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BEYOND THE BUILD
Thoughts on homes, design and the realities of renovating.
Creating a home goes far beyond bricks, beams and square footage. After two decades working in property and residential design, and plenty of experience of family life and renovation myself, I’ve learned that some of the most important decisions aren’t always the most obvious ones.
Beyond the Build is where I share some of that experience: practical advice, design insight and personal reflections on creating homes that work not just on paper, but for everyday life. From planning and extensions to budgets, layouts and the realities of living through a renovation, it’s here to help you ask better questions, make more informed decisions and think a little differently about what your home could become.
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Do you actually need an extension?
It might sound like a strange question coming from me, but sometimes the answer is… no! When people get in touch, they often already have an extension in mind. They need more space, the house isn’t working, and naturally the answer feels like it must be to make it bigger. But one of the first things I like to do is take a step back and ask: do you actually need more space, or do you just need the space you already have to work a little harder? Because the two aren’t always th
Kristina
Feb 122 min read
Reflections: What I’ve learned from helping families extend
Towards the end of last year, KLB Homes was honoured to receive both the Best Residential Architecture Practice 2025 in South East England and the Women in Property & Construction Award 2025 . It was an incredibly special moment and one that gently but firmly made me pause. I’m usually on the go; always have been, and probably always will be! KLB life has been deliberately built around being present for the girls without having to miss a beat. It hasn’t always been easy, and
Kristina
Jan 124 min read
WINNER of the Women in Property & Construction Award 2025
What a way to end 2025! Last week, I was incredibly honoured (and a little overwhelmed) to receive the Women in Property & Construction Award 2025 at the International Women’s Business Awards . KLB Homes began with a simple love of helping people create homes that truly work for their lives. To see that ethos recognised on an international stage feels very special, and honestly quite humbling. I’m so grateful to my wonderful clients, supporters, collaborators and everyone wh
Kristina
Dec 22, 20251 min read
Honoured for Excellence in Authentic Family Living Design
I am truly honoured to have KLB Homes awarded Best Residential Architecture Practice 2025, South East England Small Business Awards. In particular, an Excellence Award for Authentic Family Living Design!This recognition means so much, as it celebrates our passion for creating homes that are not only beautifully designed, but also thoughtful, practical, and inspiring spaces where families can truly live and grow. To my incredible clients - thank you for trusting me with your
Kristina
Nov 10, 20251 min read
Why I created The Renovation Academy
So… I’ve finally done it. I’ve created a course. This is something I’ve wanted to do for years, but honestly? I didn’t have the guts. The thought of sitting in front of a camera made me want to crawl under the sofa. That's just not me. But with a bit of a push (more like shove), I got it done. Here’s why. Every week I hear from people who just want to know the basics. Where do I start? How much will it cost? What should I do first? And the truth is, there’s so much noise out
Kristina
Oct 20, 20252 min read
Autumn: the season to reset
For me, September has always felt like the real new year. Once the children are back at school and the summer chaos has eased, I find myself looking around the house with fresh eyes. The mornings are cooler, the evenings a little darker, and home suddenly shifts from being somewhere we pass through between days out to the place we want to feel cosy and welcoming. It’s a natural pause point, a chance to reset before the rush of winter and Christmas begins. And I think it’s the
Kristina
Sep 8, 20253 min read
What quality or finish should I aim for in my home extension?
It’s a question I hear so often: “Do we go for the simple option, or do we spend more on higher-quality finishes? Will it really make a difference?” And the truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your budget, your priorities, and what you want your home to feel like at the end of it all. But I do know this. The choices you make around quality and finish aren’t just about looks, they shape how you use and enjoy your home every single day. When we talk
Kristina
Aug 5, 20252 min read
Can a small extension really make a big difference?
Absolutely. I know when people first picture a home extension, they often imagine something big like a huge open-plan kitchen-diner, a sweeping rear build that doubles the ground floor, maybe even a two-storey addition. And while those projects are wonderful when they’re right, the truth is that even a modest extension can completely change the way a home feels and functions. Sometimes it’s just a matter of a metre or two. A little side infill where there used to be an awkwar
Kristina
Jul 18, 20252 min read
Should we extend or move? The big dilemma
Weighing up the pros and cons of moving versus extending your current home.
Kristina
Jun 9, 20252 min read
How to plan a home extension that adds real value
When people set out to extend their home, the motivation is often part personal, part practical, and part financial. You want more space, of course - maybe a bigger kitchen, a home office, or a family snug. But it’s also perfectly normal to wonder: Will this actually add value to my property? And the answer is: it depends. Not all extensions deliver the same return, and a thoughtful approach from the start can make all the difference. The trick is to balance your own needs wi
Kristina
May 2, 20252 min read
10 Questions to ask before planning your extension in Surrey
A helpful checklist of ten key questions to consider before planning a home extension in Surrey - covering budget, layout, permissions and lifestyle.
Kristina
Apr 8, 20253 min read
What kind of planning application do you actually need?
Navigating the various planning permissions - find out if your project needs permitted development rights, full planning or a lawful certificate.
Kristina
Mar 3, 20252 min read
Can I build an extension without planning permission?
In many cases, yes! But there are some important rules (and a few exceptions) to be aware of.
Kristina
Feb 12, 20252 min read
How to design a home extension that feels like it’s always been there
A great extension should feel like it’s always belonged to your home - a seamless, natural part of the story.
Kristina
Jan 17, 20252 min read
Garage conversions: Making the most of the space you already have
With thoughtful design and the right planning advice, it can become one of the most loved and lived-in parts of your home!
Kristina
Dec 9, 20242 min read
What to expect when you’re extending
Equal parts of excitement and chaos, especially if you’re living through it while the work’s going on. If that’s your plan, then don’t worry, you’re in very good company!
Kristina
Oct 7, 20242 min read
5 things most people forget when planning an extension (and how to avoid getting caught out)
Remembering these five things can help make sure that when the build dust settles, you’re not left thinking, “Oh, I wish we’d thought of that!”
Kristina
Sep 12, 20243 min read
What’s the best time of year to start your extension?
It’s a question that pops up a lot, and usually around early spring, when the days get a little longer and everyone starts thinking about fresh starts and big plans! And while spring and summer are certainly popular times to build (and for good reason), I always like to offer a little perspective that might surprise you: autumn can actually be one of the best times of year to get going with your extension plans. I know it’s not the season that immediately comes to mind when y
Kristina
Aug 9, 20242 min read
How much does a house extension cost in Surrey?
The truth is, costs vary a lot, but the more you understand the moving parts, the easier it is to plan with confidence and avoid the “hidden extras” that can creep in if you’re not prepared.
Kristina
Jul 22, 20242 min read
Downsizing doesn’t have to mean compromising
Whether it’s part of retirement plans, a desire to slow down, or simply a sense that it’s time for “less house, more life,” downsizing can be the beginning of something wonderfully liberating.
Kristina
May 7, 20241 min read
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