Renovation know-how

OUR TOP TIPS TO HELP YOU TURN YOUR DREAM HOUSE INTO A REALITY

- NATASHA BRINSMEAD, AMY CUTMORE, REBECCA FOSTER, MICHELLE GUY, SARAH HANDLEY, AMY REEVES, SARAH WARWICK

RECLAIM UNUSED SPACE

‘A side-return extension stretches your home into the alleyway at the side of your house and is very typical on Victorian or other types of period properties,’ says Rob Wood, managing director of Simply Extend. It's often a small extension, but it can have a huge impact on the look and feel of your home. Make sure you consider the impact that this extension may have on your neighbours, and remember to look into party wall agreements and permitted development rights, if necessary.

KEEP YOUR CONSERVATORY COSY

Conservatories are usually extremely uninsulated, which is why they fluctuate in temperature so much. Heating them will be different in every home, whether you opt for portable plugin heaters or fixed radiators. Whichever option you choose, get clued up on the rules. If the conservatory heating system is separate from the heating system for the rest of the house, then you shouldn't need planning permission or building regulations approval. However, for radiators connected to the main central heating, or any new underfloor heating or heat pump, you will need to check with your local authority as to whether you need permission from Building Control. It's always best to be safe and within the rules when making changes like these to your home, as avoiding or circumventing the rules might impact the market value and saleability, or even leave you facing legal action.

INSULATE AND REFRESH WITH NEW CLADDING