Loft Conversions In The UK

An issue with loft conversions in the UK that face all of us is complying with the building regulations and its fair to say that the building regs do intimidate many householders with their apparent complexity.
 
But, the good news, is that making sure your project passes building control isn’t really too much of a problem. The essential thing to remember is that the building regulations are in place for everyone’s protection and that rather than being a barrier to getting the job done they are in fact a huge help in making the project a success.
 
So what is the process of applying for and obtaining building regulations approval?
 
The usual route in making a building regulations application is through the local authorities building control office though an independent approved inspector can be used.  But as most applications are made through the council this is the method we will look at here.
 
There are two ways to make your application to the council; with either a full plans application or by issuing a building notice.
 
Full Plans Application
 
Most building regulations applications for loft conversions in the UK are done this way and this is certainly the method we would recommend.
 
The first step is to pay the fee!  Unfortunate but unavoidable I’m afraid.  Actually you only pay the plans fee in advance with an inspection fee payable before the on-site visits by the building control officer begin.
 
The purpose of making a full plans application is to have all plans approved by the building control office.  This is desirable as the BCO will only approve your plans if they consider them safe and fit for purpose.
 
To have your plans approved you must submit a full set of drawings including section plans and structural calculations.  It must be noted that the drawings you submit shouldn’t just show the details for the new loft conversion but also the existing elevations of the property and a location plan showing the immediate environment of the property including all boundaries.
 
It is important that the section and elevation plans show all the relevant dimensions, the insulation to be used and the position of any new drains that need to be installed.
 
It is best to have your drawings prepared by an architect or draughtsmen though your builder will often include the plans in your package price.  Once the plans have been submitted to the building control office it will take 4-8 weeks for the BCO to make a decision.  Once you receive a plans approved notice your builder can begin work.
 
If the plans are rejected you will be notified why and can then modify the drawings before making another application.
 
Once work has begun the building control officer will make several site visits to ensure that the work is progressing to plan and being carried out to the standards required by the building regulations.  When the work is finished the council will issue a final completion certificate.
 
This is the most important piece of paperwork in the whole project.  It is proof that your loft conversion has been built to official standards and will need to be shown if you decide to sell the property in the future.
 
Building Notice
 
The second way to obtain building regulations approval for loft conversions in the UK is to submit a building notice.  Basically this is simply a form noting that you intend to build your loft conversion in compliance with the building regulations.  
 
The form has to be submitted with the full fees (plans and inspection fees) together with site plans and structural calculations.  Once the form has been accepted by the building control office the householder can serve notice on the council at any time stating that he intends to begin work within 48 hours.  And thats it!
 
Of course the huge drawback with a building notice is that subsequent site inspections by the BCO may flag up problems that are expensive to fix and that would have been uncovered at the plans stage if a full plans application had been made.