Building Regulations Frequently Asked Questions

HENDON, U.K. - Sept. 26, 2014 - PRLog -- Building Regulations FAQ's

If I want to build a new home of any type (i.e. a house, bungalow, maisonettes or a block of flats) or any other type of new building, will the Building Regulations apply?

YES – as a new building all the appropriate requirements in the regulations will apply in full.

If I want to build an extension to my home, will the Building Regulations apply?

YES – but a porch or conservatory built at ground level and under 30m2 in floor area is exempt provided that the glazing and any fixed electrical installation complies with the applicable requirements of the Building Regulations (i.e. Part N ‘Glazing safety in relation to impact, opening and cleaning’ and Part P ‘Electrical safety’). Your Building Control Service can supply further information on safety glazing and electrical safety. You should not construct a conservatory where it will restrict ladder access to windows serving a room in the roof or a loft conversion, particularly if any of the windows are intended as a way of facilitating escape or rescue if there is a fire.

If I want to build a garage extension onto my home, will the Building Regulations apply?

YES – but a carport extension, open on at least two sides and under 30m2 in floor area, is exempt except that any fixed electrical installation must comply with the electrical safety requirements of the Building Regulations. You should ensure that a carport does not interfere with the proper working of a low-level flue outlet from an oil or gas appliance.

If I want to build a detached garage under 30m2 in floor area, will the Building Regulations apply?

NO – the building will be exempt from the regulations but only providing any fixed electrical installation complies with the electrical safety requirements of the Building Regulations (Part P ‘Electrical safety’) and it is:

- under 30m2 in floor area;

- single storey and does not contain any sleeping accommodation; and provided either:

it is built substantially of non-combustible material; or –when built it is no less than 1m from the boundary of the property.

If I want to put up a greenhouse or a small detached building such as a garden shed or summerhouse in my garden, will the Building Regulations apply?

NO – these buildings will be exempt from the regulations but only providing any fixed electrical installation complies with the electrical safety requirements of the Building Regulations and the building is fully covered by the definitions and conditions given in Schedule 2 to the Building Regulations.

If I want to carry out a loft conversion to my home, will the Building Regulations apply?

YES – The appropriate requirements of the regulations will be applied so as to ensure, for example: the structural strength of the proposed floor is sufficient; the stability of the structure (including the roof) is not endangered; safe escape from fire; safely designed stairs to the new floor; and reasonable sound insulation between the conversion and the rooms below.

You will also need to consider whether your loft conversion project is subject to The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 under which you must give adjoining owners notice.

If I want to convert an integral or attached garage to a dwelling into habitable use, will the Building Regulations apply?

YES – The appropriate requirements of the regulations will be applied so as to ensure that, for example, the existing accommodation is brought up to the standard required for habitable use, including both thermal and sound insulation. Structural alterations to create new window openings and the infilling of the existing garage door opening will need to comply with the appropriate requirements and if the imposed loading is to be increased then the adequacy of the existing foundations will also need investigation.

If I want to carry out internal alterations within my home, or any other type of building, will the Building Regulations apply?

YES – very likely. The regulations specify what forms of alteration amount to ‘material alterations’ and are therefore ‘Building Work’, taking account of the potential for the proposed work to adversely affect compliance of the building with specific requirements. On this basis the regulations are very likely to apply if your project will involve alterations to the structure of the building (e.g. the removal or part removal of a load bearing wall, joist, beam or 4 chimney breast); will affect escape or other fire precautions either inside or outside the building; or will affect access to and use of buildings. On the assumption that the regulations do apply, all the work involved in the alteration must comply with all the appropriate requirements.

If I want to replace one or more windows in my home, or any other type of building, will the Building Regulations apply?

YES – if you are replacing the whole of the fixed frame and opening parts. If the work is to your home and you employ a FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme) registered installer, you will not need to involve a Building Control Service*. But on completion the installer must give your local authority a certificate that the work complies with Part L and other appropriate parts of the Building Regulations. You will be provided with a certificate of compliance for your records.

NO – if the work amounts to no more than, for example, replacing broken glass, replacing fogged double-glazing units, replacing some rotten sashes (i.e. opening parts) in the main window frame, or replacing some rotten sections of the main frame members.

If I want to carry out repairs to my home, or any other type of building, will the Building Regulations apply?

NO – if the repairs are of a minor nature: e.g. replacing roofing tiles with the same type and weight of tile; replacing the felt to a flat roof; re-pointing brickwork; or replacing floorboards.

Building Regulations Advice.

Contact Drawing And Planning and get expert advice to your building regulation application and submit with 100% confidence.

http://www.drawingandplanning.com/home/building_regulatio...

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