Home improvements - Keep that paperwork safe!

One of the most common causes for delay or problems arising during the conveyancing process is the lack of the approporiate documentation to certify that your building complies with necessary building regulations.

This may only be brought to your attention quite late on in the sales process and could be avoided if homeowners keep careful records when undertaking any building or home improvements.

Complying with building regulations is a separate matter from getting planning permission for your work, although paperwork should be kept for this too.

In addition to the usual major building works which may require building regulation approval such as the erection or extension of a new building, you are likely to require approval for:

• the insertion of insulation into a cavity wall
• the underpinning of the foundations of a building
• the installation of new windows or doors
• the installation of a boiler and certain electrical works
• energy efficiency measure, such as solar panels or wind turbines.

There are a number of classes of new buildings or extensions of existing buildings that do not need building regulations approval, subject to certain criteria being met on size, construction and position relative to boundaries.  They may however require planning permission and these include garden sheds, summer-houses, domestic garages, greenhouses, conservatories, porches, a covered way or yard and carports.

You are always recommended to contact your local authority for specific advice and confirmation. If you obtain written confirmation that the alterations do not need consent keep it safe and produce it when you come to sell as this is likely to save time.
 
In the event that the paperwork cannot be found, then there are different ways in which matters can be dealt with, such as through the local authority building control department or for some works through the ‘competent persons schemes’.   Recently there have been changes in the leglisation and in companies appointed to deal with the administration of such schemes, so it is important to speak to us first.

It is important to choose your tradesman carefully to ensure you receive the necessary paperwork. Sometimes you need documentation from the installer and in other instances the installer will notify the works to a third party who should then issue documentation to you. In some cases, it is all dealt with the local authority and they will inspect the building at different stages and issue a Completion Certificate if they are happy with the works. 

If you are employing a builder you should confirm at the beginning that they are responsible for dealing with all building regulation matters.

It is also important to remember that, not only from a safety point of view, but if you are the owner of the building, it is ultimately you who may be served with an enforcement notice if the work does not comply with the regulations.

For further information contact Andrew Yates on 01246 231 288 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it