A Comprehensive Guide On The Existing Building Regulations In Berkshire!

By Author: Garry Stacks
Total Articles: 262
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Many homeowners confuse building regulations Berkshire with planning permission. But both are different things. The building regulations deal with the design and construction of the building keeping in mind the safety and security of the residents as well as the building while the planning permission determines whether you are allowed to start the building project.
 
If you want to construct a new building, alter or extend an existing one or install fittings such as heating appliances, or drains, the building regulations will be applicable. These regulations will also be applicable if you want to use the existing building for some other purpose. Please note that just because you have got an approval on the regulations does not mean that you will get an approval for the planning permission. Since, both are different, you may or may not get approval on both. It is best to consult an expert on this and clarify all your doubts.
 
Why Should You Comply with the Building Regulations if You are Residing in Berkshire?
It is crucial that you have a clear understanding ...
... of building regulations if you want the construction work to be done as per the existing regulations, especially when you are doing the work on your own. If you hire the services of an architectural firm then they will be responsible for looking into this matter. But you should have a detailed discussion with the experts on this right at the start. Moreover, you need to keep in mind that since you are the owner of the property, if anything goes wrong then it is you who will be served with the enforcement notice for not complying with the existing building regulations Berkshire. It is you who will be in trouble. So, don’t you think that these regulations are better being implemented?
 
Do You Need A Building Regulation Approval?
The existing building regulations Berkshire are applicable for most of the construction projects. Here is a list of the same:
 

All new buildings except the ones that are agricultural buildings.
Garages that are under 30 square meters and are not fully detached.
All kinds of home extensions, no matter how small or big they are.
Applicable if you are extending the roof, balcony or the terrace.
Basement extensions and conversions.
All kinds of loft conversions including roof and balconies.
All types of garage and barn conversions.
Subdividing an existing house into different flats.
When converting flats into a house.
Constructing a new ensuite bathroom or a cloakroom.
Installing a new kitchen while demolishing the existing one.
Demolishing a load bearing wall provided this wall is not supporting other walls or the roof.
Installing or replacing a heating system or boiler, irrespective of the kind of fuel used.
Installing new plumbing ones or upgrading the existing one.
Replacing the existing fuse boxed and installing any new electrical device.
Installing roof lights or upgrading the windows and doors to make them taller.
Replacing the existing floor with a brand new one.

 
Fees/Charges Applicable:
Below are the standard charges which are inclusive of 20% VAT. The below mentioned charges are applicable for each unit not exceeding 300m2 in the floor area measurement.
 
You have to pay £280 for full plans initial submission, £800 for full plan inspection, £1,285 for building notice and £1,335 for regularisation. If you want more details about the fee structure and the mode of payment, we recommend that you get in touch with the experts to find out all the answers. The concerned authority is quite helpful and will answer all your queries to clear all the existing doubts.
 
Final Words:
Now that you have gathered enough knowledge about the existing building regulations Berkshire, you will not have any misconceptions when going ahead with the construction of the building. If you still have doubts, feel free to speak with the experts anytime you want.
 
If you are not confident in dealing with the existing building regulations Berkshire, we recommend that you get in touch with a reliable architectural design firm. Have a detailed discussion with the architect to find out more about these regulations. In fact, you can ask the experts to deal with this while you concentrate with the other aspects of constructing the building.
 
Find out who are the leading service providers in the city and get in touch with them. You can also carry out an online search to learn the names of the well-established players in this field. It is crucial that you hire a reliable service provider who has an in-depth knowledge on this field. If the professional lacks the expertise and does not have the updated information, he will fail to guide you. And if things go wrong, then the authorities will send you the enforcement letter and will hold you liable for the wrongdoings. You will be considered guilty and legal action will be taken against you. If you don’t want to face any such situation then make sure that you hire the best in the business. An expert who knows what to do in order to get the desired results.
 
About the Author: This contribution has been made by Garry Stacks who has written a number of articles on Building Regulations Berkshire and provides fruitful information.