Journal
Practical writing on residential construction. For homeowners, architects and developers.
No fluff, no marketing. Honest pieces on what things cost, which contracts to use, what conservation areas actually mean, and how to choose a contractor for a project of scale.
15 March 2026 · 7 min read
What a £1m London home renovation actually costs
An honest breakdown of where the money goes on a £1m refurbishment of a Victorian terrace. Drawing from HXL's recent project data across Hampstead, Richmond and Notting Hill.
28 February 2026 · 6 min read
JCT Standard vs Design & Build. Which contract for your scheme?
For homeowners and architects appointing a principal contractor, the choice between JCT Standard Building Contract and Design & Build is the single biggest decision after appointing the team. Here's how to choose.
10 February 2026 · 8 min read
Conservation-area renovations: what Hampstead and Marlow homeowners need to know
Hampstead, Marlow and Beaconsfield are among the UK's most tightly-regulated conservation districts. Here's what that actually means when you start a renovation or extension. And how to plan for it.
22 January 2026 · 6 min read
Choosing a principal contractor for a £2m+ residential project
Five questions every homeowner and architect should ask before appointing a main contractor on a project of this scale. Get these right and the build is largely solved.
5 April 2026 · 8 min read
What a London basement excavation actually costs
The real cost drivers behind a single-storey basement addition under a London terrace. Why the price varies so much between properties, and what homeowners should budget for in 2026.
28 March 2026 · 7 min read
Design-and-build versus appointing an architect separately. How to choose
For homeowners starting a major residential project, the appointment sequence matters as much as the team. Here is how to decide whether to brief an architect first, or contract a design-and-build firm from the outset.
6 June 2026 · 9 min read
Hampstead Article 4 directions: what they actually mean for your renovation
A 2026 guide for Hampstead, Belsize and South Hampstead homeowners. Which permitted development rights are removed, what is changing in June 2026, and how to plan for it.
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HXL takes on a selective number of projects each year. A short note with the site, scope, appointed architect (if any) and likely timescale is all we need to open a conversation.
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Homeowners with projects from £500k to £3m+, London and the Home Counties.
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