Are you planning to build or make an extension to your house or buy new built?
If you are planning to build your own property remember you will need building permission before you begin. Since 2010 all new builds must have 25% reduction in carbon emissions.
If you are planning to buy a new built remember to check out the room sizes will fit your furniture - because of minimum sizes many new builts may look lovely and new and clean but once you put in your double bed or sofa there is not enough space to walk into the room nor even put in a cupboard. Also check for soundproofing as most new builds have no sound proofing at all. If you have a lot of belongings check you have enough storage space available. When buying a new build house make sure you get a Quality Audit done before exchanging contracts. This audit will give a 'snagging list' of all that is wrong and if no documents have exchanged hands insist on having the problems fixed and it is put into the contract. There are many Inspection companes wyho will provide a 'snagging list' guide and also do Quality Audits.
If you are planning an extension don't forget that you will need planning permission and architectural plans - speak to your local council for building regulations so you don't go wrong.
If installing solar panels, air, ground or water source pumps or wind turbines check you do not need planning permission and you have space for them. Be careful of companies if they rent the panel to you - there is no benefit other than the fact that you have paid for them to install it and they can receive any money which is sold back to the grid. If you are building new then adding a little more to your budget by having solar panels, biomass and or renewable energy technology built in will save you money in the years to come in energy bills, especially as energy bills are escalating fast.
Buying a new house have you done a Quality Audit before signing any contracts?
Check the room sizes - they may be look large empty but does your bed or sofa fit in leaving room to walk around?
Check sound proofing before buying or building
Check who is responsible for the road and pavement outside your new build - in many areas if the Council has not adopted it then the house owners are responsible for the upkeep. Best is to persuade once built for the Council to take over while it is in good condition saving a lot of heartache later.