IF YOU are planning to sell a house you have had building works done to, you need to ensure you have all the right paperwork in place as you will need to disclose the nature of the work to any potential buyer.

Most works will not require planning permission unless you want to build something new, change the use of your building or make a major change to your building.

However, many local properties are in a conservation area which means any alterations at the front (including replacement window frames, doors, garden walls, railings, guttering etc) will require planning permission.

External changes to a flat will also usually require planning permission.

The following types of project will often require building regulation consent:

- The construction or extension of the building.

- The installation or extension of a service or fitting, such as a new boiler, hot water cylinders, foul water and rain water drainage and fuel-burning appliances of any type.

- The replacement of windows, roof windows, roof lights or glazed doors since April 1, 2002.

- Rewiring or had any electrical installation since January 1, 2005.

Many contractors are able to self-certify the work and confirm it is building regulation-compliant.

Examples include a gas safety compliance certificate, a FENSA certificate for glazed windows and doors, or an electrical safety certificate.

Ensure you keep all your permissions and certificates in a safe place together with any guarantees, as it may be possible to pass these on to your buyer.

In the event you are unable to provide evidence of all of these matters, there may be other options open such as the possibility of obtaining indemnity insurance.

I will cover this subject in a future article.