Your renovation checklist

GUARANTEE A PROJECT RUNS SMOOTHLY FROM START TO FINISH BY FOLLOWING THESE ESSENTIAL MUST-DOS

A renovation project has so many moving parts that getting all your proverbial ducks in a row before you start work can ensure the whole process runs as smoothly as possible.

With a little forward planning and a degree of knowledge about how your kind of project runs, you should easily be able to avoid any issues, and finish on time and on budget.

1 CHECK THE NEED FOR PLANNING PERMISSION

The very first thing you need to consider when planning an extension is whether or not you are going to need planning permission for it - if you fail to check this right at the start of the project you could run into all kinds of issues before building work even gets underway. While many extensions can be built under permitted development, there are certain standards and size restrictions to bear in mind, and if you have already added an extension you may already have used up your rights.

In addition, if you live in a conservation area or a listed building, permitted development may well not apply.

Always check with your local planning department to be totally sure that you're not going to fall foul of the law.

2 DISCUSS YOUR PLANS WITH NEIGHBOURS

Letting your neighbours know about your extension plans is key to ensuring the project runs without a hitch. Aside from the courtesy of informing them that you'll have builders on site (which comes with its fair share of dust, noise and parking issues), if you share a wall with your neighbour that will be affected by a new extension, you will also have to consider a Party Wall Agreement.

To begin with you will need to serve your neighbour with a Party Wall Notice.

This means writing to them and telling them, in detail, of the work you have planned, as well as the date work will start, access requirements and so on.