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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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5 Star Review on Google 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This project involved lodging a retrospective planning application for a Garden Room, which is often necessary when construction of a building has already taken place without the appropriate prior approval from the Planning Service.

GT Building Design
Aug 9, 2025


Design Proposals Complete for a Single Storey Extension in Belfast.
A lovely and neat little single storey rear extension to a home in Belfast, designed to meet the specific desires and requirements of my client.

GT Building Design
Aug 2, 2025


Planning and Building Control Approvals Secured 🎉🎉
I am delighted to say that both Planning Permission and Building Control Approval have been successfully secured through Ards and North Down Borough Council. This significant achievement validates the careful planning and design work that has been undertaken.

GT Building Design
Jul 25, 2025


Planning Permission Granted. Three Extensions to One Bungalow 🎉
I am delighted to announce that we have successfully received Planning Permission for this project. This significant milestone marks a...

GT Building Design
Jul 24, 2025


Planning Permission and Building Control Approval Granted 🎉🎉
Great news that we have received Planning Permission and Building Control Approval for this extension to a semi-detached home in Bangor,...

GT Building Design
Jul 24, 2025


Garage Conversions - Top Tips
Thinking about turning your garage into a cosy new living space? Maybe a home office, a bedroom / ensuite, or even a sleek gym? Before you start swinging the hammer, there’s a bit of homework to do. Garage conversions can be a brilliant way to add value and extra space to your home, but they come with their own set of rules and red tape. Don’t worry, I’m here to walk you through the essentials of garage conversions planning permission and building regulations in Northern Irel

GT Building Design
May 15, 2025


Planning an Extension? Here are the Top 20 Do's and Don'ts!
Extension to a dwelling in Belfast by GT Building Design Constructing an extension is an exhilarating endeavor. It provides the...

GT Building Design
May 5, 2025


Wishing you a Happy Easter!
Are you feeling a bit excited for Easter? I recall happy memories of rolling eggs down the hill at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum,...

GT Building Design
Apr 18, 2025


Planning Permission Granted to Extend a home in Belfast 🎉
I am delighted to announce that planning permission has been granted by the Planning Department in Belfast City Council for this single...

GT Building Design
Apr 13, 2025


Planning Permission and Building Control Approval Granted 🎉🎉
I am thrilled that both approvals have been secured, and now the work can begin on site—exciting! This project involves both a single and...

GT Building Design
Feb 8, 2025


The Sir Samuel Kelly Historic Lifeboat. The Past, Present and The Future!
The Present: In 2023, exciting news arrived that the Sir Samuel Kelly Preservation Group in Donaghadee, a non-profit organization,...

GT Building Design
Feb 2, 2025


Planning Permission and Building Control Approval Granted 🎉🎉
I am thrilled to share that both planning permission and building control approval have been granted for this single-storey rear...

GT Building Design
Jan 6, 2025


How to extend and modernise a 1960's Bungalow
Here's one of my recent projects, a bungalow in Gilnahirk in need of much attention and a full refurbishment including heating, plumbing,...

GT Building Design
Oct 12, 2024


GT Building Design Unveils By The Mill Stream: What Makes This 5 Star Review Stand Out? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I am thrilled that GT Building Design, my services have received another 5-star review for this garden room extension located in Comber.

GT Building Design
Sep 6, 2024


Uncovering the Brilliance of Belvedere Road!
I wanted to uncover one of my latest projects in Newtownards. The improvements to this home include an extension to create an open plan...

GT Building Design
May 5, 2024


Planning Permission & Building Control Approval Granted! 🎉🎉
Delighted that Planning Permission and Building Control Approval has been granted. A builder is on site and construction work underway....

GT Building Design
Apr 27, 2024


5 Star Review for a Loft Conversion in Crawfordsburn ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great news that planning permission has been granted and building control approval received. I'm even more delighted receiving another 5...

GT Building Design
Apr 13, 2024


Enhancing and Extending a Period Home in Bangor West.
Check out this one in Bangor West, building control approval granted and work beginning on site, I’m delighted! 😊 Great to work with my...

GT Building Design
Apr 6, 2024


Successful Plans Extending and Improving a Home in Stormont.
In this lovely detached home next to the Stormont Estate in Belfast I was asked to help my clients extend and improve their recently...

GT Building Design
Mar 26, 2024


Creating an Open Plan Family Room.
An extension is not always required to improve a home and here's a perfect example. By taking down internal walls this can make all the...

GT Building Design
Mar 22, 2024
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