Alterations

Fitting new windows

Since July 2002, Building Regulation consent is required for the fitting of all replacement windows - even if you are making no changes to the structural opening in which the window fits. This may not apply if the windows are being installed in a dwelling and the supplier and installer are members of FENSA. (To check, visit the FENSA website)

Beware however if you are having two storey bay windows replaced. The brickwork between the two windows is often supported off the lower frame and the timber used for that window will be stronger to allow for this weight. UPVC windows will not be strong enough so check that your installer installs some other form of structural support to the brickwork.

Removing (or creating an opening in) a wall

Building Regulation consent is required for all work of this type to external walls, and to all internal walls unless the wall concerned is not load bearing. How can you tell? Try checking the following:

• If your property is timber framed then all internal walls will be load bearing;
• If you are removing a downstairs wall, check to see if there is another wall upstairs in the same position. If there is, it is likely to be supported by the wall below, which must therefore be load bearing;
• If there is no wall above, have a look at the direction of the floorboards on the floor above and remember that the floor-joists that support them must span in the opposite direction. If the joists span onto the wall you intend to remove then it is likely that the wall is load bearing;
• If the wall is immediately below the roof, have a look in the roof space to see if any joists or walls are supported. Again this would indicate that it was load bearing.

Fitting a new toilet or bathroom

If you are simply replacing an existing bathroom suite or fitting in the same place, but are not changing the position of the drainage, then no consent is needed.

If the bathroom or toilet is completely new however, then an application will be needed.

Fitting a new central heating system

If the work involves fitting a new coal or oil heating appliance then an application will be required. If the new boiler is gas however, and will be installed by the Gas board or a CORGI registered fitter then you do not need to make an application.

Installing cavity wall insulation

An application is required for this work, but this will normally be made on your behalf by the installer (and is free). Please check with your installer to make sure an application is made.

Installing an unvented hot water system

This is a relatively new type of hot water system where the water is supplied at mains pressure, rather than from a tank in the roof.

An application is required for this work, but this will normally be made on your behalf by the installer (and is free). Please check with your installer to make sure an application is made.

Replacing an existing flat roof

Flat roofs are beginning to be unpopular due to their appearance, and many people are replacing them with more attractive pitched roofs. A building regulation application will be required for this work.

Converting a garage to a room

A building regulation application will generally be required for this work.