multi-generational Living: Designing a Home for Every Generation
Explore how thoughtful multi-generational home design can create privacy, flexibility and accessibility for extended families living together in the UK.

Karenna Wilford
Sep 184 min read


Choosing the Right Extension for Your Property Type
Explore the main types of house extensions, including side return, rear and wrap around extensions, and learn which option may best suit your property.

Karenna Wilford
Sep 114 min read


Why Orientation Matters: Positioning Your Home for Sunlight, Views and Energy Efficiency
Discover why house orientation matters and how sunlight, views, passive solar design and a sustainable home layout can improve comfort and energy efficiency.

Karenna Wilford
Sep 44 min read


Building Your Forever Home: Questions to Ask Before You Start
Thinking about building a forever home? Explore the key questions to consider before you begin, from lifestyle and budget to flexibility, sustainability and custom home design.

Karenna Wilford
Aug 284 min read


Designing the Perfect Open-Plan Kitchen Extension
Open-plan living can be particularly effective when extending the rear of a property. Removing unnecessary internal divisions and extending into the garden can create a generous kitchen, dining and living area with a much stronger sense of space.

Karenna Wilford
Aug 216 min read


How Sustainable Design Can Reduce Your Energy Bills
Discover how sustainable home design can reduce energy bills through better insulation, orientation, glazing, airtightness and efficient systems without compromising comfort or character.

Karenna Wilford
Aug 143 min read


The Complete Guide to Listed Building Extensions
Planning a listed building extension? This complete guide explains consent, design, materials, planning risks and how to create a sensitive addition that respects historic character.

Karenna Wilford
Aug 74 min read


Why Homeowners Regret Not Hiring an Architect Earlier
Why hire an architect early? Discover how early residential architect advice can prevent costly changes, improve planning decisions and create a more coherent home.

Karenna Wilford
Jul 314 min read


How to Future-Proof Your Home for Retirement and Later Life
Discover how future-proof home design can create a comfortable, accessible and adaptable home for retirement, later life and changing family needs without compromising style.

Karenna Wilford
Jul 244 min read


Loft Conversion vs Extension: Which Adds More Value to Your Home?
Deciding between a loft conversion and an extension? Compare space, cost, planning, disruption and potential home extension value to find the best investment for your property.

Karenna Wilford
Jul 173 min read


Do I Need Planning Permission for a House Extension?
One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is whether they need planning permission for their extension. The answer depends on a range of factors — from the size and position of what you are proposing to where your home is located. Here is what you need to know.

Karenna Wilford
Jul 104 min read


How Much Does an Architect Cost in Sussex, Surrey & Kent in 2026?
Wondering what to budget for architectural services in the South East? This guide breaks down typical architect fees across Sussex, Surrey and Kent in 2026, covering fee structures, average project costs, and what's actually included in a quote.

Karenna Wilford
Jul 74 min read


Exploring Historic Craftsmanship: A Day at the Weald and Downland Living Museum
A smaller footprint doesn't have to mean compromising on how you live. With the right architectural design approach, even the most compact home can feel spacious, light-filled, and beautifully functional. At Karenna Wilford Architects, we specialise in unlocking the hidden potential of small homes — here are some of the smart design solutions we use.
Karenna Wilford
Jun 292 min read


Maximising Space: Smart Architectural Design Solutions for Small Homes
A smaller footprint doesn't have to mean compromising on how you live. With the right architectural design approach, even the most compact home can feel spacious, light-filled, and beautifully functional. At Karenna Wilford Architects, we specialise in unlocking the hidden potential of small homes — here are some of the smart design solutions we use.

Karenna Wilford
Jun 264 min read


From Concept to Completion: The Architectural Design Process Explained
Thinking about a new build, extension, or renovation? Understanding the architectural design process can help you feel confident at every stage. At Karenna Wilford Architects, we guide our clients from the very first conversation through to the moment they step into their completed home — here's what that journey looks like.

Karenna Wilford
Jun 194 min read


Sustainable Architecture: Designing Energy-Efficient Homes for the Future
Sustainable Architecture & Energy-Efficient Home Design As energy costs continue to rise and environmental awareness grows, sustainable architecture is becoming a key consideration for homeowners planning a new build, extension, or renovation. By combining intelligent design with energy-efficient technologies, homes can be more comfortable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible. At Karenna Wilford Architects, we believe great architecture should enhance both the way

Karenna Wilford
Jun 122 min read
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