Most DYI projects do not need planning permission from the council, however, it’s always a good idea to check that there aren’t any rules or restrictions in place before you start.
This applies to painting the exterior of your house. Depending on where you live, you might need to apply for permission before you paint your house or other outdoor areas.
Painting of a property that is worn, outmoded, or needs urgent makeover can significantly improve its curb appeal. Keep reading to find out more about exterior painting and decorating and planning permission.
What is planning permission?
Building work is regulated by planning rules in the United Kingdom. These restrictions are enforced by local governments. Some forms of construction work need you to make a request for and acquire planning clearance before proceeding. Other types of construction work are approved developments, which imply they do not require approval.
The estimates service provided by GSD Painting & Decorating Contractors can assist you in planning your project by delivering an accurate cost estimate for the intended construction. If you are living in any listed building, any significant work, whether interior or external, will require listed building consent.
If you reside in any Conservation Area, an Area of Natural Beauty, a National Park, or the Broads, then you will have to apply for necessary planning permission before using stone, imitation stone, pebble dash, lumber, render, plastic, or tiles to coat the exterior of the home.
Outside of these regions, the cladding may be done without first obtaining planning approval if the materials used are comparable in look to those already used in your construction of the house.
How to get your property painted?
You will need to use a special exterior masonry paint that comes in a variety of colours. In case your home is connected to another, it is worth talking about colour with your immediate neighbour because, based on how your buildings are connected, having different colours can look odd.
Preparation for painting your outside walls
Preparation is the most critical element of any painting work, if any surface is not correctly prepared, the paint may not adhere properly, and you will have to start all over from the beginning. Before you begin painting, make sure the walls are clean and dry.
If there is a presence of mould on your walls, clean it away with any wire brush along with water and bleach solution. Brush the walls to get rid of any dust, filth, or cobwebs.
In case the walls have already been painted, use a pressure washer/wire brush for removing any flaking paint. Repair any cracks with outside filler, and keep climbing plants out of your path as much as it is possible. Before you begin painting, make sure the surface is entirely dry.
If the walls you are working on, happen to be solid, stonework walls or, sound rendered however, you should not employ a stabilising solution. As a primer, you must use a diluted or watered-down application of masonry paint.
Another thing to keep in mind is that if your house is old, you might be dealing with single-skinned solid walls. For such a case, you will want to make sure it can air freely to avoid moisture build-up.
The most important aspect of any painting project is preparation, if any surface is not properly prepared, the paint may not adhere, and probably you will have to start all over again. Make sure the walls are dry and clean before you start your painting.
Mask door and window frames, as well as any other parts that you don’t want to get paint on. If your house happens to be facing the street directly, ensure to put up cones and signs to warn people of the ladders and wet paint.
Ladder or scaffolding?
Using a ladder will not cost you anything, however, depending on the size of your external wall, this may be dangerous. Only use a ladder if you are confident it is safe to do so.
If the building is high, then consider renting a scaffold which will make it safer.
Of course, if painting the outside of your house is not for you, then there is always the option to hire a professional. Companies such as GSD Painting & Decorating Contractors, one of North London’s best painting contractors specialise in this type of work.
