DIY OR DIY with Building Regs approval OR Certified Person - How do you know which one is OK?

to_be_FTB

Hi All, 
We are planning a home refurbishment project which will include some major works (removing a load bearing wall, adding a new toilet, removing one external door, adding patio door, etc) and some other cosmetic changes. While we are experienced DIYers (including some willing to help builders), none of us is familiar with the laws here in the UK. What it the best place to look for information on which renovations require Building Regs approval? 
I know that for the load bearing wall I need calculations from the SE, all plumbing needs to be carried out by a certified plumber and all electrics in the bathroom by a certified electrician, and all that will need to be signed off, but that's where it ends pretty much. After that, I am not really sure where to look for the correct information... What would you suggest? Would I need to pay for someone to go over the plans and consult or are there good resources that we could refer to? Can you talk to the Building Regulations and ask them prior to starting the works? 

fenwick458

to_be_FTB said:

What would you suggest? Would I need to pay for someone to go over the plans and consult or are there good resources that we could refer to? Can you talk to the Building Regulations and ask them prior to starting the works? 

from my experience you can't do that. you can tell them what you plan to do, and show them you're workings and ask them to confirm if that will meet the requirements and they will oblige

but they won't just tell you how to do it.

grumbler

to_be_FTB said:

I know that ... all plumbing needs to be carried out by a certified plumber

Really?....

Doozergirl

grumbler said:

to_be_FTB said:

I know that ... all plumbing needs to be carried out by a certified plumber

Really?....

Not really, but they're asking for help, so answer them properly.  

Gas work needs to be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.  Plumbing work isn't covered by building control. 

If you choose an 'Approved Inspector' rather than using Local Authority building control, you'll find them much more likely to offer advice.    We use Stroma.  I believe that they're national now.  

to_be_FTB

fenwick458 said:

from my experience you can't do that. you can tell them what you plan to do, and show them you're workings and ask them to confirm if that will meet the requirements and they will oblige

but they won't just tell you how to do it.

I guess this is what I meant: so I could show them my plans before I start the work, and they will tell me what if any of it is non-compliant and what will need to be signed off after the work is completed? 

How do I go about it - e-mail them through the council website to make an appointment?

to_be_FTB

grumbler said:

to_be_FTB said:

I know that ... all plumbing needs to be carried out by a certified plumber

Really?....

I thought if you want to move/add a toilet or put in new shower, you do, is that not correct? 

grumbler

No...............

to_be_FTB

So we can DIY it, but still need BR approval? 

grumbler

AFAIK, you don't need any approval for plumbing.

The main things that building control is concerned about are structure, damp and heat loss.

to_be_FTB

This is where I got the information from:
https://www.labc.co.uk/news/when-does-replacement-kitchen-or-bathroom-need-building-regulations-approval

Does this require building regulations approval?

"If you relocate the bathroom appliances.

Yes, if the installation of the fitting or fittings will involve alterations to, or new connections to, a drainage stack or an underground drain, the above ground wastes and drains are controllable (Part H). So is the installation of hot water and wholesome water to the bath, shower, wash basin and bidet. (Part G)."

grumbler

I must admit that "connections to, a drainage stack" is a news to me.

With regard to the "wholesome water", I know that the regulations are very strict, but I don't understand what the BC can really check here. Again, it's a news to me. My apologies if this information is correct.