Reworking a home’s layout may be sufficient to free up floorspace, brighten the interiors and improve functionality
Taking down internal walls in a property divided into a series of rooms may better serve the way you want to live. An open-plan layout is great for keeping an eye on young children in one area while you’re busy in another, and for hosting a crowd. But plan with care to prevent too much noise bouncing around the space, and to include a cosy area, plus somewhere to escape.
Will I need permission?
Remodelling the interior of a house won’t usually require planning consent, unless there are specific limitations such as the property having listed status. But before you go too far down the line, always check what you’d like to do with the Planning Portal and your local authority (planningportal.co.uk).
Get the right help
Hiring an architect or design-and-build studio can be beneficial for complex projects. Be honest about what you want and can afford. They will tell you if you have unrealistic expectations and offer solutions.
An experienced contractor can tackle smaller changes. Search the Federation of Master Builders website for a firm in your area (fmb.org.uk). In terraced or semi-detached houses any work affecting a shared wall will need a party wall agreement with your neighbours. Any structural changes and some layout alterations must comply with Building Regulations, with the work inspected and signed off by Building Control.
Make sure to get a clear and precise set of drawings, specifications and a schedule of works for the project, no matter how small. This will enable you to get a firm price from one or more builders. Have a contract in place before you start. Take a look at the RIBA domestic building contract (architecture.com) or the JCT minor works contract (jctltd.co.uk).
Rethinking the layout
Weigh up the advantages of going open plan against the need for privacy and quiet areas – this will relate to what you want to use the spaces for.
Retaining the front hallway provides privacy at the front door, which is especially important if your home faces a busy street. Having somewhere secluded to retreat to doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be downstairs. You might designate a small bedroom to doubl
