A building expert has shared five home improvements that could land you with an ASBO, criminal record or a large fine.
While many homeowners take on DIY projects to improve their environment (and perhaps increase the value of their property), they could pay for it later if they're not careful.
Some Brits are finding themselves contacted by local authorities after complaints from their neighbours which could land them in potentially serious trouble.
Certain home improvements can actually be defined as anti-social and can potentially lead to you being landed with the new version of an ASBO - a civil injunction, such as a Community Protection Notice (CPN) or Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
MyBuilder.com has gathered a list of home "improvements" you should avoid to getting a CPN, CBO or an eye-watering fine.
Here are five home "improvements" to steer away from but you can see the full list of jobs via the MyBuilder website.
Lighting bonfires
Bonfires can be seen as an effective and recommended way to rid your garden of green waste.
That being said repeated fires can be deemed as anti-social behaviour and could land you with a £5,000 fine.
The experts note that there is no specific law banning bonfires but repeat offenders can be reported by neighbours which in turn can lead to fines.
A fine could occur if it can be proved that the smoke is blocking roads or causing significant issues, such as entering neighbours' homes and gardens or causing breathing issues.
Overhanging trees or hedges
If your garden tree overhangs your neighbour’s property, they have the right to ask for it to be trimmed back - and if you refuse, they can trim it themselves.
However, they must offer you the trimmings.
If the tree is subject to a tree preservation order, you can be fined for cutting without permission.
MyBuilder.com recommends getting an expert out to advise if you have any particularly large trees that need managing.
The experts added: "Hedging can also be problematic - you should never attempt to reduce the height of a boundary hedge without seeking advice from a professional and talking to your neighbours.
"Doing so without permission can lead to CPOs or even fines".
Sound systems
Cosying up in front of the telly to watch a film with surround sound sounds idyllic but if your system is inaccurately installed, it could become a headache for you (and your neighbours)
Inaccurately installed systems, or homes with poor insulation, can lead to exaggerated sound disturbances for your neighbours.
MyBuilder.com added: "If not corrected, this can lead to a noise abatement order and fines of up to £5,000.
"Always ensure an expert has checked your system is installed to the legal noise limit and your insulation is sufficient to absorb noise".
Outdoor kennels
The mass return to work after the pandemic led to an increase in dogs who are not used to being left alone, experts noted.
Between 2021 and 2022, complaints about barking dogs have rocketed by up to 300% in some locations.
MyBuilder.com also shared that it’s a common reason for councils to issue a CBO or ASBO.
The team advised: "A good solution is to install a soundproofed kennel for your canine, keeping both it and your neighbours happy.
"Failure to address a barking dog causing noise pollution can lead to a hefty fine.
"Back in 2020, one dog owner was fined almost £10,000 after his six dogs excessively barked outside in the evening, keeping neighbours awake".
Front door colour
A freshly painted front door can only cheer up a property - but many councils will slap you with a fine if your colour choice falls outside of the “accepted” palette, according to MyBuilder.com.
There are many examples across the UK of fines being issued for changing the colour of a front door - especially if you are in a listed building or conservation area.
Recommended reading
- These are 8 ways you can add value to your home in 2024
- You can add up to £90k to your home's value by making this one improvement
- What is the most likely time to be burgled? Expert explains
The experts continued: "Refusal to return your door to its previous colour can land you with a hefty fine. Repeated refusals to change it back could see you serviced with a CBO.
"The same can be said for changing the external appearance of your home in other ways (such as rendering or window changes), so it’s always worth consulting with an expert before making these changes".
Andy Simms, a trade expert from MyBuilder.com, said that these improvements or behaviours around the home can fall into the bracket of anti-social.
He said: “While as homeowners we might fancy a wacky door colour, or incredible sound system, if they offend the neighbours or fall foul of regulations, you could get yourself in trouble.
“Always consider your community, and if you are asked to make changes to any improvements you have made, or repeated behaviours that are annoying, then make sure you do.
“Being slapped with a CBO or ASBO is no joke - and can even have an effect on property prices in your street.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel