Torys will let homeowners extend without traditional planning permission: Good or Bad news?
A new tory bill will give neighbourhood groups the power to approve local developments through local referendums.
In theory, this means that neighbourhood groups will have a real say in how their community looks as well as the rate and type of development in their area. According to the government, many local planning authorities approve developments without giving any real thought to the feelings of the local people. These new plans allow communities to block developments they do not want.
Sounding too good to be true? Well of course there will be a limit to local resident’s rights if the development is classed as being of national interest. So opponents of the Birmingham high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham will not be able to stop it under this bill.
We want to know what YOU think? Is this good or bad news for you?
Whether planning permission really is put into the people’s hands or not, Eastway will always be here to support all your building and development needs, just give us a call on +442087867633.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/dec/05/tory-bill-homeowners-extend-permission
Home Improvements
You look around your house and you decide it needs a facelift! That old kitchen looks too drab and the bathroom has seen better days. Then you begin to imagine a nice warm, light conservatory extending your home into your garden...
You decide on the kitchen first as your budget would only allow one home improvement and you know that it's going to be the kitchen. You really want to freshen up your surroundings and improve your home but your DIY skills are limited. What do you do next?
Before you choose a contractor or a local builder, know exactly what needs to be renovated in your kitchen, otherwise they will talk you into all sorts of things you never knew you needed! Try to imagine how things will look after the renovation - go over everything from color schemes to floor plans.
You should be able to explain what you want to the builder or contractor. Make sure that all agreements and estimates are in writing. Educate yourself by going online and researching the prices of materials and services - Google “home improvement costs”. Do not pay for incomplete jobs and make all efforts to pay minimal down payment.
Now you're ready to search for that special local builder that covers Surrey and South London... But your search results are overwhelming - lots of builders, but no idea who to trust. Then you find Eastway Builders - and make the wise decision to give them a call - not because their website looks professional, not because their building and construction work looks first rate, and not because of the wonderful testimonies from their many satisfied customers. No, you just think it’s worth giving them a call - after all, they’re local and have a brilliant reputation.
You just know you can trust this local builder in Surrey to deliver your home improvement needs.
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Extending your home adds value to your property
There's no one single answer, but as a rule there are those jobs that add more value to your home than others. A loft conversion is popular for good reason. If it's planned and built well, then it is practically guaranteed to add more value to your home than you spent on the work. People use loft conversions mainly for new master bedrooms with en suite shower and bath, but they can also be used for home offices.
If you're on a tight budget, a garden office can be built for a fraction of the cost of extending your home to accommodate an office, and again, is a sure fire way to add value to your home.
If extra room downstairs is what you need, adding an extra reception room or conservatory, if done well, will also add at least as much value to your home as you will spend on it.
If you'd like to explore any of these options with us or have any other buidling related questions we can answer, we're here to help!
Telephone: 020 8786 7633
Mobile: 07956 35 99 14
Eastway Builders,
Higher Drive, Banstead, Surrey.