NSBC Insurance?

xxinsane09

I'm buying a new build but wanting to put a door from the dining room into the garage, will I have to get any permission or tell anyone about this? Or will it be fine to get a builder in just to knock some of the wall out and fit a door? Thanks

eddddy

If the house is freehold, you wouldn't need consent from anyone. If it's leasehold, you might need consent from the freeholder.

But the work would need building regulations approval. The regulations are especially tough for doors from a main property into a garage - 30 minute fire resistance, smoke seal, self-closing door, and it's likely to be a load bearing wall, so a suitable support.

(Personally, I'm not sure I'd want a door between a garage and a dining room. If a car has just been parked in the garage, and you open the door, I guess you might get a 'waft' of car exhaust and carbon monoxide coming into the dining room.)

This kind of alteration shouldn't affect your NHBC buildmark warranty, but obviously, if future problems occur as a result of the alterations, they won't be covered by the warranty.

bucksbloke

If you are buying a new build, whether freehold or leasehold, please check your sale documents and your TP1. Most of the larger housebuilders suspend your right to permitted development rights by restrictive covenants. If this is the case, you will need planning permission to make any changes. 

Some houses often do this to turn the garage into habitable space. Some councils will not allow you to do this if you cannot park a certain number of vehicles on your drive.