Is your house in order?
Often forgotten but yet so vital when you come to sell your house are those additions and alterations done over the years to provide for your growing family.
Was planning permission required and, if so, was it obtained? The simple rule of thumb is that all alterations to the front of the house probably require planning permission while modest extensions to the rear (within certain limitations) probably do not. For example, a kitchen extension or a conservatory not exceeding 40 square metres (provided it is to the back of the house) does not need planning permission, but must comply with Building Regulations. An extension to the front of the house or the erection of a porch (in most cases) will however need planning approval. In all cases it is prudent to employ the services of an architect, who will firstly advise on whether or not planning approval is required and, secondly, will issue the appropriate certificates of compliance or exemption which will be required when you come to sell.
Peter Harrison
June 2003