Swapping patio doors and window on different walls

frogglet

We live in a house which was extended in the last 7 years.
It looks like they reused a neighbours plans.
However our patio doors look over a very ugly area with a boiler and oil tank.
On the other wall with a lovely view is a large window.
We are surrounded by a hedge and fields no neighbours on that side.
Could we employ a  builder to swap them round or do we need planning/ building permission first.

Jeepers_Creepers

Are they similar widths? Are the top lintels at similar heights? (Just wondering how big a job).

This is surely 'permitted development' or whatever it's called; there are no third parties affected. I'd get recommendations for good local builders, call out a couple to discuss, and get on with it...

frogglet

The spaces aren't the same width as the patio door has side glass panels.
We had a builder/ electrician/ plumber bloke out yesterday to do some other things so asked him his opinion.
 We aren't wanting to involve the lintels as that apparently makes it a much bigger/ expensive job. The only light we would lose is the bottom of the side panels as the window is narrower than the door space, so we would leave the top half of the patio doors and side panel space and brick the bottom to make a window. The doors would then fit in the window space after knocking a hole at the bottom.

Jeepers_Creepers

I can't see any issues.

Personally I'd just go ahead... :-)

gamston

could you just buy another patio door that fits the space of the window ? you can get new or secondhand
I would think that to do what you want (swap windows and rebuild) is 2 days work or a really long day, (2 days labour) to replace window with "new" patio window is 1 day, so outset the labour saving against the extra cost of "new" patio door.
also removing glazing can damage the window trims (you can't get trims easily)

frogglet

Yes I think we will have to buy new doors  as the side windows are attached. My question was more to do with whether we can just do it or need  permission off the council.

Jeepers_Creepers

Nothing structural is involved. No 3rd party is involved. You ain't Grade-listed :-)

All new window installs/replacements need either a certified installer (eg Fensa) or to be 'certified' by Building Control afterwards if DIYed.

I would just get a couple of recommended local builders out and discuss it with them; they'll have window suppliers/installers they regularly work with.

Or are you DIYing?

frogglet

Definitely not DIY. Thanks for the information.