Builder not complying with Building Regs

[steveb1964]

I've just been to look at a friends conservatory (which is very nice)

The builder has had to move some drains so the foundations could be put in but they never went through building control which i'm sure is wrong.

I told this to my friend who said they had no idea about building regs etc so rang the builder. He said it was fine and not needed so no need to worry.

This work was done 9-12 months ago and they are selling the house soon. My concern for them is as it hasn't gone through building regs if anyone ever queries the work they might get into trouble.

Can anyone suggest any advice about what I should advise them to do. They're under the impression everything is fine but I fear they could become unstuck especially if selling the house.

Thanks

 

[ColJack]

they can apply for a regularisation i believe, where the LABC come and retrospectively inspect the work.. you might come a cropper if it's not right though and be forced to correct it..

please bear in mind I'm a sparky so don't know for definite, only what I've read or heard..

 

[DevilDamo]

This topic would be better in the Building Regulations and Planning Permission form section...

//www.diynot.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=36

How about planning permission... was that required?

Under new regulations that came into effect from 1 October 2008 adding a conservatory to your house is considered to be permitted development, not needing an application for planning permission, subject to the limits and conditions listed below.

• No more than half the area of land around the 'original house'* would be covered by additions or other buildings.
• No extension forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting a highway.
• No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
• Single-storey rear extension must not extend beyond the rear wall of the 'original house'* by more than three metres if an attached house or by four metres if a detached house.
• Maximum height of a single-storey rear extension of four metres.
• Maximum depth of a rear extension of more than one storey of three metres from the rear wall of the 'original house'* including ground floor.
• Maximum eaves height of an extension within two metres of the boundary of three metres.
• Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house.
• Side extensions to be single storey with maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house.
• Roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey to match existing house.
• No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
• On designated land* no permitted development for rear extensions of more than one storey; no cladding of the exterior; no side extensions.

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/public/buildingwork/projects/workcommonconservatory/

It may have been exempt from Building Regulations...

Conservatories are normally exempt from building regulations when:

1. They are built at ground level and are less than 30 square metres in floor area
2. At least half of the new wall and three quarters of the roof is either glazed or translucent material
3. The conservatory is separated from the house by external quality door(s).
4. Glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the applicable building regulations requirements (see below).

You are advised not to construct conservatories where they will restrict ladder access to windows serving rooms in roof or loft conversions, particularly if any of the windows are intended to help escape or rescue if there is a fire.

Any new structural opening between the conservatory and the existing house will require building regulations approval, even if the conservatory itself is an exempt structure.

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/en...kcommonconservatory/workmorebregsconservatory

Under planning, you can obtain a certificate of lawfulness to confirm the proposed (conservatory) works were permitted but as far as I'm aware, there's no official application/certificate that deals with the building regulations exemption.

 

[steveb1964]

It may have been exempt from Building Regulations...

The actual conservatory was exempt from building regs and planning. It is the work done on the drains that I fear needed to go through building control.

If they do nothing can someone turn round and make them get it inspected in the future?

 

[DevilDamo]

I can't see anybody taking action as the works were done as part of the conservatory, which was exempt. If they want building control approval, there's no harm in them applying to just deal with the drains, but it will of course warrant a fee, based on an estimated cost of work.

 

[steveb1964]

I can't see anybody taking action as the works were done as part of the conservatory, which was exempt. If they want building control approval, there's no harm in them applying to just deal with the drains, but it will of course warrant a fee, based on an estimated cost of work.

Just spoke to building control at the council and even though the conservatory didn't need planning etc it should have gone through building regs as work was carried out on the drains.

Hmmm will inform them but guess they'll keep quiet

 

[DevilDamo]

I suppose he or she could use the argument as to how long the works have been completed.