Building regs on a conservatory

Ikeblade

Hello I have been getting several quotes and designs for a new conseravtory of 3.20m wide and 4m long. After lots quotes we have decided to go with a local builder who has been recommended and is offering top quality specs and a good price. The problem I have is that the builder is not Fensa or Certass registered and I am concerned that if we ever sold on we would have problems. Also I am unsure of current building regs and what if any certificates we need to have. I have searched around on the internet and I am pretty sure we do not need planning permisson and from what I can see building regs do not apply to conseravtories. Can anyone advise on this, any thoughts would be great as its such a big investment for us. Also there will be no 10 year back guarantee that other companies are offering. Should we go with this builder or go back to a bigger company.

maninthestreet

Have you asked this builder for references?

Mayflower10cat

Building regs were applicable for our new conservatory!!! And planning permission. It depends on various factors, (including overall footprint) but for us it was the ratio of brick to glass. Our conservatory is more of a room, if you follow me. We also needed double depth foundations. And, as we were building right up to the party wall, we needed our neighbours to sign an agreement form. If you ring your local planning office they'll advise you. Or contact them via the local gov website.

Gloomendoom

My planned conservatory needed planning permission but, apart from the electrical installation, was exempt from building regs.

As has been said, a lot depends on how much glass there is in it... particularly the roof. Also if there are no exterior grade doors separating it from the rest of the house it will probably count as an extension.
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phill99

Why don't you ring Building Control at your local council and get chapter and verse from them.

Ikeblade

Thanks for the comments, probably best to phone local building control, builder recommended by close friend who had their conservatory done 5 years ago, builder has been in business 20 years.Spoke to planning office no issues with planning etc and not near neighbours.Beginning to think regs dont apply but think I need at least electrical work certificate dont I?

molerat

In Scotland you need building regs to blow your nose !! I want to replace my up and over garage door with a normal door and half glazed panel, it is not a like for like replacement so needs building regs, I am altering an opening. The only like for like is an up and over door. Check with BC.

Ikeblade

Thanks again for all your help, just spoken to local building control who indicated no issue with any regs and so thats put my mind at rest. The key points were the size of the project, having a transparent roof eg glass or polycarbonate and not putting any new electrical circuits in so all good. Just need the thing built now and then can relax.