... or The consequence was we didn’t get the extension done.

There are two sides to every story and that’s the case with 'consequential improvements'.

But what are 'conseqeuential improvements'? If you extend your property, not only does the new extension have to achieve current Building Regulations, but the rest of the house must too.

This applies from the Green Deal start in October 2012. But, the devil is in the detail, because of the clause ‘where these are technically, economically and functionally feasible’.

In 2014 these same rules will apply to non-domestic buildings.

And, from 2014, there is the possibility of further regulation; the replacement of a domestic boiler or multiple domestic windows (typically 50% or more) could  trigger a requirement for consequential improvements.

This will probably turn local authorities in to one of the biggest drivers of carbon reducing activity. Upgrading the windows may also mean upgrading the insulation - it is certainly more cost effective to do this when the workers are already on site.

It should drive carbon reduction in private homes and means that consumers can put the extra costs on the Green Deal – on the negative side it may encourage cowboy builders and cash in hand to avoid making the consequential changes.

But the changes required are relatively modest - loft and cavity wall insulation, hot water cylinder insulation and draftproofing.

Speaking to BusinessGreen, one government source said that the rules would require people to take up the Green Deal when adding an extension to their home. He added that it could result in an additional 200,000 homes taking up the scheme.

Conservatories will continue to be exempt if they are less than 30 square metres.