Building Regs Approval Hiccup
I had thoroughly investigated the Building Regulations Approval Requirements for our Log Cabin, so we thought the Building Inspector would sign off our Log Cabin after his visit yesterday. I was therefore not at all happy when he let me know on the phone that he had put a list of required improvements in a letter on its way to us.
Our original Building Inspector was off sick, so this person took our case on part way through. However, I had asked both of them if there was anything else they would be checking for other than the Log Cabin utilities being completed OK and they both said ‘no’. However, I gather the letter (which should arrive tomorrow) lists the following:
- gutters, downpipes and soakaway required (no gutters were shown on on the technical drawing which I submitted with the buildings notice).
- mains rather than battery-powered smoke alarms (good idea, but we had thought battery ones were fine and went to great pains to hide all other electrical cables during the build)
- class 1 treatment inside to restrict spread of fire. This one was a real surprise, as I had discussed fire spread and fire penetration with them on numerous occasions.
- 25% of light fittings must only be able to take low energy bulbs. This was a surprise too, as it was not stated as a requirement when we had an extension built around 3 years ago, but he did back down on this when I reminded him that none of the energy efficiency requirements (eg, around insulation) applied as the building is less than 50m2 in size. I usually buy low energy light bulbs anyway.
- Toughened glass is required – we were ok on that point anyway.
- A couple of the windows need trickle vents. Not sure if we can fix this retrospectively, or whether an alternative ventilation solution is required.
- Certificate required for the electrical work. This is in hand anyway.
I think this will mean we’ll be a couple more weeks before it is signed off.
I will be contacting one of the other Building Inspectors for a tactful second opinion though. What has become clear is that the local Building Inspectors are not dealing with Log Cabins every day, and they need to check the regulations themselves on some points.
Lessons Learnt -
- Keep talking to your Building Inspector so hopefully you aren’t surprised by their comments at the end, as we were
- Make sure you are personally on site when they call – I was working away, and did not get to discuss anything on site with our Building Inspector
- If possible, stay below 30m2 floor area, as then you don’t even need to seek Building Control Approval for your plans (unless you are planning on having sleeping accommodation there).
You should, of course, also check the Planning Permission Requirement and Permitted Development position before you order your Log Cabin so you know you are ok on that front too.
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