Tag: Legal & Planning
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What are U-values and How do Different Materials Compare?
In the UK, a U-value is the critical metric for a building’s insulation. It measures how much heat can pass through a material. This is known as ‘thermal transmittance’. At its simplest level, a U-value is a number, and lower is more insulated. A double-glazed window might be 1.4, whereas an external wall might be…
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How Fast is Planning Permission Granted in the UK?
We’ve all heard horror stories about waiting for planning permission. It can severely slow down a project while your Local Planning Authority (LPA) consider your application. Many home improvements can avoid planning permission entirely by building under Permitted Development (hint: if at all possible, do this). However, some projects do need planning permission, especially if…
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What is FENSA and how does it work?
FENSA is a scheme that regulates window and door installation. Specifically, it’s what’s known as a ‘competent persons scheme’. These are authorised by the government. In Fensa’s case, it works like this: The key point of a competent building scheme is that it avoids a separate building inspection. It’s faster, while also protecting the consumer…
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EPC Guide: How to find, use & renew your Energy Performance Certificate
EPCs are a requirement for properties in the UK, and you’ll need one to move house. They’re also actually quite useful. Find our how to read an EPC, find your existing one, and apply for a new one. What is an EPC? EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate. It gives a property a score from…
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Do Heat Pumps need planning permission?
No, not usually. However there are some exceptions. A heat pump is deemed as ‘permitted development’. That means that in most cases you can just get on with it. However (as usual) there are some rules attached, which particularly affect smaller properties. The main blocker for some households is that heat pumps can not be…
