Who do I need to speak to first re home improvements?

RandomJumble

Mistral001 said:

If a builder says that you do not need Planning permission or Building Control approval, always ignore them.   They might be right in some cases but the consequence of them being wrong can turn out to be very expensive and might even mean demolition or expensive modifications to your completed building at your own expense.  If they get it wrong they will claim that they were not hired as Planning or Building Control advisors.  They will point to the fact that nowhere on their website or any invoices have they stated  that they provide a service advising on Planning or Building Control matters or anything that is to do with the design of the building and a court will probably accept that.  Remember it is up to you to ensure that you have Building Control Approval or Planning permission.  You can do it through an agent such as an architect, surveyor or the such like.  If you are paying those people for their advice on these matters then they will be held legally responsible for any advice they give. 

Indeed, thank you. Will look into an architect then (if that is the post appropriate person for plans) to help us with Planning permission. I knew we would need one if it was a full on extension, it's just with it being a roof change on a pre-existing small extension at the front, we weren't sure where to turn! Thanks.

ciderboy2009

Bear in mind that you might need a structural engineer as well to calculate if the existing structure can take the extra weight a tiled roof will add.

RandomJumble

ciderboy2009 said:

Bear in mind that you might need a structural engineer as well to calculate if the existing structure can take the extra weight a tiled roof will add.

Thanks, is that in addition to the architect, or can some professionals do both (plans and calcs?)? Feeling a bit overwhelmed at how many things need taking into account and not having a clue! Was going to contact a local architect I have found but if I need a structural engineer too, might have to look elsewhere?

Mistral001

The architect will usually tell you whether or not you need a structural engineer when he/she gets down to drawing up the plans.  Sometimes with small extensions the architect will not be sure if a SE will be required.  In those cases it is not uncommon for the architect to submit plans to Building Control without involving a structural engineer, but after Building Control have examined the drawings the architect will be informed by Building Control that certain information be submitted by a structural engineer and hence it is then that you will have to get the services of a SE.  If this happens, it should not usually cause much delay, if any, in getting BC Approval.       

thegreenone

RandomJumble said:

ciderboy2009 said:

Bear in mind that you might need a structural engineer as well to calculate if the existing structure can take the extra weight a tiled roof will add.

Thanks, is that in addition to the architect, or can some professionals do both (plans and calcs?)? Feeling a bit overwhelmed at how many things need taking into account and not having a clue! Was going to contact a local architect I have found but if I need a structural engineer too, might have to look elsewhere?

My husband is an SE and he does both.  I would say find an SE first and see if they can advise on design and calcs.

Ganga

Have you asked any of the other home owners in your street that have had theirs done how they managed , what permissions etc are needed.

RandomJumble

Ganga said:

Have you asked any of the other home owners in your street that have had theirs done how they managed , what permissions etc are needed.

Yes, I knocked on a couple of doors that have what we would like, and theirs were done over 20 years ago, they said they just rang planning and though they needed permission they were a bit more lax and just said it was fine as there are others on the street... they also told me they were fine foundations wise (I am concerned about the extra load) but when I looked their house up on the portal, it appears they had their 'porch' underpinned in the 90s, which he didn't mention... Both homeowners had family members who were 'in the trade' so they did it themselves. All retired now.

RandomJumble

Mini update - I approached an architect, heard nothing back.

Then the builder/joiner who was recommended by someone local finally managed to come across today! Hurray!

When I asked about planning, he said he didn't think we would need it if it comes in at under 4m in height, but he has an architect who he will consult. If we need planning this architect will help and if we don't, the architect can help with a lawful development cert instead, in case we need it in the future. 

He also said (like the others before him) that we wouldn't need building regs either as it was just a modification to the roof and not a new extension... I said we definitely would need it and he said if I want to go that route and organise it with BC he will be happy to liaise with them and for the inspections/sign off to take place.

I am so glad we are finally on the way to getting sorted out. Hopefully he will return with an affordable quote and then be able to do the actual work! Fingers crossed. Thanks for all help/guidance on here.