Part M for altering a ground floor WC?

[Seb101]

Folks,

Am I right in thinking that if I currently have a ground floor WC that isn't Part M compliant, then I am OK move the contents of the room around without needing to 'upgrade' it to be Part M compliant? Currently it is a very inefficient use of space, I want to move the toilet to the other side of the room and fit a smaller sink to allow some storage to be built where the toilet used to be.

Does alteration to an existing bathroom require Building Control signoff?

Cheers

 

[geraldthehamster]

How on earth will they know?

 

[Seb101]

I have no idea! How do they know about any internal alterations?!

Presumably only a particularly vigilant future conveyancing solicitor who compares the previous sale floor plans to the new floor plans!

 

[John D v2.0]

Just don't make it any less compliant than before. Part m only applies to conversions to domestic or new builds.

 

[Seb101]

Just don't make it any less compliant than before. Part m only applies to conversions to domestic or new builds.

Shouldn't be, it's going from this:

To This:

So I'm not changing the width of the access, or the size of the 'turning circle' in the WC (which I don't think is Part M compliant in any case due to the radiator).

 

[Nakajo]

You can do what you like. You have no obligation to comply with Part M. To quote the man:

The recommendations of this volume of this approved document apply to newly erected dwellings, and dwellings undergoing material alteration, only. They do not apply to the extension of a dwelling.

'material alteration' in this context amounts to "don't make it worse" - although in practice people often 'make it worse' without any fuss - for instance, removing an entrance level WC.

 

[Nige F]

What I would suggest is putting the basin where the rad is - now't worse than sitting on 'bog burning your left knee

 

[mattylad]

how big is that radiator? it only really needs a very small one if at all.