Building Regs

[Malc]

Not sure I understand all the rules (neither do my local BRegs people either it would seem!). Perhaps someone here is more clued up.

I'm planning to change heating from coal to oil so the stages are:
1. Oil tank and oil pipework - install under building notice - DIY
2. Flush old system with cleaner.
3. Kitchen boiler - Cut holes in walls, mount boiler, connect up pipework to existing rads, new pump, motorised valve - DIY
4. Boiler commissioning - OFTEC man

Is that all correct? Do I need BRegs control over 3? Is so the BReg cost is silly as it is based on the professional cost of parts and labour. I'd get away with 58.75 as oil tank would be under 1000 but the total must be in the range 2000-5000 so would cost 193.88!!!! That's 10-15% of what it will cost me doing it DIY and only paying for parts.

 

[PaulAH]

Malc - been there, dunnit.

The Building Regs people are interested in the potentially dangerous stuff - positioning of flue, fire valve, tank etc. They don't "look for leaking rads".

These will be useful:
http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/gro...ments/sectionhomepage/odpm_buildreg_page.hcsp

http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_buildreg/documents/downloadable/odpm_breg_600285.pdf

Or ask Oilman. But beware, he can turn excitable when it comes to building regs.

One difficulty I had was finding an OFTEC engineer who was prepared to commission the boiler even WITH building control approval, which is in theory possible. They seem so terrified of being sued they won't get out of bed unless you give them the entire job (either that or it's pride / greed / sour grapes)

Paul

 

[Malc]

So it can be done then . About what I expected but shouldn't they also be looking at the heating controls since that's build regs now?

I think I'll fudge the issue, go for the cheapest option, 1000 quid for professional cost of work and take that as labour. After all I could buy the oil tank and boiler myself and just pay for the labour of piping the oil in and connecting the boiler, so I could get an professional estimate like that.

Also, I guess I need to have BC inspect the boiler for the flue position. So that will have to be on the plans as well as the oil tank. But what about the boiler overflow/vent. That's a safety issue isn't it?

BTW my local council site doesn't say this but I came across one which said estimate had to be from builder etc. In orders words get a builder to give you an estimate even though you intend to DIY. What a waste of someone's time. If they want an estimate they should do it themselves

 

[PaulAH]

Malc - we may have crossed while I was editing that post. Please read my edits re OFTEC.

 

[Malc]

We do seem to have crossed posts.

Actually the OFTEC man to commission is well covered. Most of the ones I asked were happy to quote me a price. But I also asked at the same time what their annual servicing charge was so perhaps that influenced them . I also explained that I would be installing the oil tank under a building notice.

One OFTEC man said he usually (for a fee) came out and advised builders/plumbers/etc. on whether they plans were ok. I'll probably follow that route too as it is worth the fee to check the plans are ok before I submit the Building Notice.

 

[oilman]

One difficulty I had was finding an OFTEC engineer who was prepared to commission the boiler even WITH building control approval,

Serves you right, you should have had me

 

[PaulAH]

Well I would have done if I'd known where you live, you teaser.

Now here's a little secret. Whatever you may have gathered from previous posts, neither building regs nor OFTEC have seen this installation yet it works just fine. One day I might get round to having it approved. But you're going to tell me it's too late - I should have had matey round from the council before starting the work. Right?

So can I please engage you to come and bulldoze my house, as it's clearly unfit for human habitation.

 

[oilman]

But you're going to tell me it's too late..........

So you're into mind reading? You can get a regularisation certificate. (Nice word, regularisation) It means "I've done something which makes me a criminal, but I'll come clean and confess and here's my apology money".

So can I please engage you to come and bulldoze my house,.......

Stop sulking.

.........as it's clearly unfit for human habitation

I don't make judgements on how people live, just how they act, but does your wife know you think the house you provided for her is below habitable standard and yet you still expect her to live there?

 

[PaulAH]

During our 30 years together she has seen me do jobs more difficult and risky than installing a friggin' boiler, so she's unlikely to walk out now. She has faith in me, unlike John Prescott. And I don't think she'll feel any different knowing she's married to a criminal.

 

[oilman]

Hmmm, you think you're safe? JP jumped in a river to save a canoeist and flooded parts of Cornwall, and if that doesn't work he might send his blind seducer friend round with his dog!! The temptation might be too much then.