House Renovation

Advice Center, House Renovation

The best guide to building in a conservation area

14th September 20210

What is a conservation area?  

A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. And in other words, the features that make it unique. So conservation areas protect all the natural resources that are critical to people on earth. The protected areas provide for life’s essentials.  

To build a property and/or make adjustments to your property on a conservation area you would need a wildlife assessment check. This assessment is a free online tool that identifies protected or priority wildlife species in the location where proposed works take place.  

The trees are automatically protected from being cut down. This is because the trees may contribute to the special character of the conservation area.  

You can check with your local planning authority to see if your proposed work is in the area. And planning authorities designate the conservation areas.  

Generally, you need planning permission for relevant demolition and alterations to the house in a conservation area to do the following:  

Demolition –  

  • Demolish a building with a volume of 115 cubic meters or more. 
  • To demolish any gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure with: A height of one meter or more if next to a motorway, footpath, waterway or open space. And a height of two meters or more elsewhere.  

Alterations to the house –  

  • Any type of extension. 
  • Additions, alterations or extension to roofs. 
  • Cladding any part of the house with stone, render, timber, and another material. 
  • The construction of buildings (sheds) containers (tanks) and enclosures (swimming pools)  
  • The installation of chimneys, flues and vents on the main elevation of a house. 
  • Installation of satellite dishes or antennae on a chimney, wall or roof slope.  

Alterations to windows and doors, and painting the outside of the house do not require planning permission.  

It might be more expensive to have work done in a conservation area. This is because there are a lot of restrictions, especially on materials. And paperwork has to be completed 

A conservation area is likely to boost the value of your home, due to the fact that that the neighborhood is attractive and will remain so.  

Buying in a Conservation Area
Houses in a conservation area

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House Renovation

Home Improvement Activities to Keep You Busy During Lockdown

11th November 20200

Are you stuck in your home during a lockdown? Well, this is not the time to worry instead you should use this time for some productive work. What about renovating a room inside your home or repair a bath. Keep in mind that you are not the only one spending most of your time at home. Most people will start thinking that they are no more productive than they used to be. Well, it is normal as the pandemic of COVID-19 has restricted us from our normal life.

However, staying at home all the time does not mean that you cannot make good use of this free time. If you are working from your home or lazing around the whole day, there are many things that need your attention such as fixing or an upgrade.

If you are unable to sort it out on your own? Well, do not worry as these some DIY home improvement ideas will help you spend your free time in some productive work.

Fix Your Bath

A bathroom is a place in the home where most people try to put off repairs as much as possible. It is also true that fixing your toilet, bathtub or shower is a daunting task. But what if you are stuck in your during lockdown then it is an important repair to do.

Everyone in your family is at home, which means that more people are using the bathroom. In such a case, the last thing a homeowner would want is a major issue emerge from a small one. So, why not take some adhesive caulk strip and start fixing the tub. You can also use it on other surfaces to avoid leakage.

Fix Sharp Edges and Cabinets During Lockdown

Maybe you are ignoring the need for waterproofing and childproofing, now’s the time for you to complete these delayed tasks. These are really minor details, but in the long run, they can prevent major damages. So, it is time to fix those sharp edges and the cabinets. You need to make sure that the storage cabinets are waterproof. It is important to keep the things inside safe and dry.

Build An Extension During Lockdown

After fixing these minor issues what about an extension that you are planning for many months. What if you need more space for your growing family or why not just add a new home office in your home. Having an office in the home makes you feel at the office, where you can perform your office tasks as you are working from home during the lockdown. Having your own personal space is important to be productive.

When you are working from your home, it is difficult to keep everyone out of the room to focus on your work. So, it is time to plan a home office where you can be alone and think that you are actually working without disturbing or get disturbed by other members of the family.

If you want a home extension for your growing family, then it is the best time. The reason is that you can watch the work done without the tension of getting leave from the office. I mean it is better to do good for the family as you are stuck with them whether you want or not.

Gardening

Another activity that you can think of is gardening. Especially, if you are the kind of person who is not fond of going out. You love gardens but do not have enough time to work on them. So, instead of getting bored at home while watching the same movies again and again, get your tools and start gardening.