extractor fan in porch

bozzy18

Our porch is nearing completion and looking fabulous. Building control visited today to sign off on it but the inspector has now told the builder that our porch needs an extractor fan!! This means the builder would need to cut into the newly plastered ceiling and get wiring sorted out to install an extractor fan going out the roof! The likely additional costs could be in the region of £300 to £400!


I am not happy. :-(


My question here is does the porch really need an extractor fan? There is no shower, WC or taps in the porch!! There is a window that opens inside the porch. Why is he insisting on this?


What are my options now to challenge this absurd decision?


Thanks.


Boz

Bigphil1474

I'd contact the council and get them to confirm it in writing - I've only dabbled in BC stuff, as my job overlaps a bit, but far as I can remember it's only rooms with no open able window - might be different for loos, but can't see it would be for a porch. Could be a relatively inexperienced inspector? In my experience, a council inspector will only put it in writing if they think it's absolutely correct (that's what I do), rather than telling you something verbally which they can't be contradicted on (I don't do that obviously). Might possibly be some local byelaw but it does sound daft.

Le_Kirk

Did he actually say "extractor fan?" When I did my porch some years ago (it was finished, signed off, builder paid and gone away) building control came around and said it needed a "vent tile" in the roof. Of course, it being some months later, we could get a tile to match. It is still there today sticking out like a sore thumb!

bozzy18

I did not see the inspector - he told the builder this! the other thing I forgot to add is that there is a radiator in the porch so heating/cold shouldn't be an issue therefore condensation shouldn't be an issue? I am still baffled by all this!