--- title: Making home improvements date: 2025-12-10T12:11:00+00:00 author: Clinton canonical_url: "https://co-ownership.org/managing-your-home/making-home-improvements" section: Existing customers --- **Managing your home**# Making home improvements Feel free to make your home yours. And while most changes don't need our approval, we're here to help with the ones that do. ![Back of construction worker 1140x1140px](https://co-ownership.s3-assets.com/1140x1140px/_1140x1140_crop_center-center_none/back-of-construction-worker-1140x1140px.png) ## In this section - [Selling your home & buying us out](https://co-ownership.org/managing-your-home/selling-your-home-buying-us-out) - [Owning more of your home](https://co-ownership.org/managing-your-home/owning-more-of-your-home) - [Paying your rent](https://co-ownership.org/managing-your-home/paying-your-rent) - [Making home improvements](https://co-ownership.org/managing-your-home/making-home-improvements) - [Financial support](https://co-ownership.org/managing-your-home/financial-support) - [Changes in circumstances](https://co-ownership.org/managing-your-home/changes-in-circumstances) **Your Co-Ownership home is** ***your*** **home, and you’re free to make it feel right for you. In most cases, you can carry out everyday improvements without needing our permission. There are only a few situations where you’ll need to contact us before starting work.** When you first move into your home, it should already meet your needs and major upgrades should not be required straight away. However, we understand that needs and preferences change over time and you may want to make updates that better suit your taste and lifestyle. ## Improvements you can make without contacting us You do not need to contact Co-Ownership for non-structural improvements, such as: - decorating and redecorating - replacing windows or doors - installing new flooring - updating heating systems or electrics These types of improvements are your responsibility, including all costs and ongoing maintenance. ## When you do need to contact us You must contact Co-Ownership before making any structural changes to your home. This includes: - building an extension - converting a loft or garage - adding a conservatory - building a garage or outbuilding - removing internal walls These changes affect the structure and value of your home, so we need to review and approve them before you start. **Bear in mind that the cost of an improvement doesn't always reflect the value it adds to your house price. It might cost £10,000 but only add £3,000 to your home's value, so it's worth weighing that up before committing to any major work.** Examples of what we'd class as a home improvement, versus what is considered maintenance and repairs is detailed below, as well as when we suggest you need to contact Co-Ownership. Repairs & Maintenance (no need to contact us):Home Improvement (contact us):Plumbing and electrical maintenance and upgradingInstalling a wood burner or multi fuel stoveSolid fuel, oil and gas central heating system maintenance and replacement (including replacement of boiler or radiators)Converting from Economy 7 heating system to gas, from oil to gas central heating, from oil to a more efficient oil heating system, or if you're installing a renewable energy heating system such as a heat pump.Roof repairs (replacing damaged or missing slates or tiles, or repointing mortar at eaves) Repairing or replacing defective chimney flashing, or replacing a chimney potConstructing a garageRepointing brickwork or repairing defective renderConverting the loft into a habitable accommodationPainting and decorating internally or externallyAdding a home extension which increases the habitable accommodation (such as an additional bedroom, sunroom, conservatory or porch)Replacing damaged doors, door frames, locks or door hingesInstalling a new kitchen or bathroom, which involves knocking down walls or changing layoutsReplacing defective or damaged glass in windows, window catches, locks and hinges or rotted framesAdding solar panels or a renewable energy source that you own outrightOverhauling rainwater goods, guttering, drains and gullies Overhauling or replacing fascia or soffits Changing or replacing floor coverings General maintenance, upkeep or landscaping of external areasThis list is not exhaustive and if you require any further clarification please contact us. ## How improvements affect your home's value If you decide to increase your share or sell your home in the future, we will take improvements into account fairly. Unlike a standard market valuation from an estate agent, Co-Ownership carries out a buy-out valuation. This means your home is valued at today's market price but assessed to the same standard as when you bought it. Any value you've added through approved improvements is excluded from Co-Ownership's share - that value stays with you. For example: Market valuation£145,000Value added by installing a new kitchen£3,000Co-Own buy-out valuation£142,000 Keep in mind that what you spend isn't always what you gain in value. A £7,000 kitchen might add £3,000 to your home's worth. That's worth thinking about before you start any major work, and speak to an estate agent if you’d like to know more about what adds value in your local area. Making improvements won't change your monthly rent amount. ## Things to keep in mind Before you begin making updates or changes to your home, make sure you're clear on a few key points: - **you're responsible for all costs**, including getting any permissions you need and ensuring work is guaranteed - **planning permission or building control approval** may be required separately - even after we've given our approval to go ahead - **use qualified tradespeople** and make sure improvements are done to a good standard If you’re not sure if your project needs our approval, get in touch before you start. We're here to help you make confident decisions about your home.