The 7 mistakes and how to avoid them - No 2 - Cost vs Value

Mark Muir • 22 November 2023

Cost v Value

Deciding to invest

Are you harbouring the thought of extending or renovating your home?

Taking the decision to design and then deliver a sizeable change to your home can be a big financial, emotional and time consuming prospect.

Make sure you have done your research before you start on your journey. I have gone through this process with clients many times and have found that there are seven very common mistakes that people make that can prove costly to correct.

We can help you eliminate these at the best time; before you begin!

2 Cost v Value - Deciding to invest

So many of our home extension clients ask the same question: Does a home extension make financial sense? It's a good question to ask. A house is one of the biggest purchases many of us will make, so we need to think carefully about the decisions we make and the money we invest in it.

However, there are two ways to look at what 'worth it' means. The first is in simple financial terms - the cost of the build. The second is in emotional terms - the real value of the extension.

Generally, extending your home will be a cost-effective investment that will add value and pay back on itself when you eventually sell, but not always. But a good, well-planned and executed build will usually guarantee that your extension will add value to your home when it comes to selling.

So how much will it cost to build? Balance your budget against what you want to achieve in terms of design and quality of finishes and the size of the proposed extension. It is always better to build with superior materials and a better design than more space or low quality.

Only you can decide what constitutes good value. The cost will be determined by the professionals but only you, the client, can decide it's worth in monetary, enjoyment or usefulness terms.

The key lesson is that the alterations have to be done right from day one and have to suit your needs and desires. The two big differences between working with a good architect who listens and an average one are -

1. How you will feel while living in your home, in other words its value to you

2. What financial value is added to your home by extending if you eventually sell

'The key is that it has to be done right, right from the beginning'

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What's Hot In Hotels 2025: No 9

by Mark Muir • 8 September 2025

Experiential and Immersive Stays: Hotels as Destinations in Themselves The hospitality industry is undergoing a profound transformation. No longer are hotels seen simply as a place to sleep while visiting a destination — they are becoming destinations in their own right. At the forefront of this shift is the rise of experiential and immersive stays , where guests are offered not just accommodation, but curated journeys that blend storytelling, culture, design, and emotion. Beyond the Room: The Rise of Experiential Hospitality Modern travellers are seeking more than comfort and convenience. They want to feel something — to be transported, surprised, and inspired. Hotels that embrace experiential design cater to this demand by creating environments that immerse guests in a narrative or theme. Whether it’s a rainforest-inspired wellness retreat, a heritage hotel that brings history to life, or a futuristic pod hotel infused with digital art, the stay itself becomes a memorable part of the travel story.