DIY and making improvements to your home

DIY and making improvements to your home

If you own your home, please go here.

We’re happy for you to decorate the inside of your home, hang pictures and other minor improvements. If you’re planning to do any DIY please check out our asbestos page first.

You can also change things at your home that are your responsibility, but for larger changes you’ll need our written permission (see below).

Click here if you want to fit disabled and mobility facilities to your home.

Kitchens and bathrooms

 
Installing a shower Yes, you can request permission for this
Removing a wet room (also called a level access shower)  Yes, you can request permission for this
Fitting a new kitchen or bathroom  Yes, you can request permission for this
Remove a kitchen cupboard to fit an appliance such as a washing machine  Yes, you can request permission for this
Change kitchen cupboard doors  Yes, you can request permission for this
Installation of a water meter  Yes, you can request permission for this
Removing or replacing any gas pipework No, we won’t give permission for this
Remove or replace any pipes (apart from gas pipes)

eg toilet, sink drainage,
external guttering

Yes, you can request permission for this
Fit handrails inside or outside  Yes, you can request permission for this

 

Heating and gas

 
Remove or replace radiators  Yes, you can request permission for this
Installation of wood/log burning stoves and gas fires No, we won’t give permission for this
Removing or replacing any gas pipework No, we won’t give permission for this

 

Electrics

 
Fitting new light switches, light fittings and addition power sockets  Yes, you can request permission for this
Installing an EV (electric vehicle) charging point  Yes, you can request permission for this
Installing an outside charging point for a mobility scooter  Yes, you can request permission for this

 

Doors and windows

 
Fitting window restrictors or window locks No, we won’t give permission for this
Fitting new window frames No, we won’t give permission for this
Fitting new front or back doors No, we won’t give permission for this;
Painting UPVC front and rear doors No, we won’t give permission for this
Painting front doors which are fire doors (usually in blocks of flats) No, we won’t give permission for this
Painting composite front and rear doors (these are plastic doors with
woodgrain effect)
Yes, you can request permission for this
Painting wooden front and rear doors (other than in blocks of flats) Yes, you can request permission for this
Install a cat flap Yes, you can request permission for this

 

Extensions

 
Conservatory Yes, you can request permission for this
Extending the property No, we won’t give permission for this

 

Walls, floors and stairs

 
Removing internal walls No, we won’t give permission for this
Fitting or removing staircases, bannisters and bannister rails No, we won’t give permission for this
Installing laminate flooring in flats above ground floor No, we won’t give permission for this
Installing laminate flooring in ground floor flats and houses Yes, you can request permission for this
Stair lift Yes, you can request permission for this

 

Gardens, fences and sheds

 
Sheds and summer houses  Yes, you can request permission for this
Please note that it will depend on the size
(dimensions) of the shed or structure being requested
Fencing  Yes, you can request permission for this
Rear fences can be no more than 1,800mm (6ft) high
Front fences must be no more than 900mm (3ft) high
Converting out buildings into habitable rooms such as offices No, we won’t give permission for this
Constructing or installing ponds, hot tubs, saunas and swimming pools No, we won’t give permission for this

 

Outside walls, roofs and guttering

 
Fixing aerials, satellite dishes or other items to outside walls or chimneys (houses only) Yes, you can request permission for this
Please note any external fixing is subject to building type, age and whether there is cladding on the outside of the building
Fixing aerials, satellite dishes or other items to blocks of flats No, we won’t give permission for this
Removing any outside walls No, we won’t give permission for this
Painting and decorating outside walls of the property that are bare brick No, we won’t give permission for this
Painting and decorating outside walls of the property that have external wall insulation Yes, you can request permission for this
Please note some types cannot be painted
Painting and decorating outside walls that are rendered Yes, you can request permission for this
Please note that we will need to agree the colour
Loft conversions No, we won’t give permission for this
Fitting solar panels (also known as photovoltaic cells) Yes, you can request permission for this
Adding cladding to external walls No, we won’t give permission for this

 

Paths, paving and driveways

 
Decking, patios and paving  Yes, you can request permission for this
Driveways Yes, you can request permission for this
Please note we will only allow 50% of the front garden area to be converted into a
driveway. We do not permit driveways where there is no dropped kerb. You can
contact your local council or the highways agency to request a dropped kerb.

 

If you live in Letchworth

Your change might require approval by the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation (LGCHF).

Please download and complete an External Alterations – Application Form from the LGCHF website and attach this to your application.

Reasons we might not give permission

We may refuse permission if the alteration will:

  • Cost us money to maintain now or in the future
  • Reduce the value of the property
  • Make the property less safe
  • Alter the structure or layout of the property

Make sure you get the certificate

We’ll need to see the relevant certification that works have been carried out safely by an qualified individual. For example, if you had a new electric socket fitted we would need to see the Part P certificate for the installation signed by the qualified electrician who carried out the work.

Keeping you safe

Repair responsibilities