Building regs re: upgrading loft insulation after roof re-tile?

Loobysaver

We are in the process of having our roof stripped and re-tiled. Our roof never had any felt so we are getting breathable membrane put on then the original tiles put back on.

The building inspector was round regarding something totally different and he said to the builder that as we were having our roof done we had to have our loft insulation upgraded too!

Does anyone know whether I have to have this done straightaway as I'd never heard of this? The builder himself said this was a new one on him too.

Can the building inspector come back and demand that I do this?

stebiz

Loobysaver wrote: »

We are in the process of having our roof stripped and re-tiled. Our roof never had any felt so we are getting breathable membrane put on then the original tiles put back on.

The building inspector was round regarding something totally different and he said to the builder that as we were having our roof done we had to have our loft insulation upgraded too!

Does anyone know whether I have to have this done straightaway as I'd never heard of this? The builder himself said this was a new one on him too.

Can the building inspector come back and demand that I do this?

You may (or may not) have to. However it is a good thing to get done. Should only cost a couple of hundred pounds and this will be recovered very quickly.

Stebiz

Loobysaver

stebiz wrote: »

You may (or may not) have to. However it is a good thing to get done. Should only cost a couple of hundred pounds and this will be recovered very quickly.

Stebiz

I do want to get it done but not at the moment as it will be a big job. The loft has gots loads up there and it is fully boarded and carpeted:eek: There is also the issue about re-boarding it as I understand that the new regulations mean that the insulation will go over all the joists so re-boading may prove difficult.

I just wondered if the building reg's guy could make us do it immediately or whether it was just an advisement?

callansdad

I dont know if this is right so dont take it as verbatim, also im in Scotland so it might be different up here.

As far as i am aware the only way that building regs can force you to do anything is if you need a building warrant for the work which is being carried out.

And if this is the case then it should have been stipulated in your warrant application, that is unless you are applying for retrospective warrant?

Does that make sense?

Errata

This is in the Home section of today's Sunday Times -

"If you have changed the thermal insulation or type of roofing felt it could be argued you had reduced the thermal insulation - which would mean you would needto make an appliatiion and upgrade the insulation........go back to the inspector and ask him to explain himself or ask to speak to a superior"

Looks like you need to get a proper explanation that you can understand.

Mutton_Geoff

Check your local council or people like EDF (linky) who offer grant assisted installs of insulation. I've just had a flat I own done and the £255 standard fee I was charged was not much more than I could buy the materials from in Wickes.

benood

Did the buildings officer write you a letter? Is he on site again? If answer is no in each case I'd ignore it - you're only repairing the roof so it's none of his business.

Loobysaver

benood wrote: »

Did the buildings officer write you a letter? Is he on site again? If answer is no in each case I'd ignore it - you're only repairing the roof so it's none of his business.

The building officer was round to look at our chimney breast to check what size steel we need in when the breast is taken out. The roof is being done at the same time and he just happened to tell the buildier about needing to upgrade the loft insulation. I don't know whether he will try and enforce that. The roof is nearly finished and the inspector is due round again this week sometime to check the steel for the chimney breast.

I suppose I'll just have to wait and see. I just wondered if anyone knew whether he could enforce this on me.