Do Regs apply? If you want to know how your DIY projects could be affected by building and planning regulations, click here to post questions and view answers

[ma701ss]

I don't understand how you determine if regs apply, and if so, which ones? If refurbishing an old house to modernise it, how do you know which regs apply? If you do something that requires full plans to be submitted, i.e. build over a sewer, does that mean that everything else you are doing that wouldn't otherwise have been subject to approval, then needs approval? I've read the approved docs, building regs guide, etc. but everything seems so vague.

[thedoctor]

Contact the building control dept of your local council. They will be happy to tell you which regas apply to which job.

[ma701ss]

Thanks, I probably will, but I would like to understand for myself how to determine what needs to be done.

[thedoctor]

If you have read the regulations documents (all avaialable from our building regulations project) and are not able to work it out from there you will not be able to work it out. In really general terms you will need regs approval for anything which can alter the structural stablity or integrity of the property or the properties services. This also includes the strength of the materials used and the methods of reconstruction. Even time served builders cannot always work out what needs regs approval and what does not so if your construction over a drain requires a lintel to be inserted, then some masonry or a floor is to be laid on or aver the lintel, the floor may need approval also. There is never really a "bog standard" renovation so the rules need to be applied in many different ways in all circumstances

[eljaybee]

The planningportal website does have quite a good interactive house which explains what works require permission. It even includes the fact that if replacing more than 25% of a layer of a thermal element (eg replastering, re-rendering, recovering a roof) then you need to increase the insulation and thermal efficiency of the whole element to current standards.

[ma701ss]

Thanks I'll take a look.

[ma701ss]

[quote="eljaybee"]The planningportal website does have quite a good interactive house which explains what works require permission. It even includes the fact that if replacing more than 25% of a layer of a thermal element (eg replastering, re-rendering, recovering a roof) then you need to increase the insulation and thermal efficiency of the whole element to current standards.[/quote]

eljaybee, sorry I had a good look on that site but can't find what you're referring to. Could you post a link please?

[eljaybee]

If you Google "planningportal.gov.uk" and search for uploads > hhg > and then view houseguide

[the specialist]

My understanding after discussions with building control officers is as follows:

Anything structural.

Anything which involves renewing 25% or more of an existing building.

All extensions except a true conservatory.

Converting any space into habitable (basement,loft, garage etc)

Aslo if you are not fensa registered you can still replace windows under a building notice (fee £70.00)

Daft thing is we built a porch with a floor area of14M2 which had a dual pitched roof, vaulted ceiling and velux. The client had to have planning permission yet no building regs. We were converting the basement at the same time but building Inspector didn't even look at it!

[ma701ss]

I posted a useful link to the planning portal interactive house on here after I found it, but the admin seems to have deleted it for some reason. Why?

[Pazuzu]

[quote="ma701ss"]I posted a useful link to the planning portal interactive house on here after I found it, but the admin seems to have deleted it for some reason. Why?[/quote]

I found such a link on the diydoctor home page, useful links - if you scroll down it is at the bottom of the list.
I tried to "pm" you - but that is disabled on this forum, apparently. :oops:

[reggieroo]

[quote="the specialist"]My understanding after discussions with building control officers is as follows:

Anything structural.

All extensions except a true conservatory.

Aslo if you are not fensa registered you can still replace windows under a building notice (fee £70.00)

[/quote]

What about adding a log cabin as an extension & taking out a window & replacing it with a patio door for access into the cabin?