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How do you use your home and how can it best support the way you live now and in the future?
If you need to extend
More space is not always better! Reviewing the internal layout, or changing elements like windows can make a big difference to comfort.
Speaking to your neighbours
No one likes being taken by surprise. An informal chat about the nature and duration of work well before you begin work can create goodwill and opens lines of communication should there be issues later on.
Planning permission
Some alteration and extension projects can be undertaken without the need for planning permission and are referred to as permitted development rights. Read more about the planning process here, and visit the Council webpage on applying for planning permission here.
Your budget
High quality doesn’t necessarily mean expensive! Off the shelf materials can be used creatively. Be clear about how much you can spend and ask for quotes with all the things you’d like included from at least three contractors. Compare quotes item by item and check if VAT is included.
Timing and duration
Try to plan around the seasons, as weather plays an important factor in any building project. Take advantage of the darker, wetter months to design and plan your project, so that construction can commence in spring or summer.
Home insurance
An extension or alteration may increase the rebuilding cost of your property, which could affect the policy premium. Speak to you insurer early to find out if your current policy covers any works.
Hiring an architect
It’s a good idea to appoint an architect where a project requires planning permission. They can oversee the works and ensure that the project suits your needs. You can find a local architect here on the RIBA website. It’s a good idea to ask for recommendations for a building contractor and, if possible, visit completed projects beforehand.
Aims and future needs
How do you use your home and how can it best support the way you live now and in the future?
If you need to extend
More space is not always better! Reviewing the internal layout, or changing elements like windows can make a big difference to comfort.
Speaking to your neighbours
No one likes being taken by surprise. An informal chat about the nature and duration of work well before you begin work can create goodwill and opens lines of communication should there be issues later on.
Planning permission
Some alteration and extension projects can be undertaken without the need for planning permission and are referred to as permitted development rights. Read more about the planning process here, and visit the Council webpage on applying for planning permission here.
Your budget
High quality doesn’t necessarily mean expensive! Off the shelf materials can be used creatively. Be clear about how much you can spend and ask for quotes with all the things you’d like included from at least three contractors. Compare quotes item by item and check if VAT is included.
Timing and duration
Try to plan around the seasons, as weather plays an important factor in any building project. Take advantage of the darker, wetter months to design and plan your project, so that construction can commence in spring or summer.
Home insurance
An extension or alteration may increase the rebuilding cost of your property, which could affect the policy premium. Speak to you insurer early to find out if your current policy covers any works.
Hiring an architect
It’s a good idea to appoint an architect where a project requires planning permission. They can oversee the works and ensure that the project suits your needs. You can find a local architect here on the RIBA website. It’s a good idea to ask for recommendations for a building contractor and, if possible, visit completed projects beforehand.