No need to ask permission? 

Improving your Swindon home may have just got easier

Home improvement: many Swindon homeowners are preferring to improve their current property rather than seek a move

Still feeling the pinch of the current financial situation? Would love to move but with house prices falling and moving costs rising, is this out of your reach?

Do you really want the hassle of moving? Why move when you can improve what you already have? And, word on the street is that the Government have made it a whole lot easier for you to extend your home. Yes, it is true…

As of 01 October 2008 new home extension rules will come into effect. These rules have been designed to make it easier and less time consuming to build an extension on the back or side of your home.

Think about how much added space and value an extra bedroom or living space could make to your home? Have you always wanted a luxurious bedroom with en suite to escape from your kids? A room for your guests to stay in, or living space for your nanny?

You’ve probably considered it and started the ball rolling; planned the layout, got quotes from a few builders, then contacted the local council to apply for planning permission, waited, and waited, and waited… then gave up?

The best change by far to this new legislation is that you now don’t need to waste time and energy dealing with the planning system. This means more time for you to shop around in Swindon for fabulous design ideas, colour schemes and special finishing touches.

Remember, before you rush off and start your renovations, check your plans carefully and make sure they meet with the new guidelines. Always seek professional advice from local builders for structural work and for compliance reasons.