Starting work before getting building regs

[davidmiller]

Hello,
To explain, Ive got planning permission for a small extension, there's also work including alterations which will be included in the building regs application . Now Waiting for architect to do the regs but need to get on with one part asap. This being a big lintel where we are widening the back patio doors.
So does anyone know if doing this before anyone has come out to look at the site is ok?
Im not sure if the Architect uses the council or private company for building regs or if that makes a difference.
Thanks if you can reply.

 

[HERTS P&D]

What did your architect say?

Andy

 

[frutbunn]

You must submit an application to the LA or your private inspector must submit an initial to the LA prior to commencing any work that requires B Regs. If you do commence prior to doing this you are in contravention of the B Regs. it also means that you can no longer use a private inspector as there are potential enforcement issues which only the LA can legally carry out.

 

[tony1851]

That is of course the law, but in practice I know of a few Approved Inspectors who will take on work that has already commenced. Agree it may be a slight risk as if the LA find out, they usually slap on a request for Regularization and lots of £££s.

 

[^woody^]

Just do it, make sure you do it right, and leave it suitably exposed for it to be checked afterwards.

When the inspector comes to check the foundations, just tell him to check the lintel/beam.

 

[frutbunn]

I know of a few Approved Inspectors who will take on work that has already commenced

Until of course the LA takes a look at every site within 24 hours of receiving the initial notice to see if the work had already commenced and refuse the notice on the grounds that the work is illegal and insist on a Regularisation app so they can keep all their fee as its not chargeable for VAT. That put a stop to this practice very quickly to the point it stopped happening.

 

[tony1851]

That put a stop to this practice very quickly to the point it stopped happening.

It still goes on! I've got several developer clients who call the AI in some time after work starts.
The AIs are not going to rock the boat for regular fee-paying clients.

 

[davidmiller]

Thanks for your replies gents. Looks like i'm stuck on this one.

Is this the case with replacing just a window. Nothing structural just like for like?

 

[^woody^]

Until of course the LA takes a look at every site within 24 hours of receiving the initial notice to see if the work had already commenced and refuse the notice on the grounds that the work is illegal and insist on a Regularisation app so they can keep all their fee as its not chargeable for VAT. That put a stop to this practice very quickly to the point it stopped happening.

Is that in this dimension?

 

[frutbunn]

Is that in this dimension?

Well certainly in two authorities that I know of, very easy to do in an urban authority where everything is never very far away and your out everday, but as usual, you know better.
Did you ever find any references to that change of use category that only you seem to know about?

 

[^woody^]

Did you ever find any references to that change of use category that only you seem to know about?

You know, I've actually caught narcolepsy from your posts, and will be on tablets for the rest of my life.

 

[frutbunn]

You know, I've actually caught narcolepsy from your posts, and will be on tablets for the rest of my life.

At least that'll stop you from making up none existent B regs.

 

[tony1851]

 

[^woody^]

Did someone say "waking up"