How much trouble could my contractor be in?

[nervous123]

What sort of trouble could a contractor be in for enlarging an existing doorway by putting in an insufficient RSJ that therefore doesn’t conform to Building Regs?

(No application was filed in the first place, but now we are looking to get it regularised.)

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

None, responsibility for complying with Building Regs rests on the homeowners shoulders.

 

[nervous123]

BUt what about

· 6.3 If a person carrying out building work contravenes the Building Regulations, the local authority or another person may decide to take them to the magistrates’ court where they could be fined up to £5000 for the contravention, and up to £50 for each day the contravention continues after conviction (section 35 of the Building Act 1984). This action will usually be taken against the builder or main contractor, although proceedings must be taken within 6 months of the offence (section 127 of the Magistrates Courts Act 1980).

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

They will never ever prosecute such a minor discrepancy they will mark your property down as having had non compliant work carried out and when you come to sell it will get flagged up.

 

[nervous123]

okay, thanks

thats a shame.

 

[Richard C]

None, responsibility for complying with Building Regs rests on the homeowners shoulders.

They will never ever prosecute such a minor discrepancy they will mark your property down as having had non compliant work carried out and when you come to sell it will get flagged up.

IMO it is indeed a shame but, sadly, is the case. As much as I dislike being hide bound by pointless & restrictive regulation, I would love to see those who carry out any works being held totally responsible & accountable for its compliance, whoever they are. There are far too many cowboys around who constantly get away with sub standard work & who blatantly ignore any form of regulation, even safety related, leaving folks like you to carry the can; personally I’d lock em up!

 

[tkmax]

I've known Trading Standards prosecute contractors for sub-standard work.

There are a lot of cowboys - many of them homeowners - but that's mostly because there's no pointless or restrictive regulation governing who can become a general builder.

 

[Richard C]

There are a lot of cowboys - many of them homeowners

I agree that DIY ignorance & often disregard for BR’s is equally a problem but at least they only have themselves to blame when they get caught. In one respect they are more accountable as it can directly affect them & their wallet when they are least likely to appreciate it.

but that's mostly because there's no pointless or restrictive regulation governing who can become a general builder.

Obviously aimed at me for some reason but your point is

 

[tkmax]

Sorry it was intended as a tongue in cheek comment, my poor attempt at humour

My point was that how can you not expect an industry riddled with cowboys when there is little regulation at all in respect of who can work on your house. So regards your comment that there is too much pointless and unnecessary legislation - it's sadly lacking where it's actually needed.

 

[Richard C]

Sorry it was intended as a tongue in cheek comment, my poor attempt at humour

Sorry I can be a little paranoid. It can sometimes be difficult to judge the intentions of posts from forum members you don’t know & there are a few smart asses & trolls around who’s only purpose in life is to snipe; my apologies, I’m always being told I need the chill a little more

My point was that how can you not expect an industry riddled with cowboys when there is little regulation at all in respect of who can work on your house. So regards your comment that there is too much pointless and unnecessary legislation - it's sadly lacking where it's actually needed.

I could not agree more & is the point I was making.