Government to End Self Build Tax

On the 15th April 2013 the Housing Minister, Mark Prisk, announced that the Government proposes to exempt self builders from paying the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). There will be a 6-8 week consultation on the changes which will likely come into effect during the summer.
CIL, which was introduced under the Labour Government but began to be implemented by some councils in January 2012 (and now affects thousands of self builders in dozens of local authorities), raised a levy on new homes set at a standard charge per m² of new development. On average, self builders and developers affected by CIL were being asked to pay £100-150/m² – typically adding 10-15% onto build costs. In some areas the charge was significantly higher, and in many cases self builders were being faced with invoices for £20-40,000 as a condition of being granted planning approval.
Details of the criteria for the exemption have not yet been finalised, but it is expected to involve self builders declaring that their project is non-speculative before commencement, and have to provide evidence as the project completes (e.g. by having the completion certificate and title in their name) as well as a set period of occupation, proved by Council Tax payments. The changes will only apply to Local Authorities in England.
Homebuilding & Renovating first began to highlight the issue in late 2011 and since then has been vigorously campaigning with the National Self Build Association (NaSBA) for self builders to be excluded from the charge. Homebuilding & Renovating Editor Jason Orme lobbied the then Housing Minister Grant Shapps on the issue at a meeting in Downing St. in April 2012, and much behind-the-scenes work has been going on to ease the burden for people building their own homes.
CIL was originally designed to replace the complicated (and fully negotiable) raft of local planning obligations such as Section 106s and Affordable Housing Contributions, which will still affect self builders.

Government Revising Planning Permission

The Government has announced it is revising its proposals to grant permitted development rights for larger house extensions for a period of three years.
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles made the announcement in the Commons when MPs debated Lords amendments to the Growth and Infrastructure Bill.
During the debate the minister told MPs: “I can announce that in the spirit of consensus we will introduce a revised approach to the contentious question of permitted development rights for home extensions when the Bill returns to the Lords.
“If we cannot persuade the other House, the issue will return to the Commons next week so that Hon Members can debate and vote further.
“Given the discussions I have had with colleagues who have concerns, I believe that the problem is eminently bridgeable. I would like the opportunity to build that bridge.”
His comments came before the Commons voted to reject a Lords amendment which would have allowed councils to opt out of the new regime, a move opposed by Coalition ministers.
Earlier Planning Minister Nick Boles had insisted that the proposed reforms “should make it quicker, easier and cheaper for up to 40,000 families a year wishing to build small-scale, single-storey extensions and conservatories.”
18th April 2013

Planning Permission News

Planning Permission relaxation - update to follow

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How much is your building work going to cost?

Have you ever wondered why building quotes vary so much?

There are a number of reasons and knowing these will help you evaluate which builder presents the best option for successful completion of your new home or other building project. It is possible to calculate costs and doing this can be quite revealing. It will give you some insight into how the builders have arrived at their quotations.  

Looking at these calculations before approaching a builder will also help you budget for your building work or new extension. Perhaps more important, working out even a rough calculation will protect you from speculative builders who under quote.  Take the lowest quotation and you are risking increased costs and you might well find your project going over your budget. The cheapest quote is more often than not the worst option. Read more on this in my guide to choosing a builder.

Visit this link for a calculator to help you work out the costs of your building project. The cost per square metre figure allows for a finished new build home or extension. This includes kitchens and bathrooms but does not including external landscaping.

10 things you need to consider when viewing building quotations

1. The extra fees involved. These include Legal Fees, stamp Duty, Land Tax and planning Application fees
2. You must build in a contingency fund – building work can be unpredictable and something  unforeseen might arise
3. Standard size or bespoke windows? Bespoke will involve a higher cost and this applies to pretty much ‘bespoke’ anything else.
4. Extra storey or rooms in the loft? Some loft conversions can be more expensive if the existing structure is unsuitable
5. Which heating system will you choose? Ground source heat pumps are more expensive than air source  heat pumps but will save energycosts long term 
6. How green do you want your finished building project to be? Energy efficiency usually involves higher cost upfront with savings made over a longer term
7. Finished effects – type of materials used can greatly affect the cost. eg roofing slate type needs to be specified as quality and cost varies significantly
8. Landscaping, will your builder design and organise this or will you do it yourself?
9. Final finish on kitchen and bathroom and other fittings all affect quotations
10. Design costs. Opting for design and build provides a much more cost effective option

Obviously if you decide to self build you will be saving on labour costs. But bear in mind the skill and time involved. Hiring different trades will take you longer than employing a building contractor. Whichever route you decide to take, building costs are affected by quality and specification. Always choose a builder who provides a fully detailed and realistic quote.  

Renovations Homes - How to retain original features

Keeping original features retains the character of older homes and listed properties, without them you are in danger of creating a theatre set. The reason most people take on a renovation project is a love of old buildings and the desire to create a comfortable and characterful home. Most people in these circumstances are determined to save as many of the original features as possible.

It’s often the little details that count and that will make the difference to your finished renovation. It’s important to be flexible and be prepared to make decisions about original features as your renovation progresses and the condition of those features is revealed.

At the same time it is important to plan ahead and to incorporate those original features in your renovation plan. Use a specialist builder and designer with experience of older properties. They will be able to advise you on what can be saved, used and restored as well as how to retain original features and how to best incorporate them to ensure you have a comfortable stylish home.

Original features such as inglenook and feature fireplaces, original timbers and beams, plaster work and roof tiles can make considerable difference to your finished renovation. Don’t discount specific features from buildings that were originally used for agricultural, industrial or religious use. This might include dove cots, cattle troughs, feature windows, high ceilings, brick work and original flooring.

What you need to consider

• Firstly can the original feature be retained 
• The condition of the feature might reveal itself at a later stage of your renovation 
• How will the feature affect your room layout and design?
• What will removing old paint reveal? Is it better to recreate from new using a specialist?
• Can you make better use of original features by using them elsewhere 
• Beams and ceilings in agricultural buildings might be too low so relocation will be the only option 

To see some of Kent Building Developments Renovations >>>>>