For Homeowners

Shared walls? Shared rules. Knocking out a chimney breast or digging foundations within 3 metres of next door? The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 kicks in. You must serve formal notice, wait at least 14 days, and appoint a party-wall surveyor if your neighbour dissents. They’re entitled to their own surveyor (at your cost), or both sides can share one. Either way, a brief chat over the fence before the letter drops often turns “objection” into “sure, no problem” – and halves the fees.

Skip the procedure and you risk an injunction halting work mid-demolition plus damages for hairline cracks you didn’t cause. Be open, share drawings, and budget for party-wall fees right up front. It’s cheaper than court – and better for Christmas-card diplomacy.

Under Permitted Development (PD), you can add a modest rear extension, convert a loft, or build certain outbuildings without formal planning approval. But PD has strings attached: height limits, 50% garden coverage, and strict rules in Conservation Areas or on listed buildings. Council websites offer PD guides; read them like a recipe – miss one “ingredient” and the whole cake is illegal.

PDRs aren’t universal. They can be removed by the local authority in certain areas, such as Conservation Areas or if your property is a Listed Building. Also, if your property has undergone previous extensions, this can impact whether you still have available permitted development rights. Always apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) once the job’s done (a Certificate that future solicitors love!); this legal document formally confirms that your proposed works fall within permitted development and won't require full planning permission, providing peace of mind for you and future buyers.

If your plans involve more significant changes, such as adding a front-facing dormer, raising the roof ridge, paving your entire front garden for parking, or extending above a certain cubic volume, you are firmly into full planning permission territory. This process typically involves submitting detailed design statements, engaging in neighbour consultations, and awaiting decisions that can take around eight weeks (or longer if complexities like bats, highway issues, or heritage considerations get involved).

To smooth the way, good drawings, a concise planning statement, and a polite nod to the local design guide are essential. Use the council’s pre-application service: a modest fee, perhaps a £100 pre-app, can save a £1,000 redesign down the line! Remember, planning approval typically lasts for three years, so you can secure permission now and build later, giving you flexibility.

Think of Building Control as the “structural MOT.” They check: Foundations, Fire, Insulation, Electrics, Escape routes, and even stair angles. They are a set of standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the health and safety of people in or about those buildings, and also cover energy conservation, access, and security. Forget to notify them and you’ll face indemnity-policy gymnastics (and lower offers) when you sell.

You can use the council’s Building Control team or an Approved Inspector. Fees start around a few hundred pounds and include staged inspections plus that golden Completion Certificate. Crucially, upon satisfactory completion, you'll be issued this certificate. File it diligently with your guarantees – buyers’ solicitors will, without fail, ask for it.

Hotter summers, punchier storms, and heavier downpours are here to stay. As homeowners, we have a responsibility and an opportunity to future-proof our properties against these challenges. When you’re reroofing or loft-boarding, add internal cross-bracing to rafters and tie gable walls into the roof plate. In garages, use hurricane straps on lean-to roofs; most I inspect are rarely tied in properly and can peel back in gales.

Outside, upsized gutters (from 112 mm to 125 mm) and leaf guards cost peanuts but stop waterfalls over the eaves. Consider permeable paving or a French drain to keep patios from turning into paddling pools during cloudbursts. Being proactive now can save you a heap of headaches (and expense!) in the face of future weather extremes.

A talented architectural designer will wring light and flow from the tightest footprint, and a structural engineer (SE) makes sure your Pinterest dream stands up and is structurally sound. These design skills can transform a good idea into a truly outstanding living space, unlocking hidden potential and maximising value.

But the often-ignored hero is the Quantity Surveyor (QS). A QS can provide invaluable assistance with estimating costs by writing a detailed 'bill of quantities' or schedule of works that contractors can price apples-to-apples, slashing the risk of those dreaded “£10k of extras we didn’t quote for” routines. Indeed, £500 on a QS can often save £5,000 in ‘extras’. They can also draft a JCT Homeowner Contract so payment stages match progress, protecting your interests. Yes, professionals add initial cost—but they save far more in overruns, redesigns, and disputes, providing peace of mind and financial security.

Finding reliable tradesmen is paramount to the success and safety of any home improvement project. Check Gas Safe, NICEIC, or FENSA registers for accreditation first, then scroll reviews on TrustMark or Checkatrade. However, it is absolutely essential to do your research properly beyond just looking at star ratings: dig deeper than the five stars by looking at how tradespeople respond to that one disgruntled customer—are they professional or prickly?

Ensure that the tradesmen you consider are the genuine article. Look for warning signs: no company number (a quick Companies House lookup can verify this), no VAT registration when turnover clearly exceeds the threshold, or a bank account in a different name. These can indicate very dodgy territory. Pay deposits on card or escrow, not cash, for added protection. Remember: “Cheap, quick, quality – pick any two.”

Painting walls? Crack on! Running new sockets, relocating a gas boiler, or tackling asbestos eaves? Step away from the YouTube tutorial. There are critical areas where attempting a DIY approach can be incredibly dangerous, illegal, and ultimately far more costly if things go wrong. Key danger jobs include: Gas, Electrical rewiring, and Asbestos.

Notifiable electrical and gas work must be certified; DIY asbestos removal risks a £20k fine (and your lungs!). The rule of thumb: if a mistake can burn, flood, or poison someone—or invalidate your insurance—hire a pro. There are accredited experts out there for these specific jobs for very good reasons, and they are legally required to be certified. Don't put your property or your family's lives at risk to save a few quid; your future self (and your surveyor, and your buyer) will thank you for it.

When it comes to upgrading your windows, choosing the right double glazing contractor is just as important as the windows themselves. It's not simply about picking the cheapest quote; it's about investing in quality installation, reliable guarantees, and excellent aftercare. Look for companies with a long-standing reputation, strong independent reviews (check platforms beyond their own website), and accreditations such as FENSA or CERTASS. These accreditations ensure the work complies with Building Regulations and that you receive a certificate upon completion, which is vital for legal compliance and future sales.

Beyond the initial quote, delve into the specifics of the product and installation. Ask about the energy efficiency ratings (U-values) of the windows, the type of glass used, and the security features. Crucially, enquire about the guarantee – what it covers, for how long, and if it's insurance-backed. A good contractor will be transparent about their process, from survey to installation, and won't pressure you into an immediate decision. I'd even suggest asking to see an actual installed job locally – seeing their work first-hand provides invaluable, tangible proof of their quality.

Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) isn't just a piece of paper; it's a valuable indicator of your home's energy efficiency and can significantly impact its appeal and value. Improving your EPC rating means lower energy bills for you and future owners, and it makes your property more attractive in a market increasingly focused on sustainability. Simple measures can make a big difference, such as upgrading to LED lighting throughout your home, improving loft insulation to the recommended depth, or insulating cavity walls if applicable.

For more substantial gains, consider upgrading your boiler to a more efficient model, installing solar panels, or investing in modern double or triple glazing. Even draught-proofing around windows and doors can contribute to a better rating. Many providers offer a free online EPC recommendations list – that's a great place to start for identifying cost-effective DIY tasks. Remember to keep all documentation for any energy efficiency upgrades, as this will be required when a new EPC is issued and will demonstrate your investment to potential buyers.

Many homeowners embark on projects hoping to add significant value, but it's crucial to distinguish between spending money and genuinely increasing your property's worth. Kitchens and bathrooms are often cited as key value-adders, but only if they are well-designed, functional, and of a quality that suits the property and local market. Loft conversions and extensions that add genuine living space (especially extra bedrooms or bathrooms) are also strong contenders for increasing value, provided they are done to a high standard and with the necessary permissions. For example, Nationwide’s 2024 report suggests adding a double bedroom can raise value by up to 11%.

Conversely, some expenditures add little to no value, or worse, can put buyers off. Over-personalising your decor with very strong tastes, installing overly luxurious fixtures that are out of keeping with the property's overall value, or converting bedrooms into niche spaces like dedicated home cinemas (unless easily reversible) often fall into this category. Swimming pools, while lovely for some, can be seen as a maintenance burden and don't always recoup their cost. Focus on broad appeal, functionality, and addressing any known deficiencies before investing in purely cosmetic or highly specific features.

That handsome beech shading your patio may sit under a Tree Preservation Order. Cut or even lop a protected tree without written consent, and fines can hit £20,000 per tree—plus the council can order a like-for-like re-plant. Before you call the tree surgeon, phone the planning department or check the interactive map to see if the tree (or any in a Conservation Area) is covered.

Consent is usually straightforward for sensible pruning—provide an arborist’s report and polite reasoning (deadwood, light, safety). Remember: roots count too. Building near a TPO tree trunk often needs a foundation tweak, so flag it early in drawings and on-site.

Living amid heritage charm means extra rules. Even minor tweaks—uPVC windows, visible solar panels, or bold render colours—can require permission. Read the local Conservation Area Appraisal first; it explains acceptable materials, rooflines, and even gutter profiles. Retro-fitting slimline double-glazed sashes or clay-tile dormers keeps efficiency up while protecting period character.

Planning officers favour proposals that copy neighbouring proportions and use matching textures. A quick pre-app chat saves re-submissions and neighbour objections. Keep a digital folder of approvals and drawings; buyers value the proof you improved sensitively, not stealthily.

A blocked or collapsed drain can derail a sale faster than Japanese knotweed. Choose firms listed with the National Association of Drainage Contractors (NADC); members carry proper insurance, kit, and training. For pre-purchase checks, insist on a CCTV survey with colour footage and a written defect schedule scored to Water Research Council (WRC) codes—lenders love that standard.

If remedial lining or excavation is needed, an NADC engineer will specify the correct diameter, gradient and backfill. Keep the survey video and repair guarantee with your household documents; it turns a messy underground worry into a neat paper tick for the future.

Standard buildings and contents insurance is great—until a neighbour’s extension cracks your wall and you need a solicitor. For a few extra pounds a month, legal expenses cover can fund boundary or party-wall disputes up to £50 000. Likewise, check your policy includes alternative-accommodation: if a fire or flood renders the house uninhabitable, the insurer pays your rental while repairs happen.

Review the declared rebuild cost every five years (a chartered surveyor can do a desktop BCIS reinstatement) and list high-value items separately. A well-tailored policy shields your budget and stops claims wrangling while you handle the emotional fallout.

Owning a listed property is a privilege, but it means every change—even interior work that alters plan form or original joinery—needs Listed Building Consent. Swap a sash box for uPVC without it, and the council can order removal, plus fines up to £ 20,000. Before touching lime plaster, stone flags or original fireplaces, call the conservation officer for pre-app advice.

Keep a diary of approved works, photos, and consent letters in a single PDF. Buyers, valuers and insurers breathe easier (and pay more) when they see a well-documented stewardship of heritage fabric.

Discover Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed or running bamboo on site? Don’t panic—document, map and instruct a PCA-registered contractor. A ten-year insurance-backed treatment plan soothes lender nerves; DIY digging spreads rhizomes and kills deals. Notify neighbours if roots encroach (the Wildlife & Countryside Act makes disposal offences costly).

Flag other invaders—laurel, rhododendron and Leylandii—if they block light or drains. Early action and paperwork show buyers the issue is managed, not ignored.

Many lofts convert under PD if dormers face the rear, the ridge height stays unchanged, and volume stays under 40 m³ (terrace/semis) or 50 m³ (detached). Use similar materials, set dormer 200 mm below the ridge, and keep side windows obscure-glazed. Conservation Areas or flats? PD vanishes—full planning required.

Always get structural calcs for new joists and stairs, and remember Building Regs still apply (fire and insulation especially). Secure a Lawful Development Certificate now; it’s the paper your buyer’s solicitor will demand later.

An annual boiler service plus a power-flush every 5-7 years can lift radiator efficiency 10-15 %. Fit a magnetic filter and top-up inhibitor afterwards; total bill £400-£600 but proves to buyers the system is “clean and lean.” Keep the Gas Safe certificate with appliance manuals.

Smart thermostats (Hive/Nest) and thermostatic radiator valves add comfort and an EPC nudge. Show the valuer your recent gas bills—they’ll note running costs are under control.

1. Extra bedroom via loft (Nationwide 2024: + 11 % average).
2. Open-plan kitchen/diner that keeps structural support.
3. Downstairs loo or ensuite—big lifestyle win, modest cost.
4. EPC jump (e.g. C→B) via insulation/boiler/solar; attracts green-minded buyers.
5. Kerb-appeal blitz—drive, door, planting. Cheapest, fastest uplift.

Each returns more than it costs if built to reg & spec; over-personal décor or luxury pools rarely do. Plan with your local agent’s ceiling price in mind.

Under Permitted Development, you can build a shed, garden office or gym covering up to 50 % of the original garden, max 2.5 m high within 2 m of a boundary (3 m if further away). Use “non-sleeping” spec: no kitchen, no shower, no separate address. Insulate well; run electrics via armoured cable signed off by NICEIC.

Decking under PD can rise up to 300 mm above ground. Anything taller or in front gardens needs planning, and raised platforms near fences trigger privacy complaints. Treat timber annually, add antislip strips, and log receipts—buyers love proof the ‘man-cave’ won’t rot.