Building Regulations

GEEGEE8

Your cottage is prob lime rendered and has a thatched roof or something.. lol

It needs to be insulated.

These aren't new regulations, and they don't shift the goal posts.

My dad is an old fashioned builder, doesn't have access to internet, work self employed, and he manages to keep up to scratch with requirements.

None the less.. the builder was shoddy for not even bothering to build a cavity for the insulation, so we aren't talking insufficient insulation.. just none at all..

pipsta

Believe me I like a job to be done properly and will not cut corners anywhere, I just dont like the fact that every 5 minutes the regulations are changing and everytime you want to do a bit of DIY it ends up costing you 5 times more to satisy Building regs because you have to demolish half your house to do a tiny job.

GEEGEE8

pipsta wrote: »

not a stupid answer, its not like his work is going to kill someone! Just not done to the likes of some beaurcrat. Think of the millions of homes without this. I could understand if there were a danger to life but as there is not. Nose out I say! As long the work is done properly whats the problem!

Example

I want to put some new stairs in my house (built 1800) If were to conform to new building regs they would look totally out of place. Im rebuilding them as they were originally. No town clerk is going to tell me what i can do in my own home.

It will perfectly strong and safe just maybe the uprights might be to far apart for a child to get there head stuck in.
What a load of tosh.

Sorry rant over

It won't be 'tosh' when you sell it, then it's discovered that the building regs haven't been followed, or that you didn't even get planning permission..

It would be deemed dangerous because the uprights must only be a maximum distance apart, otherwise, yes a child could get their head stuck.

pipsta

GEEGEE8 wrote: »

Your cottage is prob lime rendered and has a thatched roof or something.. lol

It needs to be insulated.

These aren't new regulations, and they don't shift the goal posts.

My dad is an old fashioned builder, doesn't have access to internet, work self employed, and he manages to keep up to scratch with requirements.

None the less.. the builder was shoddy for not even bothering to build a cavity for the insulation, so we aren't talking insufficient insulation.. just none at all..

I wish it did have a thatched roof, went a long time ago!!

Prime example there, how can a roof made of combustible material be safe! yet youre not allowed to have no insulation if you choose lol

GEEGEE8

I don't think DIY includes a garage extension and a new staircase really..

Regulations are there because the construction industry causes so many accidents in various forms, and unfortunately a lot of people probably aren't capable of doing the job themselves without messing it up.

I'm sure you are capable.. but I feel you are creating a rod for your own back in the future..

pipsta

GEEGEE8 wrote: »

It won't be 'tosh' when you sell it, then it's discovered that the building regs haven't been followed, or that you didn't even get planning permission..

It would be deemed dangerous because the uprights must only be a maximum distance apart, otherwise, yes a child could get their head stuck.

But its perfectly ok for it to be like that before i change it? Still just as dangerous but just because i touch it means its now in breach.

I dont see the logic here.

GEEGEE8

pipsta wrote: »

I wish it did have a thatched roof, went a long time ago!!

Prime example there, how can a roof made of combustible material be safe! yet youre not allowed to have no insulation if you choose lol

Because the thatch is so tightly packed that it is not combustable.. and it provides excellent insulation. It will set alight should it break apart, or be exposed to extreme heat, much the same principle as wood. Wooden sticks will burn, but a timber beam won't.. it will smoulder not set alight.

Your house has one layer of brick walls because it was designed to have a thatched roof.. and it's old.. insulation and the effects of heat loss from a building hadn't been factored into global warming and the ozone layer. (another topic entirely).

pipsta

Im no builder but would a new modern house be allowed a thached roof?

GEEGEE8

pipsta wrote: »

But its perfectly ok for it to be like that before i change it? Still just as dangerous but just because i touch it means its now in breach.

I dont see the logic here.

Because logically, it would be inappropriate to rip down old houses because they don't meet current regulations.

I agree, current regulations would be out of place in your old cottage.

Therefore, you need to speak to an architect who can advise you whether a staircase that would suit the building is possible under current regulations.

GEEGEE8

pipsta wrote: »

Im no builder but would a new modern house be allowed a thached roof?

Yes, and plenty do.

It's not a fire hazard.