Want to make changes to your home? Before you start, you might want to do a few things to make sure your project is legal and can be done. Here are some of the biggest things that could prevent your renovation work from going forward, along with how to check for them and what you might be able to do to get around them.

 Local Restrictions 

Some parts of the UK, like national parks and areas of outstanding beauty, have strict laws that make it illegal to build in certain places so that the natural beauty of the area can be kept. In other situations, towns or districts may have rules in place to protect their history and sense of identity.

If you think you live in a place like this, you should get planning permission before making any changes to your home. If you add on to your house or make noticeable changes to the outside without permission, you could get fined a lot of money and have to stop work and rip it down. Interior improvements probably won’t be affected by these rules. If you need more space in your home, you might want to think about converting a loft, garage, or understairs cupboard if you can’t add an extension due to restrictions.

Disturbance To Wildlife 

If a renovation could harm animals in the area, it may be prohibited. Bat-infested lofts and barns will be protected, for example, and trees that provide a haven for birds may also need to be preserved.

Before you start any work, make sure you check the area thoroughly and ensure there are no tree preservation orders in place. If you think you have bats, or if any other type of animal might be disturbed, you may need to call experts to remove these creatures safely.

Choosing The Wrong Builders 

Sometimes it isn’t any external issue that causes the problem and delays your renovation project; sometimes, it’s the builders you choose. If you don’t pick workers who understand what it is you want, who offer a solid quote, who know what construction products are best to use, and so on, your project will be delayed, and perhaps even abandoned partway through. If it does get finished, it might not be to a very high standard.

Therefore, before you even get started, make sure you speak to a variety of different builders who can give you confidence that you are making the right choice. Have a list of questions to ask, and see who you feel comfortable with. It’s not just about price; sometimes, the lowest cost is not really value for money when you take everything else into account.

Neighbour Objections 

Renovations may be a problem for neighbours. This is especially true if a renovation obstructs sunlight, impairs seclusion, or otherwise alters the landscape.

Before beginning any improvements, it’s a good idea to consult with your neighbours. You may be able to make an appeal to your local planning committee if you believe your neighbours are being unreasonable in their objections. Planning committees tend to vote in favour of an improvement if it doesn’t violate planning standards and isn’t being opposed by many neighbours.