CheckABuilder
CheckABuilder
workmanship compliance failures

The Planning Permission Lie – When Builders Say "It's Fine" (But It's Not)

It's one of the biggest cons in domestic building — and it catches thousands of homeowners every year.

14 January 202308:004 min read

Thinking of hiring a builder?

Run a Builder Due Diligence check before signing a contract or paying a deposit. The RAG system highlights positive indicators, missing information and potential warning signs.

It is one of the biggest cons in domestic building — and it catches thousands of homeowners every year.

The lie

A builder tells you that planning permission is not needed for your project. They are confident, reassuring, and may even say they have done this type of work many times without it.

The reality

If the work requires planning permission and you do not get it, you can be forced to demolish the work at your own expense. You may also face enforcement action from your local planning authority.

How to protect yourself

  • Check with your local planning authority before starting work
  • Do not rely on the builder word alone
  • Get any "it does not need permission" claim in writing
  • Run a Builder Due Diligence RAG check through Contraka
  • Share Your Experience

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