Whether
you are undertaking a new build, an extension or making structural
alterations to your home, you will need Building Regulations approval.
Builder Peter Eade covers what to expect, explains the different types
of building inspector, and the different statutory inspections you can
expect as your project progresses
Whether you are undertaking a new build, an extension or making structural alterations to your home, you’ll need Building Regulations approval from your local building inspector.
There is sometimes confusion about the difference between planning and Building Regulations approval:
Planning approval relates to receiving permission from the local authority to build an extension or new dwelling.
Building Regulations approval is a completely separate process and ensures that the proposed structure will be built in full compliance with the Building Regulations.
An important part of getting approval is having the benefit of a building inspector to carry out regular site visits.
Building inspectors are professionals and have a complete
working knowledge of the many regulations. Their job is to ensure that
at completion the project has been built in full compliance with each of
them.
Choice of Full Plans or Building Notice Application
Before any work can begin, you need to decide whether to
make a ‘Full Plans’ Building Regulation application or submit a
‘Building Notice’.
With a Building Notice, it is possible to
carry out the work without prior approval, but the responsibility of
ensuring the work is in full compliance is entirely that of the builder.
If you choose a Full Plans application,
you will know from the start that the working drawings have been checked
and approved by the building inspector and that the plans fully comply
with all of the Building Regulations.
These regulations are comprehensive and quite complex.
A Full Plans application would need to include a set of plans
that demonstrate to the building inspector that what is being proposed
conforms fully to the regulations.
The other advantage of this route is that the approved
drawings will show everything the builder will need to know in order to
provide a fixed quotation.
What Type of Building Control Inspector?
These days, you can choose to use either a local authority
inspector or an inspector from a government-approved private building
inspection company. This is the case for new builds, as well as
alterations, extensions and loft conversions.
If you require an insurance warranty
on the project the work will also need to be regularly inspected by the
warranty inspector. Some warranty providers also offer a private
building inspection service, which can be cost-effective.
Statutory Inspections
Once the plans have been approved, they become the only
ones that are used to build the project. Before starting any work, it’s a
good idea to compare the approved Building Regulation plans with the
original planning drawings.
- If the Building Regs plans deviate in any way from the planning approved drawing, this needs to be addressed before any work starts.
Further Checks by the Building Inspector
As the job moves forward the building inspector will usually carry out additional checks:
- They may need to see the floor and ceiling joists to ensure they are in accordance with the approved drawing.
- They will want to check the size, grade and centres of the joists, together with any herringbone strutting and restraint strapping.
- All of the roof timber/trusses may be checked for correct size and grade of timbers at the correct spacing.
- They will be interested in both thermal and sound insulation to make sure it is of the correct type and thickness.
- The structural integrity of the building is very important, but equally the fire safety and glazing regulations need to be precisely adhered to.
- The staircase must conform to several important rules. If there are problems they can be expensive to put right.
If the work is being carried out by someone new to
construction or who is an enthusiastic DIYer, the inspector will be able
to visit the site more often if requested.
The approved plans do not always illustrate compliance to every regulation and on-site mistakes can happen.
Advice and Guidance
- If in doubt, it is easier to check a particular regulation before a job is carried out, by asking the inspector.
- To achieve the smooth running of any project and to avoid too many delays due to things being incorrect, it makes sense to keep on the right side of the inspector. They are there to help and are usually very willing to offer advice.
- Any project that has received guidance and advice from the inspector will pay dividends in the long term.
Statutory Inspections
There are usually eight statutory inspections, which have
to be made during the course of construction. Generally the inspector
will want to make quite a few additional visits as the work proceeds.
Statutory Inspection 1
At least two days before any work begins, it is a
statutory requirement that the building inspector is informed that the
work is about to start.
The inspector will call at the site once they have been
notified. This visit can be useful as he or she can meet the builder and
generally check the site conditions. Once the first visit has taken
place, a one-off invoice is issued to cover the cost of the first and
all subsequent inspections.
With a Building Notice, there is just one full up-front payment made at the time of making the application.
Statutory Inspection 2
The next statutory inspection is the excavation before placing the concrete foundations.
This allows the inspector to check on ground conditions and look at:
- The bearing capacity of the ground
- Proximity and depth of any drains and manholes
- Depth of the existing foundation (if it’s an extension)
- Proximity of any trees or recently removed trees
- Whether the ground is ‘made up’ (manmade)
Statutory Inspection 3
The next inspection is the preparation of the oversite.
The inspector will determine the suitability of the
hardcore, the provision of sand blinding and the damp-proof membrane
(DPM). If a sub-floor thermal insulation is specified, this will also be
checked.
Statutory Inspection 4
Once the footing walls have been brought up to the damp-proof course (DPC) level this also requires a statutory inspection
Statutory Inspection 5
All new drainage is inspected prior to covering.
The items checked will include the suitability of
materials used, the correct falls and line of the drains, materials used
for the beds and surrounds of the drains and inspection chambers and
access points.
Statutory Inspection 6
Drainage testing — wherever possible the above and below ground drainage will be checked for airtightness or watertightness
Statutory Inspection 7
When the building is occupied prior to completion, the local authority needs to be notified.
Statutory Inspection 8
This inspection is often overlooked, but it is important that the inspector has a final walk round to check:
- Ventilation to rooms and roof voids
- Roof coverings
- Fire precautions and fire safety
- Safety glazing
- Staircase details and geometry
SOURCE
https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/what-does-a-building-inspector-do/
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