UK building news, guides & introductions
Plain-English news and guides on planning, costs and regulations across the United Kingdom, plus a simple way to request quotes from independent builders. We are the middle man: we help homeowners find and compare — we do not carry out building work ourselves.
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Planning & Regulations
When an extension, loft dormer or garden building falls outside permitted development, the next step is usually a householder planning application. Here is each stage, the time limits set in law and the changes this year to fees, decision-making and appeals.
Planning & Regulations
Permitted development lets many householders extend without a planning application, but nothing in writing proves it. A Lawful Development Certificate fills that gap. Here is how the proposed and existing-use certificates differ, what evidence councils expect and why the enforcement time limits changed in 2024.
Planning & Regulations
Draft regulations approved by the House of Lords and debated in a Commons committee in October would raise most householder planning fees in England from 8 December 2026. Applications made before that date pay the current fee. Here is what changes, what stays free and what to plan for next.
Renovation
Replacing single glazing or putting solar panels on a listed house normally means applying for listed building consent first. A growing number of London boroughs are granting that consent in advance for whole streets, on strict conditions. Here is how the system works and how to check whether it helps you.
Industry News
London Assembly members want City Hall to publish a ready-made design code for adding storeys and mansard roofs to existing homes, so that homeowners who follow it can expect consent. The Mayor has been asked to respond by 3 November. Until then, the existing permitted development and planning rules still apply.
Costs & Materials
Construction material prices are rising at their fastest rate for more than three years, with structural steel, pipes and reinforcing bar leading the way. Builders are absorbing some of the increase while demand is weak, but homeowners pricing an extension or loft this winter should plan for it.
Lofts
Finding room for a staircase is often the hardest part of a loft conversion. On 19 October the Building Safety Regulator opened a call for evidence on Part K, the building regulation that covers stairs. The current rules stay in force while it runs, so here is what they require now.
Extensions
A side infill beside a terrace's outrigger can sometimes be built as permitted development. Wrap it around the back of the house and the rules usually change, because the side and rear parts are judged as one extension. With officer decisions from 31 October and higher planning fees proposed from 8 December, it pays to check the route first.
Planning & Regulations
New national rules end councillor call-ins for extensions, loft conversions and other householder applications. Neighbours can still object, but from Saturday 31 October the decision will rest with a planning officer in every London borough. Higher planning fees are also expected from 8 December.
Rear, side-return, wraparound and two-storey extensions, common on London's terraces, semis and detached homes.
Dormer, hip-to-gable and mansard lofts, and the building regulations and fire safety rules that apply.
Whole-house refurbishments, structural alterations and period-property restoration.
Infill houses and replacement dwellings, from planning to completion certificate.
Lower-ground and basement works, council basement policies, engineering and party walls.
Fit-outs planned alongside a wider renovation.
Planning and Building Regulations are different in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Start with our nations hub for official links, then browse the UK Areas hub for regions and cities.
Browse England's regions, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. London borough guides sit under London as one region among the others.
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Request quotes · UK introductions
Tell us about your extension, loft or renovation anywhere in the UK. With your consent, we pass your enquiry to up to 3 independent builders who advertise with us, so they can contact you with quotes. We do not carry out building work ourselves.