Designer know-how, before you build.

There are at least 21 first- and second-fix items a builder will need you to source for a single bathroom. Multiply that across a whole house and it's easy to see how orders slip and costs creep.

Before work starts, list every item you need to choose, what it costs, how long it takes to arrive and when it must be on site. Group it by room and trade — bathrooms, electrics, doors, flooring, kitchen — so nothing holds up your builder.

Removing a chimney breast is expensive, and in many London living rooms it leaves an awkward, invasive shape. Before you knock it out, test layouts that work with it.

The visuals show furniture options for a double reception room. A furnished 3D floorplan lets you compare arrangements like these for your own room before deciding. The full article is coming soon.