Kitchens and Bathrooms

When it comes to house appeal, a new kitchen and bathroom are high on the list of must do projects.

According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, a new kitchen can add as much as 4% to its value. In the case of a bathroom, the creation of a new ensuite or second bathroom can add 5% to your home's value according to the Nationwide Building Society.

Beyond monetary gain, these improvements can quite literally transform your home, improve your quality of life and when it comes to selling, provide you with the advantage over similar style homes that are presently on the market.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Normally, you do not require planning permission to install a new kitchen or bathroom unless it is part of an extension.

If your property is listed, you should consult with your local planning authority or seek the advice from our architectural or planning consultants.

Do I Need Building Regulations?

Work to refit a kitchen or bathroom with new units and fittings does not generally require building regulations approval, although drainage or electrical works that form part of the refit may require approval under the building regulations.

If a bathroom or kitchen is to be provided in a room where there wasn't one before, building regulations approval is likely to be required to ensure that the room will have adequate ventilation and drainage, and meet requirements in respect of structural stability, electrical and fire safety.