DIY Builds
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What is the largest outbuilding without planning permission?

Maximum height of 2.5 metres in the case of a building, enclosure or container within two metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the dwellinghouse. No verandas, balconies or raised platforms (a platform must not exceed 0.3 metres in height)

Do you have to pay council tax if you live in a caravan?
Do you have to pay council tax if you live in a caravan?

The pitch for a caravan or the mooring for a boat is charged Council Tax if someone lives in the caravan or the boat as their main home (known as...

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Is a finished garage considered living space?
Is a finished garage considered living space?

If a garage has been renovated to become an extra room in a house or a secondary dwelling unit similar to a guest house, it is a legal living unit....

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Rules governing outbuildings apply to sheds, playhouses, greenhouses and garages as well as other ancillary garden buildings such as swimming pools, ponds, sauna cabins, kennels, enclosures (including tennis courts) and many other kinds of structure for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse. Build Aviator's estimating service can help you plan your project by providing an accurate cost of the proposed changes. Find out more . If you are unsure if your planned building falls into the category of 'outbuildings' or if you are unsure if planning permission is required, please contact your local planning authority.

Find your Local Planning Authority ( https://www.planningportal.co.uk/find-your-local-planning-authority )

Find your Local Planning Authority

Find a Trade Professional Use our partner directories from CIAT, FMB, RIBA, or RTPI to find an chartered architectural technologist, builder, architect or planning consultant to help with your project or development. Find a trade professional ( https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/find-a-trade-professional ) Find a trade professional Useful links Make an application ( https://1app.planningportal.co.uk/ ) Make an application Project estimating service ( https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/home-improvement/estimating-service ) Project estimating service Planning consultancy calculator ( https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/home-improvement/planning-consultancy-calculator ) Planning consultancy calculator Other rules relate to the installation of a satellite dish, the erection of a new dwelling or the erection or provision of fuel storage tanks. Outbuildings are considered to be permitted development, not needing planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:

No outbuilding on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation.

Outbuildings and garages to be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres and maximum overall height of four metres with a dual pitched roof or three metres for any other roof. Maximum height of 2.5 metres in the case of a building, enclosure or container within two metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the dwellinghouse. No verandas, balconies or raised platforms (a platform must not exceed 0.3 metres in height) No more than half the area of land around the "original house"* would be covered by additions or other buildings. In National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites the maximum area to be covered by buildings, enclosures, containers and pools more than 20 metres from the house to be limited to 10 square metres. On designated land* buildings, enclosures, containers and pools at the side of properties will require planning permission.

Within the curtilage of listed buildings any outbuilding will require planning permission.

*The term "original house" means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). Although you may not have built an extension to the house, a previous owner may have done so. *Designated land includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites. Please note: The permitted development allowances described here apply to houses and not to:

Flats and maisonettes (view our guidance on flats and maisonettes )

Converted houses or houses created through the ‘permitted development’ rights for: ‘Changes of use’ (Schedule 2, Part 3, Classes G; M; MA; N; P; PA and Q) (as detailed in our change of use section ) ‘New Dwellinghouses’ (Schedule 2, Part 20)

Other buildings

Areas where there may be a planning condition, Article 4 Direction or other restriction that limits permitted development rights.

Permitted Development for householders – Technical Guidance

You are strongly advised to read a technical guidance document produced by the Government to help understand how permitted development rules might apply to your circumstances.

View 'Permitted development for householders – Technical guidance' on Gov.uk

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Do tar and chip driveways last?

While gravel makes for a cheaper driveway surface, tar-and-chip creates a harder, more durable surface, though it is considerably less durable than...

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How much pitch do I need for a lean to roof?
How much pitch do I need for a lean to roof?

I always recommend at least a minimum pitch of 1 in 40. This translates into a fall of just under 2.5"" on an 8 foot roof. Fix your roof deck and...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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How much would it cost to turn a shed into a tiny house?

$1,500 to $30,000 Depending on the size, materials, labor, and installation, the cost of turning your backyard shed into a tiny home may range from $1,500 to $30,000, per Budget Dumpster.

How To Turn Your Backyard Shed Into A Tiny Home

Do you dream of renovating your backyard shed into a tiny home? Or maybe you need a livable add-on to your property? There are many reasons why you might consider converting your shed into a more functional living space such as a guest house, man cave, she shed, classroom, or playhouse. In the past, small additional houses, like English follies, were often used by the wealthy as representations of ancient ruins or landmarks instead of being used for storage. Today, sheds serve a practical purpose, as they are commonly utilized to store tools, garden supplies, lawn equipment, or other domestic items that require larger accommodation. It's important to establish whether you're going to renovate your existing structure or build a new one. According to The Tiny House, purchasing a shed may be cheaper and more efficient in quality compared to purchasing a pre-built shell. Other important factors are to determine your budget and timeline. Is this a practical project or a mandatory change? Depending on the size, materials, labor, and installation, the cost of turning your backyard shed into a tiny home may range from $1,500 to $30,000, per Budget Dumpster. Whether it's a conversion or a brand-new structure, how you plan to transform your backyard shed will ultimately depend on the style and materials chosen. Read on to learn more about how to turn your backyard into a new living space!

How much does a 8x12 shed weigh?
How much does a 8x12 shed weigh?

Dimensions: 8'W x 12'L. Door Opening: 4'W x 6'H. Base Shipping Weight: 1650 lbs.

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Can I set my shed directly on the ground?
Can I set my shed directly on the ground?

It might seem easier to place a shed directly on the ground, but that's a bad idea for two reasons. First, the build site should be a level surface...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

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Can I use tin foil as a vapour barrier?
Can I use tin foil as a vapour barrier?

Aluminium foil can be used as a vapour barrier and also as a vapour retarder, for example when perforated aluminium foil is used.

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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Can I make plywood waterproof?
Can I make plywood waterproof?

Plywood can be waterproofed with paint, polyurethane, or epoxy finish. Lightly sand the plywood with 180 grit sandpaper, clean off any sawdust, and...

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