Building Control - Archive News - 2003
- Are you thinking of replacing windows?
- Householder Survey 2003 and for 2004
- How can I obtain a copy?
- Making an Application
- Other consents
- Thinking of Selling your Property?
- What can I do about this?
- What to watch at the weekend
HOUSEHOLDER SURVEY 2003
During 2003
We undertook a householder customer survey to establish how we are performing, and highlight any areas that we may need to concentrate on in the future. Overall, we are pleased to acknowledge that 95% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the service that they received. A more detailed summary of all the findings is included in our ' What our customers think ' web page. The summary report also identifies a number of the actions we have been able to take in response to customer comments.
For 2004
This year we have reviewed our Customer Feedback and introduced a two stage feedback process. Firstly we will issue a survey for Applicants and Agents at the decision stage of the work. Secondly we will issue an Applicant Survey at the completion of the work on site. This way we hope to give the opportunity for more specific feedback at each of the critical stages of the Building Control process. The results of this years Customer Feedback are available in the latest Insight, Onsite newsletter.
WHAT TO WATCH AT THE WEEKEND
The Essential Guide to Extending Your Home
I want to build an extension?
How do I go about it ?
Do I need permission from the Council ?
Do I need to consider my neighbours ?
These are just some of the questions you may ask yourself when considering extending your property. There are many pitfalls to be aware of when undertaking, what may seem to be the biggest project you have ever planned. Extending your home can be an excellent way of getting a little bit extra from your property, but it can be an expensive and arduous undertaking.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS ?
Local Authority Building Control has produced a video, which will demystify the process and show you how to avoid some of the worst pitfalls. The programme takes the viewer through the initial concept and idea process, through to the full design. Then through the process of gaining Planning Permission, choosing a builder, the impact of the Party Wall Act and the Building Regulation application process. Finally it shows the build process, including the site inspection process, through to completion.
HOW CAN I OBTAIN A COPY ?
Building Control has a small number of these videos available to loan for FREE. A nominal charge of £10 is made, which is refundable in full on return of the video to Building Control.
Please contact Building Control on ( 01628 ) 796872, to arrange to pick up your copy from Tinkers Lane Depot, and begin to find out for yourself how to extend your home.
Alternatively, copies of the video are available from the video lending section of the Borough's libraries. No charge is made for their hire.
ARE YOU THINKING OF REPLACING WINDOWS ?
IF THE ANSWER IS YES
Since the 1st April 2002, if you propose to replace or install windows, glazed doors or rooflights to your property, you will need to ask the installer how he intends to gain Building Regulation Approval.
This is because all replacement windows will be required to comply with new thermal insulation standards plus safety glazing and other requirements of the Building Regulations.
GUIDANCE
We have included some guidance on the issues that you will have to consider when replacing windows, doors or rooflights. (Please see below to download DSA Guidance Note).
THE OPTIONS
There are two options available:-
If the installer is registered with FENSA ( Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme ). Then details of the installation will be notified to the local authority via FENSA . A Completion Certificate will be issued to the householder and local authority confirming compliance with the Regulations.
OR
If the installer is not registered with FENSA or you intend to undertake the work yourself as a DIY project, a notice ( including the relevant charge ) must be submitted to the local authority giving details of the installation. The local authority will then make the necessary inspections and issue a Completion Certificate to the householder.
REMEMBER The Local Authority will know of all the approved installers in the area and will be able to identify unauthorised work very easily. You should note that you, as the houseowner, are ultimately responsible for ensuring the work complies with the Building Regulations.
MAKING AN APPLICATION
We have provided a copy of an application form to download and complete to submit your notice (see below for download).
Before you sign a contract to buy replacement glazing, be sure to ask whether the installer is able to self-certify. If not, either they, or you, will need to make an application to your Local Authority for approval under the Building Regulations and pay any relevant Charges.
WARNING There have been several disturbing reports of installers who are neither members of FENSA nor bothering to make applications to the Council. Please remember that it will delay or even stop the sale of your home, if you cannot prove the replacement glazing was installed correctly.
OTHER CONSENTS
If you live in a conservation area, listed or historic building, sympathetic consideration can be given when applying the regulations. Local Authorities and FENSA Members will be able to do this.
However, you may also need to apply for planning consent to change windows. Please remember to check with a planning colleague, who will be pleased to help you decide whether your proposal also requires Planning Permission. Please contact Development Control either on 01628 796050 ( Maidenhead office ) or alternatively on 01628 683585 ( Windsor office ).
THINKING OF SELLING YOUR PROPERTY?
When the time comes to sell your property, your purchaser's surveyor will ask for evidence that any replacement glazing, installed after April 2002, complies with the new Building Regulations.
There will be two ways to prove compliance :-
1. A certificate showing that the work has been done by an installer who is registered under the FENSA Scheme or,
2. A certificate from the local authority saying that the installation has approval under the Building Regulations.
PLEASE KEEP YOUR COMPLETION CERTIFICATE IN A SAFE PLACE, A FURTHER COPY WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
FENSA organisers have no intention of covering the full structural aspects of replacement glazing, however members may be able to issue a limited structural approval on small structural bay windows. FENSA members are required to refer a scheme to the local authority route if any structural works are involved that fall outside their limited scope of self certification.
Government guidance suggests that FENSA and Building Regulation applications should not be mixed, e.g. replacement glazing under FENSA and structural works under a Building Regulation application for the same project. If structural work is involved, beyond the FENSA Scheme, then all the work on that contract must be directed through the local authority building regulation route.
There is also information on the GGF web site at http://www.ggf.org.uk/
Further information is available from the Building Control team on 01628 796870.
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