So, you’d like to change the outer facade of your property. In other words, you’ve decided it’s time to switch things up and make some changes by and altering the external appearance of your home.
There are many different reasons for why people decide to change the appearance of their house. Some of these include; improving visual and kerb side appeal, add value to the property, reduce risk of damage to structure, and repair any existing damage.
Increasingly, many homeowners and landlords are also looking to the future. Changing existing materials to something more durable, ones that have better performance when it comes to insulation and energy efficiency. In this case, the external renovation becomes more of an investment than a fix for pressing issues.
Ways to change the external appearance of a Home:
Cladding: this is a protective and decorative outer layer added to the exterior of a building as weather proofing, insulation and as an appearance enhancer. Materials used are pre-made composite panels made from wood, stone, metal.
Rending: a rendered substance is a wet mixture like sand, limestone, synthetic resin, and is used to cover and coat the exterior of the house. This also acts as weather protection and is also useful when blending new and old additions to the property.
Windows and Doors: Changing the style, size, colour of existing windows and doors can update and refresh the appearance with minimal effort.
What Permissions Do I Need and for What?
In most cases, work that is understood to be ‘minor cosmetic changes’ are things that don’t require any changes to be done to the properties internal structure. These are covered by Permitted Development Rights (PDR), and any proposed work falling under these conditions means you do not need to consult, or submit an application for work with, your local building authority.
PDRs usually cover:
- Repainting doors, windows, exterior walls in the existing or new colours
- Repainting render
- Re-pointing brickwork (repairing and replacing mortar between joints to to protect structure and improve appearance)
- Replacing windows and doors with similar appearance and size
- Installing new house numbers, lighting or minor decorative features
Exceptions:
If your home is a listed building, in a Conservation Area, National Park, or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), even the minor changes outlined above may require permission.
Listed buildings: Any change that affects the character or appearance of the building requires Listed Building Consent.
Conservation areas: You may need planning permission for changes like repainting in a different colour, changing windows, or altering roof materials.
Article 4: If this directive has been place on your property then certain Permitted Development Rights have been removed and need permission from council for these works.
Building regulations of specific neighbourhoods or councils may apply even if you don’t need planning permission. These typically cover works that alter structure and change thermal performance.
More extensive works that usually require planning permission includes:
- Changes to the cladding material
- Altering roof shape, height, material
- Changes to placement, size, style, colour of windows or doors
- Additional architectural features such as bay window, porches
It is also important to consider the wider aesthetics and neighbourhood. In some cases, the building council may step in and use their authority to deem a project unsuitable as an eyesore or nuisance to surrounding community.
It is always good practice to determine exactly what permissions are already in place, or you need, before undertaking any work on your home.
A reputable and experienced consultant like us can check planning history, cross-check permissions, and help you apply for planning permission if needed with ease. Doing the right preparation and being informed helps to avoid any unwanted fees or contact with building authority further down in the project.
If you’re looking for some advice, leave a comment below or use the contact form. All we need is the area you live in, the type of property you wish to work on, and what types of changing you’re planning to be able to determine any permissions needed.
