Guides & guidance

How-to guide How to check whether your home improvement project is permitted development in England Many standard home improvements in England may qualify as 'permitted development', meaning no planning application is needed. This guide walks you through the five checks every homeowner should carry out before starting work. Explainer Do I need planning permission for common home improvements? Many home improvements in England can be carried out as 'permitted development' without a full planning application. This guide covers four popular projects and explains when permission may still be needed. Explainer Do you need planning permission for a loft conversion in England? Most loft conversions in England can proceed as permitted development without a planning application, but volume limits, roof type, location and property type all affect whether that right applies to you. Read on to find out exactly where you stand before work begins. Explainer What can householders build without planning permission in England? Many common home improvements — from rear extensions and loft conversions to sheds and porches — can be carried out in England without a planning application under 'permitted development' rights. Understanding the rules, limits and exceptions helps you plan your project with confidence. Explainer What Is Planning Permission and When Do You Need It? Before starting building work on your home in England, it is important to understand whether planning permission is needed. Some work may be automatically authorised as 'permitted development', but restrictions, designations and listed building status can all change what is allowed. Explainer What Are Permitted Development Rights and Where Do They Apply? Permitted development rights are a national grant of planning permission that allows certain building works and changes of use without a planning application — but these rights are subject to restrictions that depend on where your property is and what your local planning authority has decided.

Choosing a contractor Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Local Tradesperson — What to Check Before Signing Hiring the wrong contractor is the single biggest cause of home-improvement disasters. These are the exact questions to ask, documents to request, and red flags to spot before any money changes hands. 8 min read Site prep How to Prepare Site Access for a Concrete Pour: Delivery Requirements & Checklist Ready-mix lorries are heavy, wide, and unforgiving. Get the access wrong and your pour gets cancelled, or worse — a truck gets stuck. Here's exactly what you need to prepare before the mixer arrives. 6 min read Ready-mix vs volumetric Ready-Mix vs Volumetric Concrete Delivery: Cost, Access & Which to Choose Deciding between ready-mix and volumetric concrete delivery? We break down costs per cubic metre, minimum loads, truck access requirements, and exactly which method suits your job size and site conditions. 5 min read Foundations How Much Concrete Do I Need? Volume Calculator Guide for UK Homeowners Work out exactly how much concrete you need for slabs, posts, footings, and driveways — with ready-mix volumes, bag counts, waste factors, and cost benchmarks for UK projects. 7 min read