09 February 2012Exempt Buildings
Certain buildings and structures are exempt from the Building Regulations. The Planning Portal provides details of exempt work that does not require Building Regulation consent. The 'Interactive House' illustrates the exemptions further. The LABC also offers further advice.
Replacement Windows
Since the 1st April 2002 the Building Regulations have applied to replacement windows, including thermal performance, ventilation, safety glass and fire safety. The Planning Portal offers advice on replacement windows and how to comply with the Regulations.
Loft Conversions
Building Regulation consent is required for all loft conversions. The Planning Portal provides general advice on the Building Regulations on loft conversions relating to the use of the conversion and the parts of the Regulations which may apply to the work.
Domestic Heating Oil
All new installations of oil fired appliances and oil storage tanks require Building Regulation consent. Oftec are a governing body where oil installers are registered to carry out work under the competent person scheme. If the installer is registered with Oftec, a Building Regulations application will not need to be submitted. The Oftec website provides further information and a list of their registered installers.
Fire Safety
Kent Fire and Rescue Service provides useful information on fire safety in dwellings including fitting and maintaining smoke alarms. The Fire Brigades 'Handy Guide for Fire Safety in the Home' is also a useful reference guide.
Party Wall Act
This is a separate piece of legislation to the Building Regulations and relates to work being carried out within certain distances of the boundary. The 'Communities' website offers further advice and has an explanatory booklet that can be downloaded.
Home Electrical Safety
From the 1st January 2005 all new electrical wiring or electrical components for a house, flat or small commercial building linked to domestic accommodation must be designed and installed in accordance with Part P of the Building Regulations. The Planning Portal has a link to download the Approved Document. A guidance document titled 'Rules for Electrical Safety in the Home' is also available for download.
Construction Warranties
Construction warranties for residential, commercial or self build developments are available through the LABC. The LABC is an organisation which represents Local Authority Building Control Departments in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Equality Act 2010
From the 1st October 2010, the Equality Act replaced most of the Disabled Discrimination Act. The Act aims to protect disabled people and prevent disability discrimination. The Directgov website provides advice on the Act, the definitions of disability and disability rights in everyday life.
Gas Safe
The Gas Safe Register replaced Corgi from the 1st April 2009 and is the official list of gas engineers who are qualified to work safely and legally on gas appliances. Gas Safe offer advice and guidance, and can be used to locate a registered engineer in your area.
Public and Private Sewers
From the 1st October 2011, water and sewerage companies in England and Wales became responsible for private sewers previously the responsibility of the property owner. Any building work over or within 3m of these public sewers must be notified to the sewerage authority and may require a Build Over Agreement. Thames Water and Southern Water websites provide further information and guidance.
