Visualizing the finished product is the most exciting part of planning your home improvement project. Whether you're considering kitchen renovations, converting your loft space, or adding an extension to your property, our interactive guides for detached houses, terraces, flats, and shops can help you with your plans. These resources will advise you on what changes you can make under permitted development rules—meaning you may not need planning permission—and provide information on how building regulations may apply.
Additionally, you can find project-specific information on our everyday projects pages, which include detailed guidance for homeowners and comprehensive project advice for the six most popular home alterations.
Making significant improvements to your home requires careful planning and research to ensure success within your budget and timeline. To help you get started quickly, we've outlined essential steps to take before beginning your project.
Firstly, regardless of the size of your project, you need to determine whether you can complete it on your own or if you'll need assistance.
Next, consider your budget for the project and create a detailed spending plan to prevent costs from spiraling out of control. It's also advisable to explore additional financing options to cover your project's expenses.
Finally, you must check whether your project falls within permitted development limits or if you need to apply for planning permission.
Where to begin...
What is the project?
all you need is ... Design
Everybody's taste varies, and different styles will suit different property types. Nevertheless, a well-designed building or extension will likely be much more attractive to you and your neighbours and add more value to your house when you sell it. It is, therefore, worth thinking carefully about how your property will look after the work is finished.
Extensions often look better if they use the same materials and are in a similar style to the buildings already, and some local authorities may insist on this. It is impossible to define good design in this context: there may be many ways of producing a good result. In some areas, the council's planning department issues design guides or other advisory leaflets which may help you. All You Need is ... Design
Everyone has different tastes, and various styles may suit different types of properties. However, a well-designed building or extension is likely to be more appealing to you and your neighbors, and it can increase the value of your home when you decide to sell it. Therefore, it's important to carefully consider how your property will look once the work is completed.
Extensions often look better when they use the same materials and reflect a similar style to the existing buildings. In some cases, local authorities may require this. While it’s challenging to define good design universally, there are many ways to achieve an appealing result. In certain areas, the council's planning department may provide design guides or advisory leaflets that can assist you.
Check finance and budget
When considering a loft conversion, kitchen improvement, or home extension, careful planning is essential to avoid unexpected costs.
Before you begin, it's crucial to estimate the total project cost and compare it with the potential gain in your property's value.
To help you explore costs and set your budget, we recommend the following steps:
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Measure your space.
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2. Explore the range of products available from various retailers.
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3. Obtain quotes from local tradespeople and specialists for comparison.4.
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Research the sale prices of nearby homes and check whether any improvements have been made.
Making significant alterations to your home will likely increase its value substantially. Figuring out how to finance your project is the most critical aspect of the planning phase, and you will need to monitor your budget throughout the project.
Typically, extensive home improvements are funded through:-
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Remortgaging to release equity-
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Further advances-
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Personal loans
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The Home Owners Alliance (HOA) offers detailed guidance on budgeting for home improvement projects and advises on key points to consider before starting any work.