Making home improvements
If you’re thinking about altering, improving or adding to your home, the first thing you should do is check your agreement, which you can find in your MyAccount. This will explain what permissions you need before starting your work.
Examples of work you need permission for might include:
- replacing windows (where this is your responsibility)
- installing a new central heating system
- adding a lean-to/canopy or shed to your private garden
- installing an outside water tape
- extensions and loft conversions
- removing walls or altering the layout of the property
You’ll always need our permission for any work that changes the structure or layout of your home, even if it’s not part of the main structure, like taking down an inside wall.
Asbestos and your home
Asbestos is a dangerous building material that was widely used in the UK between 1930 and 1980 and is found in the walls of older homes.
As well as getting our permission, you should also check the asbestos survey of your home before starting any DIY. This will say if there’s any asbestos in your home, where it is, and what to do before starting any work.
How do I get permission to improve my home?
To get permission for home improvements, fill in the application form with as much detail as possible.
Remember to check that you have ownership of the space you want to alter or use. For example, if your garden is shared, you cannot add an outbuilding, patio, shrubs or flowerbeds.
What happens if I do work without your permission?
If you do work without getting our permission first, you would be breaking the terms of your agreement. This could mean you need to put your home back to how it was before you started the work.
What happens after we receive your application
We’ll review every request individually, and if we think it’s reasonable, we’ll give you the go-ahead. Before we approve we might need to send one of our maintenance surveyors to have a look at your home.
There might be specific conditions or rules to our approval, so make sure you follow these as not doing so might revoke your permission.
