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Property maintenance advice when sprucing up your home
Advice

Property maintenance advice when sprucing up your home

Leasa Foster Leasa Foster
2 min read

As the days get lighter and homes begin to unfurl from the winter months, you may be considering some home or garden improvements. Depending on the work involved, however, there could be some rules relating to planning and building regulations to consider. Obtaining the appropriate consents and permissions before carrying out alterations avoids potential difficulties on resale.

If you are extending the property to create more internal space, e.g. creating a bigger kitchen, you will need to obtain planning permission, unless the extension falls within permitted development limits. Building regulation approval is required for any extension and for any internal alterations that involve the removal of load bearing walls. When your work is completed you will need a completion certificate from Building Control.

Similarly, certain electrical works must comply with building regulations and your electrician should issue a certificate of compliance on completion of these works.

Building regulation approval is also required for the installation of cavity wall insulation and for the installation of loft insulation. The contractor should issue a certificate of compliance with building regulations on completion of the work.

In addition, all double glazing should be installed by a FENSA registered contractor and a FENSA Certificate should be issued

For properties in a conservation area or listed buildings, planning controls are tighter than normal. Check with your local authority whether planning permission and/or conservation area consent and/or listed building consent is required.

Alterations to your outdoor space may also require consents. For example if you decide to convert your front garden into a driveway, you will require planning permission if the area being converted is more than 5 square metres unless the new surface is made of porous or permeable materials. Planning permission is also required if decking of more than 30cm in height and other buildings cover more than 50% of the area of the site.

You should check that any proposed alterations to the property or its grounds comply with any covenants on your title.

It is advisable to talk to the planning department or building control and always obtain appropriate professional advice before you carry out any works.

Please talk to our conveyancing team on 0113 320 5000 or email @email for further legal advice.

Follow this link for your quick, no obligation conveyancing quote

Client feedback

I cannot speak for Winston Solicitors as a whole, but I can confidently recommend Leasa Foster, who we’ve used twice now for moving house. On both occasions she has been outstanding. Without her, I’m certain the chain would have fallen into disarray, and completion would have been delayed by at least a month or two.Leasa took control, coordinating solicitors both above and below us in the chain to ensure paperwork was completed on time. In fact, some of the documents that others were only just starting, she had already handled months in advance.Overall, I’m extremely satisfied with the service from Leasa, Julie, and the team at Winston Solicitors. I’ll have no hesitation using them again—unless Leasa moves firms!
Jack
We’ve used Winston Solicitors for three property transactions now, and they have been outstanding every time. Sidraa and Tom always go above and beyond – communication is clear, there are never any delays from their side, and the whole process is handled smoothly from start to finish. We’ve even recommended them to friends, who were equally impressed. I always get asked by Estate Agents to use their solicitors but always politely decline because of the service Sidraa and her team offer.
Tariq
Effecient and pay attention to every single details, highly recommended
Anonymous
Winston solicitor's was chosen by us to handle the conveyancing for our house sale and purchase. We were appointed Sam as our solicitor and we couldn't have asked for anyone better. Sam went above and beyond to assist me with my enquiries, demonstrating an impressive depth of knowledge. Our sellers solicitors could be quite problematic at times but Sam worked hard to ensure that obstacles were handled promptly, and that we were kept up to date with any progress.What stood out for me was Sam's genuine commitment to customer satisfaction. Her friendly demeanor and positive attitude created a welcoming atmosphere making me feel valued as a customer. In conclusion Sam exemplifies the epitome of customer service. Her professionalism, expertise, attention to detail and genuine care for the customer deserves recognition. I would not hesitate to recommend Sam to anyone seeking an exceptional service. Thank you for your outstanding support and dedication.
Mr & M
Winston Solicitors were excellent throughout our house purchase process. Leasa and Michelle who handed our conveyancing were very responsive. Highly recommend.
Mr Agunwa
I've used Winston Solicitors on multiple occasions for property sales an also to purchase and it will definately not be the last.This firm is professional and a massive shout out to sidraa who both times dealt with my purchase & sale of property.She is an absolute asset to Winston Solicitors and is the best out there at her job.Please keep up the great work and hopefully speak to you all again soon on my next purchase.
Noor
Winston solicitors were absolutely brilliant from start to finish. I was a first time buyer and had so many questions and worries. Michelle made the process as smooth has possible. She was always on hand to answer any queries and was very responsive. My purchase went through very fast. I could have not ask for a better solicitors and would highly recommend to anyone.
Kimberley
We’ve just completed a sale and purchase with Winston Solicitors and honestly couldn’t be more impressed with the service. Leasa, Julie and the team were fantastic from start to finish - thorough and very efficient, even when things were stressful and complex in our chain. Communication was clear and prompt throughout, and we always felt reassured that they were on top of every detail.It was our first time buying and selling which was quite a stressful process but we felt in very safe hands with Winstons and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. Thank you!
Emma
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