Extending your home is a big undertaking, but you can make the entire process smoother and easier if you take the right approach. The first step is to figure out how you want to extend your home. Do you want to add a conservatory? Or maybe you want to add a new storey with rooms? You can even choose to add a completely new building to your property, but in this case, an extension is not the correct term. Before you get to the actual construction, you will have to plan the project. Make a sketch of your extension and take measurements so that you know how much space you…

Planning permission is often a topic avoided and is probably the biggest hurdle homeowners face when taking on home improvements. It is mainly needed when you want to build something new, make a significant change to a building (like adding a conservatory) or change the use of the premises. A good rule to go by is if you think something will affect your neighbours or the environment, seek advice from the planning authority through your local council. With the use of open plan living becoming the norm, many people are looking to convert their floorplans to a more open style. Before taking a sledgehammer to your walls, it is always…

Home owners often consider a garage conversion when looking for a way to add living space and increase property value, but aren’t sure where to start. Four of the most commonly asked questions about a garage conversion are: 1. Will I need planning permissions? This is largely dependent on whether or not you seek to increase the external area of the garage. If not, the conversion will typically be covered under ‘permitted development rights’ (PDR). 2. Where do I start? Once it is clear that the work is allowed under PDR or planning permissions are acquired, then it would be best to consult a building surveyor, architect or structural engineer…