Berkshire Building Regulations are a vital part of any home improvement project. A guideline with explicit details is a great tool – article source!
The standards set for construction of residential buildings are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. Berkshire has a set building regulation that builders have to follow. These are designed to conform to BRAL. These are built and approved by the Housing Council.
To comply with the building code is necessary if one wishes to build, renovate or extend a current building. Any construction firm found to be in violation of the regulations is immediately blacklisted. This means you will not be able to carry out any construction project. Your reputation will suffer and you may lose clients from left to right. In fact, some owners were sent to prison and also asked to pay fines. The two are not to be confused – both have completely different purposes and functions. Hence, getting one doesn’t necessarily mean that you will get the next!
Why not comply?
This is to ensure that the project will not face any legal tussles in the future. In order to prevent any legal troubles in the future with the project, you should ensure that all building regulations are followed. You can choose to either take on the task yourself or delegate it to a contractor. It is best to oversee the whole matter yourself, in order not to have any differences.
Be aware that as the building owner you are responsible for the compliance of your housing with Berkshire’s Building Regulations.
Need approval?
Yes, you need to get approval for construction projects that fall under the categories below.
A – New buildings
It includes all buildings, excluding agro-based structures such as storage and barns
Construction of garages or carports which are not completely detached, or smaller than 30 sq. mt
B Extensions
Any extension undertaken (large or small)
Building lofts or porches
Construction of rooftop terraces, extensions, and balconies
Constructing basements, or its extension
C: Conversions
Conversions to lofts, balconies and roods
Converting carport into garages
Barn conversions
Conversions: converting flats into homes
Conversion energy performance of residential buildings
Subdivision in flats or a house
Conversion of open areas
Insulate the cavity wall
D Alterations
Creating a suite, indoor swimming-pool, or “granny’s annex”.
Installing an open kitchen
Installing air conditioner system
Removing a load-bearing (or non-bearing) wall
Installing Skylights
Underpinning the building foundation
Turn doors & windows bigger
Replace fuses or electrical installations
Renovations for the kitchen and bathroom
Take on a flooring task
The roofs are replaced and the roof lights are changed
These works are performed in Berkshire under the Building Regulations. A professional opinion is recommended before beginning the work.
The following are included in the building control –
a. Replacements for sinks, tubs and WCs
b. All general repairs, replacements and maintenance work (including electrical switch boxes, glazing or oil tanks).
c.) How to set your lighting, power points and outlets
Once all the details are sorted it’s time for approval. Contact the local council. You can increase the odds of approval if the insider is able to help. Establish a rapport with your regulatory board.
Points to consider
It’s important to remember that you must also notify the HSE. Berkshire Building Regulations will be a piece of cake if every aspect works in your favour.
It is crucial to understand the processes involved in applying for approvals and meeting environmental requirements. While it may be a difficult process, it’s not impossible to receive approval. Understanding the requirements is key to avoiding any possible complications. We hope that this guide will be useful!