10 Home Renovation Projects That Don’t Need Planning Permission

This year, people have spent more time in their houses than ever before with lockdowns set to continue into 2021. This has left many people wanting to undertake home renovation projects to improve the spaces where they are spending the majority of their time. Applying for and getting planning permission, though, can be a major roadblock to homeowner’s renovation dreams. However, there are plenty of home renovation projects which you don’t need planning permission for. Let’s have a look at some of these!

Garages

Converting a garage into a living space is a really popular renovation project that usually does not require any planning permission. This can be a great option to turn a disused space into a beautiful outbuilding. You also often don’t need planning permission to build a new shed, garage, or greenhouse as long as it is no higher than 4 meters tall. With changes such as this, though, it’s always best to double-check with your local planning authority.

Conservatories

It is possible to build or renovate a conservatory without planning permission. It falls under the same rules as a single-story extension and is therefore permissible so long as it attaches to the original dwelling. The other benefit of choosing to add a conservatory is that the rules for matching materials do not apply, so your conservatory can look however you want it to.

External Walls

Making changes to your external walls also does not usually require planning permission. It is a home renovation project that can make a massive difference to the appearance of your property. You can repair, repaint or replace the external cladding of your house so long as it does not differ hugely in appearance from the original. This essentially means you can clean up the exterior but can’t make drastic changes.

Interior Changes

Interior changes can be some of the most fun renovation projects to do, and they can make a big difference to your living spaces. Internal modifications to a property rarely need planning permission. You could change ceiling heights, flooring, or even change the purpose of rooms, for instance, creating a new bathroom.

Bifold Doors

Bifold doors can change an entire room into an open, bright, and airy space for you to enjoy. Luckily, changing doors does not usually require planning permission so you can complete this great project without worrying about whether permission will be granted.

Single-storey Extensions

In most areas, single-storey extensions are projects you can undertake without needing planning approval. There are often limits placed on how big these extensions can be before you need to get permission, but if you want to add just a little more space to your home, then this can be a great option that should be reasonably simple to create.

Skypod Roof Lanterns

Skypod roof lanterns can completely transform your single-storey rooms into seemingly larger and more open spaces. They also have the added benefit of hugely increasing the natural light available in your room. Luckily, these types of changes to a room don’t need planning approval in most areas.

Loft conversions

As loft conversions generally come under internal renovations, you don’t need to seek planning permission to complete a loft conversion. It is, however, worth noting, if you are installing new windows to your loft, they will have to comply with the regulations designed to protect the privacy of your neighbours.

Solar Panels

In a bid to reduce the UK’s CO2 emissions, the government have allowed homeowners to add solar panels to their houses without applying for planning permission. This is an excellent move for both homeowners and the environment. You can save money on your fuel bills as well as doing something great for the planet!

Swimming Pool

Finally, if you want to do a truly amazing home renovation project, consider adding a swimming pool to your property. Pools fall into the same category as outbuildings. Providing they don’t cover more than 50% of your space; you are free to install one without applying for planning permission.

How can Direct Roofing Systems Help with Home Renovations?

At Direct Roofing Systems, we can help with a range of the projects on this list that don’t require any planning permission, including conservatories, bifold doors and Skypod roof lanterns. Get in touch today to discuss your project with us; we’d love to help.