Home Guide

But before checking with the relevant authorities, answer these questions:

• Have you told your neighbours?
• Can the building work be carried out in such a way as to cause the minimum of disruption?
• Will the planned extension or renovation be in line with the style and look of your house and the neighbourhood?
• Will you be able to secure your home during the building process?  You may want to check with a security expert before the work begins. 

Plan ahead

If you begin work without acquiring the appropriate permission, the council can make you stop what you’re doing or in the worst case scenario, request that the building is returned to its original form.  So don’t take chances, contact the relevant authorities before any work begins.

You will probably need permission if you are going to extend your home, if you plan to divide your house to provide a separate dwelling or for a business, or if the renovation will obscure the view of road users. 

For less significant changes, such as putting up a wall or a fence below a certain height, it is less likely that permission will be needed, but you still need to check, especially if you live in a conservation area or a listed building.

Employ someone trustworthy

Once you have your paperwork in order and you are ready to go, your next step is to find a builder who you can trust to finish the job within budget and schedule.  It helps if someone you know can recommend a builder, but a good place to start looking is the National Federation of Builders.  Their website, www.builders.org.uk, has a list of accredited builders. 

Choose at least three builders and ask them to provide a quote in writing.  You are allowed to ask for their public liability insurance and you should follow up on their references before making any decisions.   

Once you have made your choice, draw up a contract.  The contract will outline the work that needs to be carried out, the timescale of the work, hours of work, payment schedule and end date for the project. 

Building standards

There are set standards that need to be adhered to when designing and constructing a building.  These standards help to ensure the health and safety of project stakeholders, as well as things like energy conservation and building access.

But remember, accidents can still happen so it’s a good idea to protect yourself and your finances by taking out insurance that will cover any work done to your house.  It shouldn’t slow down the process; it’s possible to get an insurance quote quickly online. 

It is the builder’s responsibility to ensure that any work carried out on your property complies with the Building Regulations, but it is your responsibility to check this with the builder before work begins.

If the work does not comply, then it is up to you to apply for an enforcement notice.