By Now Aluminium
Bifold doors serve many purposes such as saving space, being completely secure, maximising the natural light in your home, being compact and energy-efficient, and adding an aesthetic look and feel to your home. They are a very low-maintenance option for doors but, of course, still require care and cleaning. This decision requires careful consideration, planning and sometimes even permission to install these doors. Permission isn’t necessary or mandatory in every circumstance, but it is always important to check these regulations and requirements before deciding to go ahead with this installation.
When Do You Need Permission for Bifold Doors?
Usually, bifold doors do not require any planning permission as they are typically covered by permitted development rights. Doors are considered to be something on your property that you can alter and change that will not affect your neighbours or disrupt the look of your home too much. With this in mind, planning authorities think that fighting this change isn’t worth the time or effort it would take. Even though this is most often the case, it is important to check in with your local planning authorities to ensure that you have the all-clear before going ahead.
If you already have an opening in your home and wish to install new bifold doors into them, then you can have them made-to-measure and this is considered a replacement. If all building and home regulations are met, then you do not need any planning permission to go forward with this installation. You are then free to decorate and create the doors to your liking.
However, if you do not have an opening in your home and create one yourself, planning permission may be required. Even if you have an opening but choose to widen it, you may need to check with your local home and building authority to ensure that you do or do not require approval for this alteration and installation. As well, if you want an entirely new opening for bifold doors, you most likely need to have planning permission. This is because what you would be doing would be considered a major alteration to the property. Feel free to refer to our online measuring guide to calculate the required space for your new bifold doors.
What Types of Homes Need Permission?
Permission for bifold doors may be needed depending on the type of house you live in. When living in a typical home, permission shouldn’t be required as these regulations are most often covered in the development rules. Things become a bit more complicated when you live in a building or a conservation area as regulations can differ when it comes to alterations in the home. If bifold doors don’t fit into the style of your building or neighbouring areas then bifold doors will require permission and may even not be approved.
The other areas where bifold doors may need planning permission are in a new conservatory or extension. This is due to the fact that conservatories and extensions need approval from planning authorities from the outset. As long as the rest of the home doesn’t break any rules then bifold doors will most likely be approved as “permitted developments”.
If you have checked with your local building and home authorities and noticed that you will need planning permission to install bifold doors, then you need to contact your local authority in order to obtain the proper paperwork. All you need to do is fill out the paperwork (now often online), submit it and wait for approval on the installation of your bifold doors. You may also need to be aware of the building or home regulations and this can easily be accomplished by speaking to your installer or supplier.
Where Can I Purchase Bifold Doors?
NOW Aluminium offers aluminium bifold doors and windows on a supply-only basis. NOW Aluminium will provide you with your required delivery date and you will also receive a competitive quote for the installation of bifold doors. All you will need to do is complete the bifold door order form on our website so that we can efficiently get back to you. You can feel secure and happy with your purchase because NOW Aluminium comes with a 10-year warranty.
Bifold doors are a great way to modernise your home, be energy efficient and bring lots of natural light in. They aren’t cheap but can be a very cost effective option and need careful consideration and planning to ensure that it is the best option for your home. It is always important to check with your local authorities and regulations to ensure that you are able to proceed with this installation, and if not, then contact the proper jurisdictions in your area to see how you can either work around these roadblocks or go for another option when it comes to doors.
