Good plastering can completely change the appearance of a room.

Smooth walls and ceilings create the foundation for a high-quality finish, whether the room is being painted, decorated or incorporated into a larger renovation project.

While small repairs can sometimes be tackled as a DIY job, achieving a consistent finish across an entire wall or room takes experience, preparation and the right technique.

Can You Plaster Your Own Walls?

Minor filling and patch repairs can be manageable for someone with good DIY experience.

Skimming a complete wall or ceiling is quite different.

Plaster needs to be mixed correctly, applied within a limited working time and worked through several stages before the final finish is achieved.

Common problems with inexperienced plastering include:

• Uneven surfaces
• Visible trowel marks
• Poor adhesion
• Cracking
• Hollows and ridges
• Poorly finished corners

Correcting an unsuccessful plastering job can sometimes involve more work than preparing the wall properly in the first place.

A Better Finished Surface

One of the biggest advantages of professional plastering is the quality of the finished surface.

Walls should be smooth enough to decorate without relying on excessive sanding, filling or heavy-textured finishes to disguise imperfections.

A well-plastered room also makes the final decorating stage easier and helps paint achieve a cleaner, more consistent appearance.

Preparation Is Just as Important as Plastering

Good plastering starts before any fresh plaster is applied.

The existing surface needs to be assessed to determine whether it is sound and suitable for the new finish.

Preparation may involve:

• Removing loose material
• Repairing damaged plaster
• Securing plasterboard
• Preparing cracks
• Applying suitable bonding products
• Protecting surrounding surfaces

Applying plaster over an unsuitable or poorly prepared surface can result in problems later, regardless of how good the final skim initially looks.

Can You Plaster Over Paint?

Sometimes, yes, but it depends on the condition and type of the existing surface.

Loose, flaking or unstable paint needs to be dealt with first.

Depending on the wall, suitable preparation and bonding products may also be required to create a surface that the plaster can adhere to properly.

This is why simply applying fresh plaster over whatever is already on the wall is rarely a good approach.

Different Plastering Jobs Need Different Solutions

Not every wall needs the same treatment.

Depending on the condition of the property, the work might involve:

• Skimming existing plaster
• Plastering new plasterboard
• Dry lining
• Repairing damaged areas
• Replacing failed plaster
• Preparing newly altered walls

Choosing the correct method is often more important than simply applying a new surface over the old one.

Professional Plastering Can Save Time

Plastering is physically demanding and time-sensitive work.

Someone who carries it out regularly can prepare, mix and apply materials much more efficiently than someone learning as they go.

This becomes particularly important during a larger renovation, where plastering often needs to be completed before decorating, flooring, cabinetry and other finishing work can continue.

It Can Also Save Money in the Long Term

DIY plastering may initially appear cheaper because there is no labour cost.

However, an unsuccessful finish may require additional materials, significant sanding, further filling or even complete re-skimming.

The most economical option is often the one that achieves the right finish without needing to be repaired afterwards.

How Much Does Plastering Cost?

There is no single price that applies to every plastering job.

Cost can depend on:

• Size of the room or area
• Condition of the existing walls
• Whether old plaster needs removing
• Amount of preparation required
• Ceiling height and access
• Number of corners, openings and detailed areas
• Whether new plasterboard or dry lining is required

A straightforward skim over sound walls is very different from repairing a heavily damaged room before plastering can even begin.

For that reason, assessing the actual condition of the room is the best way to provide a meaningful quotation.

Plastering as Part of a Larger Renovation

Plastering rarely happens in isolation during a renovation.

Walls may first need electrical cables installed, plumbing altered, doors changed, studwork constructed or insulation added.

Coordinating these stages properly avoids having newly finished walls opened up again because another part of the work was overlooked.

This is particularly useful when plastering forms part of a building renovation, home extension or loft conversion.

What Happens After Plastering?

Fresh plaster needs sufficient time to dry before it is decorated.

Drying time depends on the thickness of the plaster, the background, temperature, ventilation and conditions within the property.

It is important not to rush this stage by applying inappropriate finishes before the plaster is ready.

Once properly dry, the walls can be prepared for their chosen decorative finish.

Professional Plastering With Calico

Whether you need a single room skimmed or plastering as part of a complete renovation, the quality of the preparation and finish matters.

At Calico, plastering can be carried out as a standalone service or coordinated alongside the other trades involved in your project.

You can find out more about our plastering services or explore our wider building renovation services.

A loft conversion can be one of the most effective ways to create more usable space without increasing the footprint of your home.

Depending on the property, an unused loft could become an additional bedroom, home office, playroom, bathroom, dressing room or even a complete master suite.

But not every loft is straightforward to convert. Before getting too far into designs and finishes, there are several practical and structural questions worth answering first.

Is Your Loft Suitable for Conversion?

The first question is whether the existing roof space can realistically become a comfortable room.

Important factors include:

• Available head height
• Roof pitch
• Roof structure
• Position of structural timbers
• Existing floor construction
• Available space for a staircase
• The shape and footprint of the loft

Around 2.2 metres of existing head height is often considered a useful starting point when assessing a conventional loft conversion, but it is not a simple pass-or-fail rule.

Properties with less space may still have options, although additional structural work or changes to the roof could be required.

Think About What the Room Will Be Used For

The intended purpose of the loft should influence the design from the very beginning.

A bedroom has different requirements from an occasional office, and a master suite with an en-suite bathroom introduces additional plumbing, drainage and ventilation considerations.

Common uses include:

• Additional bedroom
• Master bedroom and en-suite
• Home office
• Children's playroom
• Guest room
• Games room
• Hobby room
• Dressing room

Defining the purpose early helps determine windows, electrical points, heating, storage and furniture positions.

Do You Need Planning Permission?

Many loft conversions can be carried out under permitted development rights, but that does not mean every loft conversion automatically qualifies.

Whether planning permission is required can depend on factors including:

• The scale of the roof alterations
• The type of property
• Whether previous extensions have already used allowances
• Whether the property is in a conservation area
• Whether permitted development rights have been restricted

Dormers, roof extensions and changes to the external appearance can all affect the planning position.

It is sensible to establish what is permitted before committing to the final design.

Building Regulations Still Apply

Planning permission and Building Regulations are separate matters.

Even where planning permission is not required, a loft conversion will normally need to comply with Building Regulations.

These can cover areas such as:

• Structural strength
• Floor construction
• Fire safety
• Staircase design
• Insulation
• Ventilation
• Electrical work

These requirements need to be incorporated into the design rather than considered after the room has been built.

The Staircase Is a Major Part of the Design

It is easy to focus on the new room upstairs and overlook what the staircase does to the floor below.

A loft needs safe and practical access, but the new stairs also need to work with the existing layout of the house.

The position of the staircase can affect:

• The landing
• Existing bedrooms
• Hallways
• Available storage
• The usable area within the loft itself

Good staircase planning can make a significant difference to how naturally the conversion feels connected to the rest of the property.

Consider Natural Light

Roof windows and dormers can transform a dark attic into a bright and comfortable living space.

The right solution will depend on the roof design, planning considerations and the way the room will be used.

Think about both the amount of daylight and where that light falls within the room.

Window position can also influence furniture layout, privacy and views.

Plan Insulation Carefully

Loft spaces experience some of the biggest temperature changes in a house, so insulation is particularly important.

A poorly designed loft room can become excessively hot during summer and difficult to heat during winter.

Good insulation should work alongside suitable ventilation and heating to create a comfortable year-round room.

Heating and Cooling

Heat naturally rises through a property, but that does not necessarily mean a loft conversion will remain comfortable throughout the year.

Depending on the project, options may include:

• Extending the existing heating system
• Installing additional radiators
• Underfloor heating
• Air conditioning

Cooling can be particularly valuable in loft rooms with large areas of glazing or roofs that receive significant direct sunlight.

You can explore our heating systems and air conditioning services for more information.

Make Use of Awkward Spaces

Sloping ceilings are part of the character of a loft conversion, but they can make conventional furniture difficult to use.

This is where fitted storage can be particularly effective.

Low eaves can accommodate:

• Built-in cupboards
• Drawers
• Wardrobes
• Bookshelves
• Media storage
• Hidden access panels

Bespoke cabinetry can turn areas that would otherwise be wasted into useful storage.

Can You Add an En-Suite Bathroom?

An en-suite can make a loft bedroom significantly more useful, particularly if the conversion is creating a master suite.

However, the location of existing plumbing and drainage can affect where the bathroom is best positioned.

Head height also needs careful consideration around showers, baths and sanitaryware.

Planning these requirements early can prevent awkward compromises later.

Plan the Electrics Before the Walls Are Finished

Consider where you will need:

• Bedside sockets
• General electrical outlets
• USB or charging points
• Lighting
• TV connections
• Internet or network points
• Smoke alarms
• Heating or air conditioning supplies

It is much easier to position these correctly during construction than to add them after plastering and decoration.

Allow for a Realistic Budget

The cost of a loft conversion depends heavily on the existing roof, the amount of structural work required and the standard of finish.

Additional costs may arise from:

• Dormer construction
• Structural steelwork
• Roof alterations
• New staircases
• Bathrooms
• Bespoke storage
• Heating or cooling systems
• Premium finishes

It is sensible to keep some contingency within the overall project budget for issues that may only become apparent once work begins.

Think About the Disruption

A loft conversion can often be carried out while you remain living in the property, but there will still be disruption.

Noise, dust, deliveries and periods where different parts of the house need to be accessed are all part of the process.

Understanding the expected sequence of work before the project starts can make this much easier to manage.

Will a Loft Conversion Add Value?

Creating additional usable accommodation can make a property more appealing, particularly where the conversion adds a bedroom or bathroom.

However, the value of a conversion depends on the property, location, quality of the work and how well the new space integrates with the rest of the home.

The primary goal should be creating useful space that works properly rather than simply adding floor area.

Planning Your Loft Conversion With Calico

Every loft is different, and the best approach depends on the existing roof, structure and what you want the finished room to achieve.

Calico can help with the complete project, including structural alterations, carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, heating, plastering, fitted storage and final decoration.

You can find out more about our loft conversion services or explore our wider building conversion services and building renovations.

A kitchen renovation is one of the biggest opportunities to change how your home feels and functions.

It might start because the worktops are tired, the cupboards have seen better days or the flooring is showing years of wear. But once you begin looking properly at the room, it often becomes clear that a renovation can improve far more than appearances.

The best kitchen projects improve storage, movement, lighting, practicality and the way the room connects with the rest of the home.

Does Your Kitchen Need Updating or Replacing?

Not every tired kitchen needs to be completely ripped out.

If the layout still works and the cabinets are structurally sound, it may be possible to transform the room with more targeted improvements.

These could include:

• Replacing worktops
• Changing cabinet doors and handles
• Redecorating
• Installing new flooring
• Updating splashbacks
• Improving lighting
• Replacing appliances
• Adding additional storage

On the other hand, if the layout is frustrating, cabinets are damaged or the plumbing and electrics need significant work, a complete renovation can provide a much better long-term result.

Start With How You Use the Kitchen

Before choosing colours or worktops, think about what does and does not work in your current kitchen.

Where do you prepare food? Where do people naturally gather? Is there enough space around the cooker? Are the bins inconveniently positioned? Do you have cupboards full of things that are difficult to reach?

These everyday frustrations are often much more important than the style of a cabinet door.

A successful layout should make the kitchen easier to use every day.

Make the Most of the Available Space

Good kitchen design is about using the space intelligently rather than simply filling every wall with cupboards.

Taller cabinets can make use of otherwise wasted space. Deep drawers can be more practical than traditional base cupboards, and awkward corners can often be improved with carefully designed storage.

Where standard units do not make good use of the room, bespoke cabinetry can sometimes solve problems that an off-the-shelf kitchen cannot.

This is particularly useful in older properties where walls, floor levels and room dimensions are not always perfectly square.

Think About the Kitchen Work Triangle — But Don't Be Ruled by It

Traditional kitchen planning often considers the relationship between the sink, cooker and refrigerator.

Keeping these areas reasonably connected can reduce unnecessary movement, but modern kitchens often contain much more than three working points.

Dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, coffee machines, recycling bins and food preparation areas all need to be considered as part of the overall layout.

The aim should be a kitchen that flows naturally for the people actually using it.

Plan Your Electrics Before Installation

Electrical planning is one of those things that is easy to overlook until you realise there is nowhere convenient to plug something in.

Think about power for:

• Kettles and coffee machines
• Toasters
• Microwaves
• Fridges and freezers
• Dishwashers
• Ovens and hobs
• Extractor fans
• Wine coolers
• Under-cabinet lighting
• Phone and tablet charging

Electrical points are much easier to position correctly while the room is being renovated than after the kitchen has been fitted.

Don't Underestimate Kitchen Lighting

One ceiling light is rarely enough for a kitchen.

A combination of general lighting, task lighting and feature lighting can make the space both easier to use and much more inviting.

Under-cabinet lighting is particularly useful over preparation areas, while pendant lighting can work well above islands and breakfast bars.

Lighting should be considered before the electrical work is completed so cables and switching can be incorporated neatly.

Choose Worktops for the Way You Live

Worktops have a major influence on both the appearance and practicality of a kitchen.

Different materials offer different benefits in terms of durability, maintenance, appearance and cost.

Rather than choosing purely from a sample, think about how the surface will actually be used.

A busy family kitchen may have very different requirements from a kitchen used mainly for entertaining.

Consider Flooring Early

Kitchen flooring needs to cope with regular foot traffic, spills, cleaning and changes in temperature.

The finished floor height can also affect cabinet installation, appliances, doors and transitions into adjoining rooms.

Deciding on flooring early makes it easier to plan the entire room properly.

Look Beyond the Kitchen Units

A kitchen renovation often exposes issues that have little to do with the kitchen furniture itself.

Damp, damaged plaster, old wiring, ageing pipework or uneven floors may all become apparent once the existing kitchen is removed.

Dealing with these properly before installing the new kitchen is much better than hiding them behind new cabinetry.

Should You Include a Kitchen Island?

Islands can provide valuable preparation space, storage and seating, but they only work if the room is large enough.

An oversized island squeezed into a kitchen can make movement around the room frustrating.

There should be enough space to comfortably open cabinet doors and appliances while allowing people to move around the kitchen.

In a smaller room, a peninsula or breakfast bar may provide many of the same benefits without taking up as much space.

Think About the Rest of the Room

Modern kitchens often form part of a larger kitchen, dining and living space.

If that is the case, kitchen finishes should be considered alongside the wider room.

Flooring, lighting, wall colours, fitted storage and furniture can all help make an open-plan area feel like one complete space.

If the existing kitchen simply does not provide enough space, it may also be worth considering whether a home extension could provide a better long-term solution.

Allow for a Contingency

Until an old kitchen is removed, it is not always possible to know exactly what is hidden behind cabinets, floors and wall coverings.

Allowing some flexibility within the budget can make unexpected repairs much easier to deal with.

Choose a Kitchen That Will Last

Trends change quickly, but a kitchen is usually expected to remain in place for many years.

That does not mean the design needs to be boring. It simply means thinking carefully about which elements are difficult or expensive to replace later.

Cabinetry, layout, flooring and worktops are generally long-term decisions, while wall colours, handles and accessories can be changed relatively easily.

Renovating Your Kitchen With Calico

A successful kitchen renovation brings together far more than cabinets and worktops.

Plumbing, electrical work, plastering, flooring, lighting, decoration and cabinetry all need to work together to produce the finished result.

At Calico, we can look after the complete project rather than leaving you to coordinate several different trades.

You can find out more about our kitchen and bathroom renovation services or explore our wider building renovations.

A home extension can completely change the way you use your property. Whether you need more room for a growing family, a larger kitchen, somewhere to work from home or simply more comfortable living space, extending can often be a better option than moving.

The key is planning it properly.

A successful extension is not just about adding square metres. It needs to work with the existing house, suit the way you live and make sense both practically and financially.

Decide What You Actually Need

Before thinking about finishes, doors or kitchen units, start with the reason for extending.

Are you trying to create:

• A larger kitchen or dining area
• An additional bedroom
• A home office
• A utility room
• A larger family living space
• A games room or man cave
• A downstairs bathroom
• Better access to the garden

Being clear about the purpose helps shape almost every decision that comes afterwards.

Set a Realistic Budget

Under-budgeting is one of the easiest ways for an extension project to become stressful.

Your budget needs to account for more than the visible building work. Depending on the project, costs may include:

• Groundworks and foundations
• Structural work
• Roofing
• Windows and doors
• Electrics
• Plumbing and heating
• Plastering
• Flooring
• Decoration
• Kitchens or fitted furniture
• External landscaping or making good

It is also sensible to keep a contingency within the budget for unexpected issues that may only become apparent once work begins.

Check Planning Permission Early

Not every extension requires a full planning application, but that does not mean planning rules can be ignored.

Some projects may fall within permitted development rights, while others need planning permission depending on their size, position and the property itself.

Restrictions can also vary for listed buildings, conservation areas and properties where previous alterations have already used permitted development allowances.

It is much better to establish what is possible before committing heavily to a design.

Don't Forget Building Regulations

Planning permission and Building Regulations are two different things.

Even where planning permission is not required, the extension will normally still need to comply with relevant Building Regulations covering areas such as structure, insulation, fire safety, ventilation, drainage and electrical work.

These requirements should be considered from the beginning rather than treated as paperwork at the end.

Make the Extension Feel Like Part of the House

A good extension should not feel like an unrelated room that has simply been attached to the property.

Think about how the new space connects with the existing house.

Consider:

• Natural light
• Door positions
• Floor levels
• Ceiling heights
• Views into the garden
• Movement between rooms
• Materials and finishes

Sometimes removing or widening an existing wall can make a much bigger difference than simply building another room.

Think About Natural Light

One of the biggest design considerations with an extension is what happens to the rooms already inside the house.

Extending outward can sometimes reduce the amount of daylight reaching the original room.

Large windows, rooflights, glazed doors or carefully positioned openings can help bring light deeper into the property.

This is especially important with kitchen and dining extensions where a bright, open feel is usually part of the reason for extending in the first place.

Plan Heating, Electrics and Plumbing Early

Services should be part of the initial design.

Think about where you will need:

• Electrical sockets
• Lighting
• Network points
• Radiators
• Underfloor heating
• Air conditioning
• Water supplies
• Waste pipes

Changing these decisions once walls are plastered and floors are finished is far more difficult and expensive.

You can explore our heating systems and air conditioning services if year-round comfort is an important part of your extension.

Consider Energy Efficiency

A modern extension is an opportunity to improve comfort as well as add space.

Good insulation, efficient glazing and carefully planned heating can help keep the new room comfortable while reducing unnecessary heat loss.

Orientation also matters. Large areas of glazing can be fantastic, but they should be considered alongside solar gain, ventilation and how the room will perform during both summer and winter.

Think About Your Neighbours

Extensions can affect neighbouring properties through noise, access, overlooking, shadows or changes close to a boundary.

Keeping neighbours informed can make the construction period much easier.

Depending on the work and its proximity to adjoining structures, the Party Wall etc. Act may also need to be considered.

Choose Materials for the Long Term

The cheapest material is not always the cheapest option over the life of the extension.

Think about durability, maintenance and how materials will age alongside the existing property.

Sometimes matching the original house is the right approach. In other situations, creating a deliberate contrast with modern cladding, glazing or other finishes can work extremely well.

Future-Proof the Space

Try to think beyond what you need today.

A family room may later need to accommodate children, working from home or different furniture.

A ground-floor extension may also be designed with accessibility in mind, particularly if you intend to stay in the property long term.

Flexible spaces tend to remain useful for much longer.

Have a Realistic Timeline

Extensions involve multiple stages and trades, and some parts of the work depend on others being completed first.

Weather, material availability, inspections and unforeseen structural issues can all affect a schedule.

Having a clear plan helps, but allowing a sensible amount of flexibility is equally important.

Choose the Right Team

Communication matters just as much as workmanship.

You should feel comfortable asking questions, discussing alternatives and understanding why particular methods or materials are being recommended.

At Calico, we prefer to explain the options available rather than simply suggesting whatever is quickest or easiest for us.

Because an extension can involve building work, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, heating, plastering and finishing, having the project considered as a whole can also make the process much easier.

Planning a Home Extension With Calico

Every property is different, which means the right extension will depend on your home, your budget and what you want the finished space to achieve.

Calico carries out home extensions and wider building renovation projects across Hampshire.

Whether you are considering a kitchen extension, additional living space, home office or a larger renovation project, we can help you explore what is practical and how best to approach it.

A man cave should be more than a spare room with a television and a chair. At its best, it is a space designed around the person using it — somewhere to relax, entertain friends, enjoy hobbies or simply escape from the everyday for a while.

Despite the name, there are no real rules about what a man cave has to be. It might be a cinema room, games room, bar, workshop, music room, gaming setup, gym or a combination of several ideas.

The important part is creating a space that works for you.

Where Can You Build a Man Cave?

Almost any underused area of a property has the potential to become something special.

Popular options include:

• Garages
• Garden rooms
• Summer houses
• Lofts
• Basements
• Spare bedrooms
• Outbuildings
• Home extensions

Sometimes an existing room can simply be renovated. In other cases, creating the space you really want may involve converting a garage, extending the property or constructing a dedicated garden building.

Before worrying about furniture and decoration, it is worth deciding exactly how you want to use the room.

Start With the Purpose

The best man caves are designed around what happens inside them.

If the room is primarily for watching films and sport, the layout might revolve around a large television or projector.

For gaming, power points, networking, ventilation and desk positions become much more important.

A home bar needs space for seating, refrigeration, storage and perhaps plumbing.

A music room may need acoustic treatment and sound insulation.

And if you want a room that does several things, careful planning can allow different areas to work together without making the space feel cluttered.

Thinking about these requirements before construction starts allows lighting, electrics, heating, storage and furniture to become part of the design rather than additions afterwards.

Comfortable Seating

However impressive the room looks, it needs to be comfortable.

That could mean a large sofa for watching films, individual recliners, bar stools, gaming chairs or built-in seating.

Think about where people will naturally face and how they will move around the room.

If your man cave opens onto a garden or veranda, outdoor seating can also extend the usable space during warmer months.

Entertainment

This is often where a man cave becomes personal.

Depending on your interests, you might include:

• A large television or projector
• Surround sound
• Games consoles
• Gaming computers
• Pool or snooker table
• Dartboard
• Arcade machines
• Home bar
• Music equipment
• Record collection
• Display cabinets
• Sports memorabilia
• Model collections
• Home gym equipment

There is no need to follow a particular theme. A good design should accommodate whatever you genuinely enjoy.

Lighting Makes a Huge Difference

Lighting can completely change the character of a room.

Bright task lighting may be useful around a bar, desk or workbench, while softer lighting works better for films and relaxing.

A combination of lighting usually gives the best result.

This might include:

• Ceiling spotlights
• Wall lights
• LED strips
• Cabinet lighting
• Feature lighting
• Lamps
• Smart lighting scenes

Planning the electrics early also avoids visible cables and extension leads later.

Sound and Acoustics

If music, films or gaming are going to be a major part of the room, sound deserves some thought during construction.

Good speaker positioning can make an enormous difference, but so can the materials used throughout the room.

Carpets, curtains, furniture and acoustic panels can reduce unwanted echoes, while additional insulation can help prevent sound travelling into neighbouring rooms.

Soundproofing can be particularly worthwhile if the space will contain instruments, powerful speakers or late-night gaming.

Heating, Cooling and Insulation

Garden rooms, garages and converted outbuildings can become uncomfortable very quickly if temperature control is treated as an afterthought.

Proper insulation should normally come first.

Depending on the building and how frequently it will be used, you might then consider:

• Radiators
• Underfloor heating
• Electric heating
• Air conditioning
• Mechanical ventilation

A properly designed space should be comfortable throughout the year rather than somewhere you only want to use during certain seasons.

You can also explore our air conditioning services and heating systems if year-round comfort is an important part of your project.

Storage Without Spoiling the Room

Collections and hobbies often come with a surprising amount of equipment.

Bespoke storage can help keep everything organised while becoming part of the room itself.

Options might include fitted cupboards, shelving, media units, display cabinets or hidden storage.

Because Calico started with strong roots in carpentry and cabinetry, bespoke storage can also be designed around awkward spaces where standard furniture simply will not fit.

And if you really want the full man-cave experience, there is always room for a hidden cupboard or secret drinks cabinet.

Think About Connectivity

Modern entertainment spaces rely heavily on good connectivity.

If you are renovating or constructing the room from scratch, consider installing wired network points alongside strong Wi-Fi coverage.

It is much easier to run data cables while walls and ceilings are open than after everything has been decorated.

The same applies to speaker cables, HDMI connections, aerial cables and additional electrical sockets.

Should You Convert or Extend?

Sometimes the perfect room already exists but is simply being used badly.

A garage conversion, loft conversion or renovation might create everything you need without increasing the footprint of the property.

For other homes, a purpose-built home extension or garden room or summer house may provide a much better result.

Each option has different considerations around planning, insulation, access, services and cost, so it is worth looking at the property as a whole before deciding.

Make It Personal

A man cave should not look like it came from a showroom unless that is genuinely what you want.

The best spaces reflect the person using them.

That might mean displaying motorsport memorabilia, guitars, books, RC models, football shirts, artwork, film posters, vintage signs or something completely different.

Once the practical side of the room has been designed correctly, these finishing touches are what give the space its character.

Creating Your Man Cave With Calico

At Calico, we can help with everything from renovating an existing room to converting a garage or constructing a completely new space.

Because we work across building, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, heating, plastering and finishing works, the project can be considered as one complete space rather than a collection of separate jobs.

Whether you want a simple retreat or a fully equipped entertainment room, the aim is the same: create somewhere that works properly, looks great and feels unmistakably yours.