energy
performance energy
certificates new
building major
renovation
boilers &
air-conditioning
Building regulations exist to ensure that buildings
are constructed to standards which ensure public safety
and minimum standards of comfort and safety for the
occupants of new buildings. The process of applying for
approval under Building Regulations is not complicated nor
expensive but you should seek professional advice.
In some cases approval will not be required. Some
small buildings are exempt. Buildings which do not have
sleeping accommodation, and are less than 15 sq. m. floor
area, or are single storey and less than 30 sq. m. and in
both cases are not within 1m of the boundary, should not
require a building regulations approval.
In most other cases building regulations will apply.
The number of storeys and size will dictate the fire
safety requirements. Of most importance will be the fire
resistance of the structure and the proximity of the new
building to the boundaries. In particular any proposals
for a garage must allow for the necessary fire resistance
between a garage and any habitable rooms and expert advice
should be sought.
Building Regulations also deal with connection to
drains and sewers and any work of this nature will have to
be referred to them.
Garden Lodges are constructed to comply with the
general requirements of Building regulations in respect of
structural integrity, insulation and building envelope.
Energy
Performance
The EU Directive on the energy performance of
buildings is now formally part of European law. Member
States have until 4 January 2006 to implement the Directive into
their national law.
This Directive is likely to have an
influence on property values and building design, renovation and
investment decisions. It is also a source of potential
business opportunities for appropriately qualified people and
businesses. The Directive, which is based on the need to
reduce energy consumption to comply with international global
warming targets, has four key elements.
