If you want to make a major change to your home, you’ll most likely need planning permission to do so, however there are many alternatives to what can be a lengthy and stressful process. Of course, there are many rules around any changes to your property, so it’s worth getting in touch with a conversion expert if you have any doubts.

Here are some ideas for improvements to your home that can be achieved without the extra hassle of planning permission:

Internal adjustments

Remodelling interiors can go a long way to making an old house feel like new, and what’s even better is you won’t need to spare the extra expense or time in remodelling the entire structure of the house.

If you only have spiders and cobwebs occupying valuable space upstairs – why not convert your loft? This can be a great way of adding an extra bedroom or study. You could also add dormer windows or skylights, as long as they sit within 150mm of the existing roof. Check out our guide to loft conversions for some inspiration on getting started.

Upgrading insulation is a great long-term investment; it’ll keep you warmer during the cold winter months, and you’ll save money on heating bills too.

Extensions

Single-storey extensions can be built as long as they do not sit forward of the principal elevation, match the original building materials, and are no more that 4 metres in depth for a detached house.

It’s even possible to build a two-storey extension, as long as it’s at the rear of the dwelling, doesn’t exceed 3 metres in depth and is within 7 metres of the rear boundary.

Porches can be a great addition to any home, especially in the UK when we are often left fumbling for our keys in the rain! As long as your porch doesn’t extend to within 2 metres of a road, and the ground area or height doesn’t exceed more than 3 metres, you’re good to go.

Conservatories are a great way to take advantage of all the natural light we can in the winter, and as long as it meets the same requirements as a single-storey extension, you won’t need planning permission.

External solutions

External cladding can wear out over time, and make your property look shabby or outdated, so this can be a great quick-fix, low-budget solution to a shiny ‘new’ home.

Digging a basement is a creative solution to more room inside the house, particularly if you’re an avid gardener, or want to maximise your outdoor space.

Why not repair or replace existing doors and windows yourself? It can be a great way to increase ventilation and light in your home, as well as decrease thermal heat loss – making sure your home is as secure as it can be to prevent break-ins.

Outbuildings

As long as your outbuildings cover less than 50% of your total land, changing the use of existing spaces by converting a garage or outbuilding can be a great way to use more of the whole property.

As long as your outbuilding forms an additional use to that of your home, such as a gym or home office, you’ll be able to work or exercise without any noisy children or pets around.

Finally, with summer months in mind, building a pool or a decking area is covered in the same category of outbuildings. They can be a great way of hosting parties, get-togethers and barbecues with relatives and friends on summer evenings.

Offering high quality workmanship, Kingsmead Conversions Ltd have been delivering skilled conversions since 1999, throughout Buckinghamshire and the surrounding areas. We’re with our clients every step of the way, from the design phase through to the finish, helping clients turn their vision into reality. Call our team today to discuss your project.