Property maintenance advice when sprucing up your home

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.

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