Go to homepage
Login to MyPlace

Home improvements

Thinking about making changes to your home?

If you’re a Great Places customer or a Plumlife leaseholder and want to make improvements to your home, you’ll need to get permission first. We’ve created easy-to-read fact sheets to guide you through what’s allowed, what you need to provide, and how to apply.

Why do I need permission?

Most changes – like structural work, new kitchens or bathrooms, electrical or plumbing alterations – need written approval. This helps keep your home safe and ensures everything meets legal and building standards.

How do I apply?

You’ll need to send us details of your plans, materials, and any required approvals (like planning permission). All work must be done by qualified and insured professionals.

Need help or want to apply?

Contact our Customer Hub:

Making improvements to your home – what you need to know

We want to make sure you understand what’s involved if you’d like to make changes or improvements to your home. Here’s a quick guide to the essentials:

Do I need permission?

Yes. You must get written permission from Great Places before starting any work. This applies to most changes, including:

  • Walls, windows, doors, and floors
  • Electrical work
  • Heating systems and fireplaces
  • Kitchens and bathrooms
  • Extensions, conservatories, garages, sheds, and other outbuildings
  • Satellite dishes, TV aerials, hard standings, and dropped kerbs

If you make changes without permission, you may be charged to put things back as they were.

What do I need to provide?

When you apply, include: 

  • Plans or drawings of the work
  • Details of materials and specifications
  • Any required approvals (e.g., planning permission, building control)
  • Proof that your contractor is qualified and insured 

What happens next?

We aim to respond within 20 working days.

Sometimes a surveyor will visit before we decide.

If approved, work must be completed to the agreed standard and by qualified professionals.

What’s not allowed?

We may refuse permission if the work:

  • Affects the structure or safety of your home
  • Breaks planning or building regulations
  • Reduces living space or property value
  • Increases maintenance costs or impacts neighbours
  • Laminate flooring is only allowed in certain cases (e.g., concrete floors with sound insulation).

Compensation

If you move out permanently, you may get compensation for approved improvements (up to £3,000). You must have written permission and provide receipts. Compensation is calculated based on the age and type of improvement.

Important to remember

Improvements must not cause nuisance to neighbours.

You are usually responsible for maintaining your improvements.

If repairs are needed due to poor-quality work, costs may be recharged to you.

Need help or want to apply?

Contact our Customer Hub:

Or you can speak to the Neighbourhood Services Manager you’re already dealing with.

If you need information in a different format or a reasonable adjustment, let us know – we’re happy to help.

Making alterations to your leasehold property – what you need to know

If you’re a Great Places customer or a Plumlife leaseholder and want to make improvements to your home or leasehold premises, you’ll need to get permission first. We’ve created easy-to-read fact sheets to guide you through what’s allowed, what you need to provide, and how to apply.

Here’s a quick guide:

Do I need permission?

Do I need permission?

Yes. Under the terms of your lease, you must request written permission before making any alterations, including:

  • Structural changes
  • Changes to fixtures and fittings
  • Alterations to services (e.g., plumbing, electrics)
  • Layout changes inside the property
  • Changes to the façade, shopfront, signage, or manifestations

If you make changes without permission, you may be in breach of your lease and could be asked to reinstate the property at your own cost.

How do I apply?

How do I apply?

Submit your request in writing using the form provided by Plumlife or Great Places.

Include:

  • The relevant clause in your lease that allows alterations
  • Detailed plans and specifications
  • Details of planning permission and building regulations approval (if required)
  • Samples of materials (must meet Building Safety standards)

Applications are subject to a non-refundable legal and admin fee.

What happens next?

What happens next?

We aim to respond within 20 working days.

A surveyor may visit your property before we decide.

Our decision will be given in writing and is final.

Who can carry out the work?

Who can carry out the work?

All work must be done by qualified and insured professionals.

Trades such as gas, electrical, or fire safety must be certified by the relevant governing body.

Materials must comply with statutory regulations and Building Safety requirements.

Future responsibilities

Future responsibilities 

You are responsible for maintaining any alterations you make.

If we incur costs because of your alteration, we may recharge these to you.

Equality and Accessibility

Equality and Accessibility

If you need adjustments or information in a different format, contact us – we’re happy to help.

Need help or want to apply?

Need help or want to apply?

Contact our Customer Hub:

Or speak to your Plumlife Property Manager or Great Places Assets Team.