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Thoughtful, compliant and cost‑aware design for homeowners across Northern Ireland.
•Design •Planning •Building Control •Extensions •Conversions
Blog
Insights, updates and practical advice for homeowners
Welcome to my Blog
I write for homeowners who want clarity and confidence when improving their homes — from Planning permission and Building Control approval to home extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions and internal alterations. Every post is based on real projects across North Down, Belfast and nearby towns, designed to help you make informed, practical decisions.
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Can My Loft Be Converted? A Practical Guide for Homeowners in Northern Ireland (2026)
Find out if your loft can be converted. Clear feasibility advice, design options and Planning guidance for homes across Northern Ireland.
GT Building Design
Jun 24
Home Extension Design Northern Ireland — Creating Space That Truly Works for You
Professional home extension design in Northern Ireland. Clear drawings, friendly guidance and over 40 years’ experience helping homeowners create space that truly works.
GT Building Design
Jun 18
Architect Fees Northern Ireland – How Much Do Architects Charge for Drawings?
Discover how architect fees in Northern Ireland are calculated, why costs vary, and how a Chartered Architectural Technologist offers homeowners practical value.
GT Building Design
Jun 17
Building Control Northern Ireland: What Homeowners Need to Know Before Starting Work
A practical guide to Building Control Northern Ireland. Learn when approval is needed, the difference between Full Plans and Building Notice, and how to avoid delays with clear drawings and expert guidance.
GT Building Design
Jun 16
Glazed Apex Extension Northern Ireland: Real Project in Donaghadee (Planning Permission and Building Control Approval Granted!)
Case study of a glazed apex extension in Northern Ireland with a full garage conversion in Donaghadee. Planning Permission and Building Control Approval granted. View drawings, layout improvements and design details.
GT Building Design
Jun 14
Do You Need Planning Permission Northern Ireland? Understanding Extensions, Conversions & Internal Alterations.
A clear guide to planning permission Northern Ireland for extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions and internal alterations. Learn when you need permission or a Certificate of Lawfulness.
GT Building Design
Jun 14
Building Over an Existing Garage in Belfast: Planning, Structure and Real Project Example
A clear guide to building over an existing garage in Belfast, covering planning, structure and a real project example from the Saintfield Road area.
GT Building Design
Jun 8
Why a Feasibility Study Is the Smartest First Step When You’re Planning a Home Extension in Northern Ireland
A clear guide for homeowners in Northern Ireland on why a feasibility study is the smartest, most cost‑effective first step when planning a home extension.
GT Building Design
Jun 7
Planning a Home Extension in Belfast: What You Need to Know Before You Start
Thinking about a home extension in Belfast? Clear advice on planning, Building Control and design from a local Chartered Architectural Technologist.
GT Building Design
Jun 1
Internal Alterations in Ballyholme, Bangor.
Internal alterations Ballyholme, Bangor by GT Building Design. See how smart reconfiguration created an open‑plan kitchen, dining and sitting area without an extension.
GT Building Design
May 29
Loft Conversions in Northern Ireland: A Guide for Homeowners.
A loft conversion can transform unused roof space into a bright, comfortable room — but only when the design is technically feasible from the start. This guide explains the key considerations for loft conversions in Northern Ireland and how to ensure your project runs smoothly.
GT Building Design
May 21
What is a Chartered Architectural Technologist?
A Chartered Architectural Technologist specialises in turning residential designs into safe, compliant and buildable projects. Discover why technical accuracy matters from the very beginning — and how the right expertise can save you time, stress and costly redesigns.
GT Building Design
May 21
House Extensions in Northern Ireland: The Four Key Stages Every Homeowner Should Know
Planning a house extension in Northern Ireland? Discover the four key stages every homeowner should understand, from survey to design, planning and Building Control.
GT Building Design
May 20
Returning Home: Gilnahirk House Extension, Belfast
A beautifully designed Gilnahirk house extension and full bungalow refurbishment in Belfast, delivered quickly with modern upgrades and expert architectural design by GT Building Design.
GT Building Design
May 19
Belfast House Extension — Rear and First‑Floor Transformation
Discover how this Belfast house extension transformed a traditional semi‑detached home with a modern rear and first‑floor addition. Featuring open‑plan living, a master suite, rooflight and clean contemporary design — a bright, practical upgrade for family life in Northern Ireland.
GT Building Design
May 18
Planning a House Extension in Northern Ireland: A Clear, Simple Guide.
Planning a house extension in Northern Ireland? This guide explains the key steps, local considerations and what homeowners should expect across Belfast, Bangor, Holywood, Newtownards, Donaghadee and beyond.
GT Building Design
May 16
Belfast Extension: Replacing an Old Conservatory With a Fully Glazed Dining Room
Transform your home with a Belfast extension by GT Building Design. Replace your old conservatory with a bright, modern glazed dining space designed for year‑round comfort.
GT Building Design
May 16
Project Starter Guide for Home Extensions: What to Send Before We Chat.
A clear project starter guide for home extensions in Northern Ireland. Learn what information to send before we chat and how to prepare for a smooth, well‑planned design process.
GT Building Design
May 15
Causeway Coast Road Trip Northern Ireland | A Scenic Day from Donaghadee to Portrush.
A relaxed Causeway Coast road trip in Northern Ireland, taking in Cushendun, Ballycastle, Portrush and a few quiet viewpoints along the way — a simple scenic day out without rushing.
GT Building Design
May 9
How Long Does Planning Permission Take in Northern Ireland?
Most planning applications in Northern Ireland take around 3 months from validation. This guide explains the typical timelines and what homeowners can expect when applying for planning permission.
GT Building Design
May 6
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