New rules are due to come into force enabling families in England to extend their homes without having to get planning permission.
The regulations will enable the majority of people to carry out loft conversions and extensions without having to obtain permission from their local council.
The Government estimates the move will remove the need for around 80,000 households to seek planning permission, saving them up to £1,000 in costs.
But the new rules aim to strike a balance between freeing up homeowners to make improvements and limiting the size of an extension so that neighbours are protected.
Large and more intrusive home improvements, such as extensions going back more than three metres from the original property or loft conversions of more than 50 cubic metres, will still require planning permission.
The Government has launched a new interactive guide to help people establish whether they need to seek permission for a planned extension.
Housing and Planning Minister Caroline Flint said: "From today people will find it has become much easier to convert the loft and build on an extension.
"The changes the Government has made will mean about 80,000 households a year no longer have to get planning permission."
Other changes that come into force today mean that people putting in driveways or parking areas of more than five square metres will be exempt from planning permission only if they use materials that allow water to soak through to the ground.
The move aims to reduce surface water run-off and to help prevent flooding.
