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Wind Turbines and Permitted Development
As of 1st December 2011, under new permitted development rights which came into force, in some cases, it will be possible to install domestic wind turbines without the need for planning permission provided specified limits and conditions are met.
To learn more about this, visit our wind turbine section.
Need Help with Minor Works?
Do I Need Planning Permission is pleased to welcome its latest advertising partner.
Walter Design of London is a multidisciplinary practice who offer services including interior design, architectural drawings, lighting and landscape design. Beyond this, they offer a maintenance and repair service together with skilled workmen who can undertake minor works including the repair of doors through to the putting up of shelves for example.
To learn more about the services they can offer, please contact WJ Walter BSc Ceng MICE on tel no. 020 7228 9552 or wwproj@gmail.com
Need Planning Help?
Do I need Planning Permission is pleased to welcome its latest advertising partner. Applied Planning Services Ltd is an independent planning and development consultancy which operates throughout the country. With over 25 years in the town and country planning profession, its Directors have represented a wide cross section of clients that include Housebuilders and Developers, Commercial Companies and domestic residential property owners.
The ethos of the practice is to offer clear advice and to pursue the best course of action in order to achieve a client's objective. It has the necessary expertise and experience to deal with all aspects of the planning system including appraising development opportunities for land and buildings, dealing with planning applications and appeals, responding to Development Plans, dealing with Enforcement matters and acting as expert witness.
Light at the End of the Tunnel
Whether you are building your own home from scratch or tackling a renovation project, the early planning stages will prove crucial.
From the outset you will need to make bold decisions that will define the look and feel of your new home. It is important that you commit and adhere to your original plans throughout the duration of the build, as any deviation will have an impact on the end result.
You may, for example, decide that your home needs to be as environmentally friendly as possible, or that it is important to use only the highest quality materials throughout the build.
If budget were no object then these choices would be made much easier. The unfortunate reality is that practically every new build or renovation project is subject to tight budgetary constraints. This only makes the initial stages even more vital, as careful planning upfront, (particularly when it comes to choosing the right materials), can lead to cost savings in the long run.
One of the most important considerations at the early design stage of any project should be the amount of natural light entering the building. When considering light sources, the obvious place to start is with the windows, and people often go to great lengths to ensure that the correct type, number and style are chosen for their property. This is perfectly justifiable as windows can often form anywhere between 20%-50% of the overall surface area of your property and have a huge impact on both the internal and external aesthetics of the property.
However, windows are not the only source of natural light into a building, and it is important to consider the benefits provided by other options such as rooflights.
The location of your property will have a huge influence on your decision making process. The direction that your property faces and its proximity to other buildings, trees, or other obstacles, may impede sunlight coming in through low level windows and diminish the amount of natural light your house will be exposed to. In any case, a rooflight placed up high effectively delivers an even distribution of light to low-level structures and reaches areas that windows simply cant reach. Ultimately, a rooflight can offer much more natural light than a similar sized window, simply because of their location.
The advantages of natural light are many, and range from energy and cost efficiencies through to health benefits. The most modern rooflights benefit from the highest class 4 energy efficiency ratings and can reduce energy consumption in a building by up to 20%, leading to significant savings each year on lighting and heating bills.
It is worth checking with the manufacturer to determine exactly how each product performs under test conditions, as there are many variables within the test that will differentiate between an average performing rooflight and an excellent one.
The environmental performance of a rooflight is also an important consideration, and there are of course strict legislative criteria that windows and rooflights must adhere to. However, there are some products that perform well above the minimum recommended environmental standards that could bring about even greater benefits in terms of thermal performance. So deciding on the right materials, of which the choice is plentiful, will be key.
Steel is the obvious choice for period properties and barn conversions, but they are now also being more frequently used in sleek new contemporary houses. Timber is a long-time favourite on homes of any style, but getting onto the roof to maintain the timber can be an awkward task. PVCu is also an option, but it will not provide the slim frames that metal is capable of, nor the natural look of wood. It is, also however the least environmentally friendly product to use despite an increase in post consumer recycling.
Whatever your choice of material it is important that your rooflights closely complement that of your windows and the overall style of the building. It is also important that you take control of these decisions as aall too often your builder or architect will try to influence decisions about the best materials for your home.
What you need to remember, at every stage of the project, is that this is your home, and the reason why you have taken it upon yourself to tackle a self-build or renovation project is because it gives you the opportunity to create a home that is perfect for you. This may mean insisting on the products and materials that will contribute to the overall look and feel that you are trying to create.
Case study – Showing true steel
When Mr & Mrs Hollett set out to refurbish their house and adjacent barn in Treburley, Cornwall, they had very clear ideas of the high standard in which it was to be completed. The project involved the refurbishment of their house and a complete renovation of the barn connected to the main property. Despite their relatively modest budget, the Holletts were determined not to compromise on the quality of any aspect of the build. After spending much time and effort researching the most suitable products to match their high specifications they opted for Lumen Conservation rooflights.
Mr Hollett said: "The plan was to extend our kitchen and lounge area as this is where we tend to spend the majority of our time. We wanted the area we had available to feel as spacious as possible, this would involve creating a light and airy space with as much natural light as possible. The natural choice for creating this ambience was to opt for rooflights, and after careful consideration, we chose the Lumen conservation rooflight. Despite the fact our home is not a Listed property, we felt that it was the best fit for the look we were trying to create."
Although conservation rooflights authentically replicate a traditional Victorian design for installation in period properties, their low profile design and fine lines of steel have infinite design possibilities with modern day architecture. The Lumen Conservation rooflight is different from other modern-day rooflights. It has been especially designed and crafted to ensure it remains unobtrusive and sympathetic to the external architecture of the building.
Mr Hollett continued: "The visual impact on the exterior of the building was a major factor in our decision to choose the conservation product. It was important for us that there is a minimum amount of framework visible. Steel conservation rooflights are ideal as they provide slender unobtrusive sections."
Lumen rooflights also benefit from a high specification of glazing including Pilkington Activ self-cleaning glass. The choice of mechanisms for the interior aspect of the rooflight means that the Lumen Conservation rooflight will compliment both traditional and contemporary interiors.
"At first we came up against some resistance from our builder, who tried to convince us to install a cheaper, yet inferior alternative to Lumen, said Mr Hollett. "We simply were not interested, as we understood the value of paying a little more in the short-term for much greater cost and energy efficiencies in the long run.
"Opting for the Lumen product not only gave us the quality look and feel we were so desperate to achieve, but has also improved the value of our home."
For further information on the Lumen rooflight and its benefits contact Lumen on 0330 300 1090, email info@lumenrooflight.co.uk or visit www.lumenrooflight.co.uk
About Lumen
The Lumen range of rooflights includes designs for conservation and contemporary projects for both pitched and flat roof applications. Lumen rooflights are manufactured to an industry-leading standard and incorporate a wide range of Pilkington glazing, including self clean Activ. Manufactured in the UK to ISO9001:2008 and available in a range of standard or bespoke sizes.
The Definitive Guide to Rooflights
Choosing the right rooflight for your property
The rooflight, or skylight as it is often referred to as, is an ingenious concept that introduces natural light into a building discretely but effectively. They provide an even distribution of light to large low-level structures and can illuminate the dark areas in a room that windows could never reach. However with so many options available, choosing the most suitable rooflight for your home can be anything but straightforward.
The first thing to consider is the type of materials that are available. Steel is the obvious choice for period properties and barn conversions, but they are now also being more frequently used in sleek new contemporary houses. Timber is a long-time favourite on homes of any style, but getting onto the roof to maintain the timber can be an awkward task. PVCu is also an option, but it will not provide the slim frames that metal is capable of, nor the natural look of wood.
The important thing is to select a rooflight that matches the look and feel that you are trying to achieve with your new build or renovation, as it should blend in with your roof and the materials used throughout the build. There are many different types of rooflight on the market catering for the modern contemporary style through to a more traditional look and feel.
Conservation style rooflights
If you have a listed property or live within a conservation area, you may be restricted in the type of rooflight you install and the chances are that you will need a traditional or conservation style rooflight that complies with strict building regulations. If your property is listed you will need to work closely with your local authority before making changes to the building fabric. An excellent resource to find out more on this topic is the Listed Property Owners Club.
Traditional or conservation style rooflights date back to the 18th century, where, in their most primitive form, they were used to bring light into agricultural buildings. Modern conservation style rooflights should be as close to the original design as possible, and should compliment the property in which they are installed, with a minimal amount of framework visible.
Whilst there are many so called 'conservation rooflights' available, there only a handful that can comfortably pass this requirement. You should consider aspects such as the internal aesthetics, the functionality of the skylight and its components.
As with all rooflight installations you will need to discuss the application of the rooflight with your local councils building control department, with particular reference to the Part L regulations.
Rooflights and environmental performance
Independent research proves conclusively that rooflights can save energy in many applications, and the greater the rooflight area the greater the potential savings. The amount of energy needed to light a building artificially is often much greater than the amount of energy used to heat it, and is often the greatest single energy use in operating the building.
Rooflights can have a major impact on the overall energy consumption of a building, cutting energy costs by reducing need for use of the electric lights. However, there are some products that perform well above the minimum recommended environmental standards that could bring about even greater benefits in terms of thermal performance. So deciding on the right materials, of which the choice is plentiful, will be key.
Whatever your choice of material it is important that you check the energy rating performance and U Values of the glazing. It is worth asking exactly how each product performed under test conditions, as there are many variables within the test that will differentiate between an average performing rooflight and an excellent one.
Glazing options
Once you have chosen the most appropriate material for your rooflight, you then need to consider the glazing options. Aside from thermal performance you need to decide if you need toughened glass, for additional safety and protection against falling objects. Toughened glass does not mean that it is suitable to walk on, so if you need to stand on a rooflight it will require specialist glazing.
Self-cleaning glass is another option. This technological breakthrough was introduced to the UK in 2002 by Pilkington, and is still considered by many to be an impossible dream! Self-cleaning glass is effectively the same as conventional glass, but with a specially developed coating on the outside, that once exposed to daylight, reacts in two ways. Firstly, it breaks down any organic dirt deposits through a photocatalytic process, and secondly, when it rains, instead of forming droplets, the water spreads evenly over the surface and takes the dirt off with it. It is kinder to the environment than ordinary glass and it is the ideal choice for situations where cleaning will be costly or difficult.
Maintaining your rooflight
As with almost all exterior building materials, you should undertake regular maintenance to ensure that the product continues to work efficiently.
Prior to the installation, check thoroughly for chips and scratches to any powder coating. If there are shallow or superficial scratches or chips then these can be treated with a touch up paint. If there are deep scratches or extensive parts of the powder coating are damaged then consult your building contractor or architect, as the rooflight may need to be replaced.
Maintenance at regular intervals is essential to uphold the longevity of your rooflight and to ensure that the guarantee is valid. This consists for the most part of cleaning the accessible parts of the product. Cleaning should be carried out regularly and at no more than six monthly intervals.
In areas exposed to extreme weather or along costal areas, this time should be reduced to every four months. As the external surfaces of the rooflight are subject to the bulk of weathering and are largely inaccessible from the inside, cleaning should be carried out from outside if possible.
If this is not possible the rooflight casement should be wound open to its furthest extent and then cleaned from the inside. Wash the accessible metal parts of the rooflight with warm soapy water and a soft cloth and rinse any cleaned sections with clean warm water. Do not use any abrasive cleaners or hard bristle brushes.
Don't cut costs
As with most things in life you get what you pay for, and this is particularly true when comparing the rooflight market. Prices often reflect the quality of manufacturing and materials used to produce roof windows. The rooflight may be one of the last things that you budget for, but it is also one of the most important finishing touches to your home. Opting for the cheapest product may come back to haunt you in the long run.
For further information on the Lumen rooflight and its benefits contact Lumen on 0330 300 1090, email info@lumenrooflight.co.uk or visit www.lumenrooflight.co.uk
About Lumen
The Lumen range of rooflights includes designs for conservation and contemporary projects for both pitched and flat roof applications. Lumen rooflights are manufactured to an industry-leading standard and incorporate a wide range of Pilkington glazing, including self clean Activ. Manufactured in the UK to ISO9001:2008 and available in a range of standard or bespoke sizes.
Our Six Point Guide to a Rejuvenated Bathroom
There is no doubt that we all yearn for home improvement projects that are easy to undertake, have that wow factor and above all, provide value for money. Read on for your six-point bathroom improvement plan that won't cost the earth.
- Flooring: - If your floor covering is unattractive, have you thought about removing it and painting the floorboards or concrete which sit below?
- Taps: - An instant success is to replace the basin and bath taps together with the toilet flush handle. There are some many styles to choose from that you will quite literally be spoilt for choice. If you want to go for a contemporary look, the vogue is for brushed steel. If you live in a period property for example, why not visit your local architectural salvage yard. You will be surprised what bargains you can find there!
- Bath panels: - A bespoke bath panel can often set your bathroom apart from the rest. In choosing the next generation of panel, be sure to choose one that is not painted MDF (will often not stand up to repeated splashing) and that can be removed easily in order access any pipe work hidden behind it.
- Mirror: - As we have done in our bathroom, how about completely mirroring one wall? This instantly creates a sense of space, light and openness. If you do opt for a full width mirror, do pay the extra fitting fee a glazier will charge as believe you me, screwing a 6 foot mirror to a tiled wall is not fun (particularly if you really don't know what you are doing). If you can't afford a new mirror or indeed are looking for something out of the ordinary, do visit your local second-hand shops or flea markets.
- Tiles:- Tiling the entire bathroom may be too expensive and therefore not an option. In that case, how about tiling small wall areas in order to provide visual contrast?
- Accessories:- Once the hard work is over, let your imaginative side take control and go for those colour co-ordinate accessories. Good quality towels in sophisticated colours can in their own way make the space. Add to this a few candles together with an unusual towel rail and you have created your very own sanctuary. One you will be proud of and be completed in time for the locusts!
To Alter or not to Alter?
To alter or not to alter, that is the question. Turn on the television or the radio and we are constantly reminded that the economy is in recession and we can expect or prolonged period of downturn. For mere mortals like myself, I cannot question this nor do I really wish to do so. Whilst the economy may be in a state of flux, the pressures of family and work life remain the same. For many of us, the economic downturn will impact on both work and family lives. Small businesses for example are beginning to shun rented accommodation in favour of setting up office at home. Families grow up or indeed children are returning to the nest- all of which puts pressure on the home.
With the housing market stagnant and pressure for additional living space growing, we are all beginning to seriously focus on the opportunities that our present home can offer. As history has shown, improving our homes will not only add to our quality of life, it will add value to the house and ultimately, make it easier to sell.
We all have our ideas as to how best to improve our property be it through decoration or alteration. If you do decide to go down the alteration route, I would strongly suggest you begin by exploring all the options available to you before you fully commit to one particular proposal. For example, on practicality grounds, your proposal may simply not work or indeed be too costly requiring additional steel work or radical alterations to your roof structure. Therefore, before you get your heart and mind firmly set on any scheme, I would strongly recommend you discuss your proposal with an architect or designer. After all, it is their job to come up with imaginative solutions and in doing so, provide you with an estimate as to the anticipated costs of any proposal. Whatever you decide to do, if you fund your alteration work by borrowing more – either by way of a loan or remortgaging, please ensure that you can comfortably afford the repayments in the event that interest rates do rise.
How to save money this summer
With the summer holidays in full swing, for many of us, the 2- week package trip may well have to be put on hold, as money worries loom larger than the next parliamentary fiasco. Instead we are experiencing the "staycation", a period of time in which an individual or family stays at home and relaxes at home or takes day trips from their home to area attractions. Interspersed with outings, we see this period as an opportunity to get on with those D IY tasks we have been putting off and have now run out of excuses not to do. When we mean DIY, we mean those tasks that can be undertaken by a relatively competent individual and not some kind of major reconstruction project.
Be aware though that spending money on home improvements will not automatically increase the value of your home. Make sure that the work you propose is in keeping with its style, is well designed and above all, for the more complex projects in particular, is properly constructed. If you intend to undertake any new build, please make sure you do not require planning or building regulation approval. There is no doubt that undertaking any home improvement work will enhance your property and hopefully when it comes to selling, give your property the edge over competing properties.
5 "staycation" projects:-
- Get in the Garden: Not only is gardening a potential health benefit but it can play a huge role when it comes to selling homes and can add significant value to your property. Did you know that research conducted by the Horticultural Traders Association has found that a well maintained front garden can add as much as £5,00 to the value of your property? The secret is making the best of the space you have available to you. For example, paint fences, cover manholes, trim hedges and remove weeds from borders.
- Get the Paint Brushes Out and get those windows frames and render painted: First impressions always count. By making the outside of your property look as attractive as possible can add 2-3% to the value of your home.
- Update your kitchen: Whilst advertisers will go out of their way to try and convince us we need a brand new kitchen, why bother if the carcasses are sound? The simplest and most convenient way to update your kitchen is by replacing the unit doors and their handles. If you are feeling confident, why not consider replacing the work surfaces also?
- Give those bathroom and kitchen tiles a spring clean: Ideally, replacing bathroom and kitchen tiles would be preferable. However, if new tiles are not an option, simply treat your tiles to a spring clean by investing in a bicarbonate of soda paste. Once left on for an hour, the paste will help lift the dirt and fungus that accumulates on the grout.
- Get Painting: As I can personally testify, painting is one of the best ways to freshen up your home. With painting in particular, preparation is key to its success. Do spend time filling cracks, sanding and priming. When it comes to choosing colours, it often pays to choose neutral colours. Whilst some argue that neutral is "boring", why not think about having a feature wall that is painted a different colour to the other walls? Presently, my house resembles a disorganised jumble sale with furniture piled up in the middle of rooms. I keep reminding myself that it will be worth it when we have finished decorating. A fresh look can for example add between 1-2% to the value of your property when you come to sell.
Whatever you are doing this summer, above all enjoy it!!!
How to save money this Easter - 5 Staycation projects that won't break the bank
With the Easter holidays almost upon us, the short break away may have to be put on hold as money worries loom larger than the next parliamentary fiasco. Instead we are experiencing the “staycation”, a period of time in which an individual or family stays at home and relaxes at home or takes day trips from their home to area attractions. Interspersed with outings, we see this period as an opportunity to get on with those D IY tasks we have been putting off and have now run out of excuses not to do. When we mean DIY, we mean those tasks that can be undertaken by a relatively competent individual and not some kind of major reconstruction project.
Be aware though that spending money on home improvements will not automatically increase the value of your home. Make sure that the work you propose is in keeping with its style, is well designed and above all, for the more complex projects in particular, is properly constructed. If you intend to undertake any new build, please make sure you do not require planning or building regulation approval. There is no doubt that undertaking any home improvement work will enhance your property and hopefully when it comes to selling, give your property the edge over competing properties. This is only the case if the works have been done to a competent standard! If in doubt, please contact a competent tradesperson or other equally qualified professional by visiting www.doineedplanningpermission.co.uk.
5 “staycation” projects:-
- Get in the Garden: Not only is gardening a potential health benefit but it can play a huge role when it comes to selling homes and can add significant value to your property. Did you know that research conducted by the Horticultural Traders Association has found that a well maintained front garden can add as much as £5,00 to the value of your property? The secret is making the best of the space you have available to you. For example, paint fences, cover manholes, trim hedges and remove weeds from borders.
- Get the Paint Brushes Out and get those windows frames and render painted: First impressions always count. By making the outside of your property look as attractive as possible can add 2-3% to the value of your home.
- Update your kitchen: Whilst advertisers will go out of their way to try and convince us we need a brand new kitchen, why bother if the carcasses are sound? The simplest and most convenient way to update your kitchen is by replacing the unit doors and their handles. If you are feeling confident, why not consider replacing the work surfaces also?
- Give those bathroom and kitchen tiles a spring clean: Ideally, replacing bathroom and kitchen tiles would be preferable. However, if new tiles are not an option, simply treat your tiles to a spring clean by investing in a bicarbonate of soda paste. Once left on for an hour, the paste will help lift the dirt and fungus that accumulates on the grout.
- Get Painting: As I can personally testify, painting is one of the best ways to freshen up your home. With painting in particular, preparation is key to its success. Do spend time filling cracks, sanding and priming. When it comes to choosing colours, it often pays to choose neutral colours. Whilst some argue that neutral is “boring”, why not think about having a feature wall that is painted a different colour to the other walls? Presently, my house resembles a disorganised jumble sale with furniture piled up in the middle of rooms. I keep reminding myself that it will be worth it when we have finished decorating. A fresh look can for example add between 1-2% to the value of your property when you come to sell.
Whatever you are doing this Easter, above all enjoy it!!!
The Benefits of Conservatory Living
A conservatory is one of the best ways to expand the available living space as well as increase the value of your existing home. Conservatory extensions are typically less expensive to construct that conventional home extensions and they quickly become the favoured room for relaxing and gathering. Modern conservatory designs provide naturally lit living spaces that are as comfortable and functional as they are beautiful. They are low maintenance and more affordable than ever to construct and heat. Advances in materials and design have reduced if not eliminated the unpleasant issues once associated with the cold and damp conservatory of the past. Double and triple glazing, as well as efficient modern climate control methods, results in comfortable temperatures year round.
Conservatories are also ideal for entertaining. You can confidently plan your garden party without having to worry about nuisances such as inclement weather, insects, or allergens. With our increasingly indoor lifestyles, we often suffer from the affects of lack of sunlight. A conservatory provides the natural sunlight we need to stay happy and healthy, providing the perfect place for reading, napping, or a secure and sunlit space for children to play in. Obviously, a conservatory provides the horticulturalist with the means to grow exotic plants unsuited to cooler northern climates such as orchids and ferns. A conservatory is also perfect for growing fresh garden vegetables and herbs, which will be appreciated by the gourmand and family alike. The versatility of modern conservatories makes them a fine improvement to any home.
Your Driveway and the Planning System
In these times of economic budget tightening, it is often those "I can do jobs" that become a reality. Yes, with the correct materials and a level of competence, any person can lay a new concrete driveway or indeed asphalt it.
Did you know that since the 1st October 2008, homeowners must use permeable paving if replacing existing, or installing new drives or pathways in their front gardens? If you don’t use a permeable system or water cannot soak into the ground via another route, all hard surfaces with an area over 5sq metres will require planning permission.
Please remember that ignorance is not a defence and it is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure that this is the case under the new planning rules. Whilst you may not recognise this, a failing to receive planning permission may come back to haunt you if in years to come you wish to sell your property (see the Frequently Asked Questions section).
If you feel you are not confident in undertaking such a project, as the old adage goes "cheap may not always be the best". Therefore, if you are tempted by an offer in the local paper or other means, "which is too good to be true", why not take a moment to check the credentials of that company? For further information on this, you can contact Interlay – the Independent Trade Association for Block-Paving Contractors who can help you find an approved contractor at www.interlay.org.uk
Let us know your experiences both good and bad when it comes to driveways in the comments below.
DIY may damage your health
Is it just me or does every other advert on the television appear to be from some home improvement company trying to either sell me double glazing or fitted wardrobes? The increase in home improvement adverts is a sure sign that the season is upon us. Whilst home improvement should be applauded as a way of not only saving you money but also improving your home, there are some jobs that might be just beyond us...
According to a recent study undertaken by the insurance firm LV=, around 27pc of homeowners admit they have undertaken electrical jobs without professional help, while 22pc have attempted plumbing work, and 9pc have tried their hand at structural improvements, such as removing walls. A further 6pc have even tried to carry out major building work themselves, such as a loft conversion, while 3pc have tackled potentially dangerous gas repairs.
Whilst many homeowners have carried out the improvement works in the hope of increasing the value of their property, if the work is done badly, it could actually reduce a home's sale price by as much as 5pc. Not only can bungling a job be dangerous and costly to put right, it could invalidate your home insurance cover and make it difficult when it comes to selling. Yes, we all want to save money but remember that carrying out home improvement works that you are not confident with may well be a risk too far. If in doubt, contact a professional.
DIY may damage your health and knock down your property value
According to a study undertaken by the insurance firm LV=, around 27% of homeowners admit they have undertaken electrical jobs without professional help, while 22% have attempted plumbing work, and 9% have tried their hand at structural improvements, such as removing walls. A further 6% have even tried to carry out major building work themselves, such as a loft conversion, while 3% have tackled potentially dangerous gas repairs.
Whilst many homeowners have carried out the improvement works in the hope of increasing the value of their property, if the work is done badly, it could actually reduce a home's sale price by as much as 5%. Not only can bungling a job be dangerous and costly to put right, it could invalidate your home insurance cover and make it difficult when it comes to selling. Yes, we all want to save money but remember that carrying out home improvement works that you are not confident with may well be a risk too far. If in doubt, contact a professional.
To move or improve that is the question
With house prices as unpredictable as the current climate, my sympathy goes out to those in that vexed position of not knowing whether to sell their home or stay. According to most pundits, the good news is that house prices will recover; the bad news is that this is unlikely to happen for at least another year or so.
For many estate agents, the situation appears optimistic in that new properties are steadily coming onto the market; after all, if you have nothing to sell, how can you keep your business going? That is really where the good news stops I am afraid. The reason for this is simple; the first time buyers who traditionally prop up the housing market cannot make the first rung given that banks are demanding deposits of at least 40% to secure the best mortgage deals. Whilst some first time buyers are fortunate in having parents who can help "sponsor" this first move - possibly for the sake of their own sanity, for many, house buying is completely unachievable with the average deposits standing at £34,000. Until the banks revisit their lending policy, the housing market will continue to wade through metaphorical treacle.
With the banks doing their level best to reduce their lending risk, this does little to address families pressing need for enhanced living space. However, all is not lost, with a little imagination and creative thinking, your home may in fact offer more potential for expansion than we actually realise. You simply need to be pointed in the right direction to spot those hidden opportunities to either add more space or improve the existing layout.
Start by looking at all of the options for your particular house type, from extending up, out or down to changing the existing room plan. Then decide which option best meets the needs of your household and your available budget. Bear in mind that even if your extension adds less to the value of the home than what it costs, providing it gives you the space you need when moving is not a real option. Above all, please remember that we have been through property slumps before and any kind of improvement work you carry out will offer you the potential edge when you do finally come to sell and in the meantime, provides improved accommodation levels.
Five steps to increasing living space:-
- Establish your budget; to help you with this, why not visit the extension calculator located on the www.doineedplanningpermission.co.uk website? This will give you a rough estimate of anticipated costs.
- Understand your property works for you; for example, would a single ground floor space be more beneficial when compared to 2 reception rooms?
- Identify potential constraints; any works you carry out to a listed building will require consent and will have to be carried out in a way which respects the existing fabric of the building. If your house has been the subject of previous extensions, this may constrain what further building works you may be able to carry out. If the latter is the case, don't dismay, as remodelling the internal layout may be the solution.
- Consider the potential options your house offers; for example, terraced properties offer considerable opportunity for remodelling and semi-detached properties offer opportunity for loft conversions.
- Think garden; if you are lucky enough to live in a house with a large garden, why not erect a garden room?
For many of us, we enjoy where we live but are forced to move because our families have outgrown our present homes. Before you consider moving, re-evaluate your present home and who knows...
