Forget moving, if you haven’t already that is, new planning regulations make it cheaper and easier to stay put.
Extensions and conversions are, in a time of falling house prices, a great way of insuring you seek the maximum possible value out of your property. A recent building society survey found the average extension added 12 per cent and loft conversions 11 per cent to a property's value.
Not only that, they are a great way of improving a much-loved family home, one that might have got a teeny bit too small when the latest addition came along.
Thanks to the Revised General Permitted Development Order, which came into force this month (October 2008) means homeowners no longer have to automatically apply for planning permission when extending or altering their homes.
The new rules are expected to cut planning applications by a quarter and save homeowners a total of £50m in planning application fees.
What you can do:-
If you own a semi detached or terraced house you can now convert your loft by up to 20cms back from the eaves of the roof, although the cubic content of the extended roof must not exceed 40 cubic metres (in the case of a terraced house) or 50 cubic metres in any other case.
If you have a semi detached or terraced house you can extend it by one or two stories so long as it doesn’t extend further than 3m from the house.
If you have a detached house you can add a single storey extension going 4m back, or a two storey one going 3m back from the house.
If you are building a new driveway or parking area over five square metres you will not need planning permission if they are constructed using surfaces that allow the water to soak through the ground.
Where to go next:-
Any renovation you make to your property should be carried out by a registered builder. The National Federation of Builders website has loads of information and tips on employing a builder at www.builders.org.uk.
If you have more than 25 per cent equity in your home then you might want to think about re-mortgaging or borrowing to fund your new home improvements. It’s always best to get advice first from a mortgage advisor.