Sarah Gould Architects

12/06/2026

🏡 Hints & Tips week 2: Budgeting Your Project

A successful project starts with a realistic and detailed budget.

When planning your renovation, extension, or new build, remember to include more than just the construction costs. Kitchens, bathrooms, lighting, decorating, flooring, and furniture can all have a significant impact on the overall budget.

It's also wise to set aside a contingency fund of 10–20% to cover unforeseen costs that may arise during the build.

Building costs can fluctuate, particularly material prices, so speaking with an experienced industry professional early in the process can help you plan accurately. Don't forget to account for additional expenses such as labour, planning fees, Building Control charges, and consultant fees for services including Architects, Structural Engineers, and Planning Consultants.

Careful budgeting from the outset helps avoid surprises and keeps your project running smoothly from concept to completion.

03/06/2026

Home Renovation Hints & Tips Series Week 1: A Clear Goal

Thinking about renovating, extending or reconfiguring your home?

The start of any renovation project is exciting. It's the chance to imagine how your home could better suit your lifestyle, growing family, or future plans. But before the designs and building work begin, having a clear goal is one of the most important steps to ensuring a successful project.

Taking the time to define your objectives early can help avoid costly changes later and ensure your finished home works for you for years to come.

Follow along as we share more practical hints and tips throughout this ongoing series to help make your renovation journey as smooth and successful as possible.

02/06/2026

10/05/2026

Not as fun as it sounds! 🧱

A Party Wall is a wall or boundary shared with a neighbour. If you’re planning construction work on or near it, you may need a Party Wall agreement.

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 also covers:
✔️ Work to garden walls
✔️ Foundations built within a certain distance of neighbouring properties

These agreements help protect both neighbours in the event of damage during construction.

Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/preventing-and-resolving-disputes-in-relation-to-party-walls/the-party-wall-etc-act-1996-explanatory-booklet

01/05/2026

This one-off family home was designed to better respond to both the scale of the plot and its surrounding context, replacing a dwelling that no longer made the most of its setting.

The scheme balances traditional forms with contemporary detailing, creating a home that feels grounded in its environment while offering modern, light-filled spaces inside.

Thoughtful design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making places work better for the people who live in them and the landscapes they sit within.

22/04/2026

It’s always a privilege to support clients through the ups and downs of a project, especially when challenges arise.

I’m so pleased we were able to turn things around and find a cost-effective, compliant solution that worked for this client.

Clear communication, practical design, and a collaborative approach are at the heart of everything I do, so feedback like this really means a lot.

If you’re facing planning hurdles or need support bringing your project forward, I’d love to help.

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18/04/2026

Thinking of extending your leasehold property?

Before planning any internal changes or extensions to your flat, it’s important to check your leasehold agreement. Many leases include a clause requiring you to obtain consent from the freeholder before carrying out any work.

Securing this consent is a crucial first step, often needed before you even apply for planning permission.

Taking the time to get this right early on can help avoid delays and complications later in the process.

To learn more, take a look at the guide below:
https://lnkd.in/eTbD5GQQ

05/04/2026

Happ Easter everyone, enjoy the sunshine 🌞 x

23/03/2026

Did you know...

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is in place to protect specific trees from being cut down, uprooted, or damaged without permission from your local planning authority.

If you’re planning any development on your property, it’s important to:
✔️ Check your local authority website for TPOs
✔️ Understand whether a tree survey is required
✔️ Consider how nearby trees may impact your proposal

Taking these steps early can help avoid delays and ensure compliance.

🔗 Learn more about tree legislation here: https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Public/A-brief-guide-to-legislation-for-trees

16/03/2026

A beautiful before & after of this extension in Shinfield.

Amazing what a little extra light and space can do to transform a home!

From dark to bright, open and inviting. A great example of how thoughtful design can make all the difference to your home.

Thinking about extending your home? Get in touch to see how I can help bring your ideas to life.