Home Improvement Projects
Planning rules and costs for common home projects
Browse our free UK planning guides on home improvement projects below. Written in plain English for homeowners, self-builders, developers and planning professionals.
Basement Conversion and Extension: Planning, Costs, and Considerations
Basement conversions can add significant value and space. Here's what you need to know about planning, costs, and the engineering challenges.
2 min readHouse Extension Cost: A Complete UK Guide
A comprehensive guide to house extension costs in the UK, covering single storey, two storey, side and rear extensions with typical price ranges.
3 min readLoft Conversion: Planning Permission, Types and Costs
Everything you need to know about loft conversions - types, planning rules, building regulations, typical costs and how to get started.
4 min readGarage Conversion: Rules, Costs and Planning Permission
A complete guide to converting your garage into living space, covering planning rules, building regulations, costs and design considerations.
4 min readConservatory Planning Permission Rules
When you need planning permission for a conservatory, the permitted development rules that apply, and key building regulations requirements.
4 min readChange of Use Planning Permission Explained
What change of use means in planning terms, the Use Classes Order, when you need permission, and the permitted changes available.
4 min readKitchen Extension: Planning, Costs and Design Ideas
Everything you need to know about planning a kitchen extension, from permitted development rules and costs to layout ideas and choosing an architect.
4 min readRear Extension: Planning Permission, Costs and Ideas
A complete guide to rear extensions in the UK, covering planning rules, permitted development limits, costs, and design ideas for single and double storey.
5 min readBuilding a Granny Annexe: Planning Permission and Costs
A guide to building a granny annexe in your garden, including planning permission rules, permitted development limits, council tax implications and typical costs.
4 min readDriveways and Dropped Kerbs: Planning Permission Guide
Do you need planning permission for a new driveway or dropped kerb? A guide to the rules on front garden paving, permeable surfaces and council applications.
4 min readBuilding Regulations for Extensions: Approval, Costs and Process
What building regulations apply to home extensions - structural, thermal, fire safety, and drainage requirements explained.
4 min readSide Return Extension: Planning, Costs, and Design Ideas
A complete guide to side return extensions in the UK, covering planning rules, permitted development, costs, and how to make the most of the narrow space beside your home.
3 min readFlat Roof Extension: Planning Rules and Design Guide
Planning permission rules for flat roof extensions, permitted development limits, modern design options, and what you need to know about drainage and insulation.
3 min readFirst Floor Extension Over a Garage
Planning rules, costs, and design considerations for building a first floor extension above your existing garage, including structural requirements and permitted development limits.
3 min readWrap-Around Extension: Planning, Costs, and Design
Everything you need to know about wrap-around extensions that combine side return and rear extensions into one large ground floor space.
3 min read