PROPERTY

PROPERTY

Legal Requirements

Before committing to work on your home, consult your solicitor on building regulations in your area. Failure to do so could result in penalties and in some cases the removal of the finished work.

Planning Permission

In some instances, planning permission will not be required, and your solicitor will advise you on when such exemptions arise. However, if planning permission is required, it is important that you comply with all necessary requirements otherwise the permission may well be void. 

Examples of development that require planning permission are:

1.      Extensions that increase the overall size of your home by more than 400 square feet. 

2.      Loft conversions that alter the structure of the roof.

3.      Any changes that affect the exterior appearance of your dwelling. Your solicitor will advise you on this.

Procedure in Applying for Planning Permission

Ideally engage an architect to draw up detailed plans that will be submitted to the local authority on your behalf. The plans must provide all details of the work to be undertaken. The length of time for decisions can vary with local authorities but your architect should be able to give you an estimate of the time.

Building Regulations

The architect draws up the plans in accordance with your instructions, but you will need an engineer to ensure the proposed renovation complies with (a) structural stability (b) Fire safety (c) Energy efficiency and (d) accessibility. Failure on any of these will result in possible fines or demolition of the work. Short cuts are to be avoided.

Inspections of Work in Progress

While the work is underway it will be subject to inspections by the building control officers of the local authority. Their function is to ensure the work is being carried out in compliance with the planning permission granted.

Assuming that the inspectors find no issues on inspection, you will receive a certificate of completion. This is important and it is important to keep in a safe place as if selling the property later, it will be required.

The above is for straight forward home renovations, anything greater will require the involvement of your solicitor at an exploratory stage to discuss a planning application and likely agreement with your neighbours as to access, debis removal and possible noise issues.