Building regs

[Seany88]

Asking on behalf of my parents. They're considering doing some extension work on their bungalow and want to know if there are any rules about the number of external doors you have to the house? Such as in the case of fires etc?

[Sam_68]

There are no building regs specifically dictating number of doors, but there are a couple which might indirectly influence the design:

1) Most heat loss is through doors and windows, so there are limits on glazed and door areas for this.
2) You may run into difficulties with Part B (fire safety) if you create what is termed an 'inner room'; ie. if you have to pass through another room (other than a protected corridor or stair well) in order to reach a final exit.

Whoever is drawing the plans for their extension should be familiar with these regulations, though.

[Davel]

Go for an informal chat to the council.

They'll tell you if and what you may need.

[Seany88]

Ok great, thanks for that. It will won't create an inner room, but one of the rooms will lose a door as a result.

What's the best way to get in contact with the council? Just ring up and book? Or can you just turn up and have a quick word? Didn't realise the council were so approachable.

Edited by Seany88 on Monday 30th October 18:29

[Sam_68]

Ideally, ring up and ask to speak to the Building Control Officer for your area...they cover specific patches, usually, so you might as well speak to the guy who will actually deal with the application, should it go forward. Obviously, since site inspections are a big part of the job they are out of the office quite a bit, so you're best making an appointment.

Building Control Officers are usually knowledgeable, helpful and sensible guys who know what they are talking about.

[ScottNicol]

i like how you use the word usually there sam lol

[Sam_68]

Yeah, there are always exceptions!

Compared to your average Conservation Officer or Urban Design Consultant, though, they're a good bunch of blokes!

[Seany88]

Ok thanks guys and Martin thank you very much for taking the time to reply to my email, very useful.

This may be a n00b question, but how much does planning permission cost? For the outline?

[Davel]

Again - ring your local Council or look on their website, it should tell you.

Good luck!