Build, Extend and Refurbish
 | | With a wealth of knowledge of construction techniques, both traditional and contemporary, we can advise upon design alternatives for your proposed scheme.In addition to this, we can prepare and submit applications for the required statutory approvals. |
Planning permission As a general guideline, if there is not already a building on a piece of land, then planning permission will be required to erect any new building on the site. If there is already a building and you wish either to extend it or erect another building on the same site then, in certain circumstances, planning permission may be required.
Planning consent may also be required if you wish to change the use of a property even when no significant structural alterations are proposed.
Building regulations
The Building Regulations set standards for the design and construction of buildings primarily to ensure the safety and health for people in or around those buildings, but also for energy conservation and access to and about buildings.
Why comply with the Building Regulations?
It is important to understand how the building regulatory system applies to your situation as you are responsible for making sure that the work complies with the regulations if you are carrying out building work. You should also bear in mind that if you are the owner of the building, it is ultimately you who may be served with an enforcement notice if the work does not comply with the regulations.
Remember - complying with Building Regulations is a separate matter from getting planning permission for your work.
What building work should comply with Building Regulations?
The following types of project amount to 'Building Work' as defined in Regulation 3 of the Building Regulations:
- the erection or extension of a building
- the installation or extension of a service or fitting which is controlled under the regulations
- an alteration project involving work which will temporarily or permanently affect the ongoing compliance of the building, service or fitting with the requirements relating to structure, fire, or access to and use of buildings
- the insertion of insulation into a cavity wall
- the underpinning of the foundations of a building
If you are planning to carry out such work, then it should comply with the Building Regulations.
Party wall act
What is a party wall?
If you live in a semi-detached or terrace house you share a wall (or walls) with your neighbour - that is known as the party wall. It separates buildings belonging to different owners.
Where a wall separates two different size buildings, only the part that is used by both properties is considered to be a party wall. The rest belongs to the person on whose land it stands.
You must get your neighbour's agreement before you can start any building work such as:
- Extensions
- Damp proofing works
- Some internal refurbishment
- Structural alterations.
In some cases, excavating or constructing foundations for a new building within three or six metres of neighbouring properties will also need written agreement.
Since the Party Wall etc Act 1996 came into force, homeowners in England and Wales have had a procedure to follow when building work involves a party wall or party fence wall.
The Act is designed to minimise disputes by making sure property owners use a surveyor to determine the time and way in which work is carried out. You can use an 'agreed surveyor' to act for both property owners should problems arise.
Other applications
As surveyors we may also assist with several other types of applications such as licensing applications, rating reviews etc. Please contact us if you have a query.
CALL 0151 356 1255 for further advice or a quotation
