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Posts Tagged ‘Building Control<’
Posted in Building A-Z on Oct 09
 Whenever considering replacement windows, you should always try to replace an existing window with one that maintains or enhances the character and kerb appeal of your property. A tip offered by local window fitters in London is to look at the window that is to be replaced from both the inside and outside before deciding on how many openings and fixed panels you require – remembering that a window can be a means of escape in the event of a fire which prevents you leaving the room via the door. New replacement windows can also improve the appeal and value of your home and save you money!
When measuring up for a replacement window, measure the width and breadth of the old window at a number of points. Windows – especially wooden ones – tend to warp and loose their shape over the 20-30 years they usually spend in people´s houses, and finding any discrepancies before you start will help when it comes to fitting a replacement window.
Types of Replacement Window
Wooden Replacement Windows
Standard sized wooden windows are often treated with preservative to meet NHBC (National House Building Council) requirements and are available in both hardwood and softwood finishes. Many are already double-glazed and weather sealed, meaning that you can have your replacement windows installed by a window fitter in London without the need to paint them afterwards.
Metal Replacement Windows
Old metal windows may rust, but modern replacement windows are galvanised to prevent the aging effects of the elements. They are strong and slim and often fit into existing wooden frames. Metal replacement windows are available in various styles and sizes, and should be painted with coats of primer, undercoat and gloss paint.
Aluminium Replacement Windows
Aluminium windows are available in various styles and sizes, and usually double glazed ready to install. Like metal windows, they are they are rigid and stylish, and also often fit into existing wooden frames. Replacement windows with aluminium frames only usually require washing down, but wooden sub frames surrounding them will require preserving and varnishing or painting.
uPVC Replacement Windows
uPVC replacement windows have become popular because of their economy, low maintenance and good insulation. Available in various styles and sizes, double glazed and ready to install, uPVC replacement windows can have their energy saving qualities enhanced with low emissivity (Low-E) glass – further details of which can be found on our post about Energy Efficient Windows .
As well as offering instructions on how to install a replacement window, Mr Skill suggests that you ask a local window fitter in London to give you advice on which is the best replacement window to suit your property´s appearance and your pocket. Remember that replacing like-for-like windows does not need permission from Building Control, but does have to conform to Building Regulations Part N.
Tags: add value to your property, aluminium, Building Control, Building Regulations Part N, energy efficiency, find a window fitter, glass, Home Improvements, Kerb Appeal, metal, paint, replacement windows, uPVC, Window & Door Fitting, window fitter quotes, wood
Posted in Building A-Z | Comments Off
Posted in General Building on Sep 27
 A loophole in the new Part L Building Regulations which come into force on Friday (1st October) is being exploited by London builders. Local Authorities are reporting that London builders are registering their intention to start work on a site before the revised Part L (2010) regulations take effect, effectively giving them a period of twelve months before they have to start work on the project and, once started, allowing the building to comply with Part L (2006) regulations – saving approximately £2.000 on the difference in building standards.
The move, which includes the registration of thousands of plots – including many without planning permission – has been condemned by Andrew Warren, director of the Association for the Conservation of Energy. He said “This undermines work on improving the energy standard of new homes in England. I do wonder if Andrew Stunell (the Lib-Dem minister in charge of Building Regulations) knows what is going on.”
This haste to register takes advantage of the “transitional arrangements” that bridges the change in regulations. These arrangements were less generous when Part L 2006 was introduced; then builders in London had to comply with the new version if work had not started on site before it took effect. This time around, builders in London are expected to save millions of pounds in building costs.
Note: Local Authority Building Control, which advises council inspectors, had stuck to the 2006 interpretation, but changed its mind after thousands of plots were registered with the NHBC.
For details of the new 2010 regulations and how they affect Ventilation (Part F) and Conservation of Fuel and Power (Parts L1a / L1b), please visit the Mr. Skill guide to Building Regulations.
Tags: builder, Building Control, building regulations, Building Regulations Part F, Building Regulations Part L, conservation, Construction, energy efficiency, Find a Builder in London, General Builders, London builder, planning permission, ventilation
Posted in General Building | Comments Off
 As reported in many trade journals, the Health and Safety Executive and the Building Control Alliance have signed an agreement to work more closely to improve health and safety standards on construction sites. The arrangement means that the HSE and building control professionals will co-operate to help and support each other by providing health and safety advice to on-site builders in London.
Philip White, HSE’s chief inspector of construction, was quoted as saying “Today’s agreement does not change a duty holder’s responsibility to protect workers health and safety, but has created another opportunity to get potentially life-saving advice to those responsible for health and safety standards on construction sites.” Meanwhile Diane Marshall, group head of building control at NHBC, was equally as gushing -“Building Control professionals are ideally placed to raise awareness of health and safety issues on construction sites during the course of their inspections. This agreement creates a mechanism for Building Control professionals to discharge their professional duty of care in a simple and straightforward manner by working closely with our HSE colleagues.”
However, builders in London, although keen to make any health and safety improvements in their industry were not so enthusiastic about the proposals. Commenting in the online builder.co.uk magazine, Colin McNeil wrote –
“Great, another feather in the cap for the great and good who govern Building Control, when was the last time that any of these people went on site? So as a Building Control Surveyor you are supposed to have good technical knowledge of Structures and structural stability, have a intimate knowledge of fire safety and means of escape, thermal performance and CO2 emissions and access into and around buildings for people with disabilities, a comprehensive knowledge of damp protection and prevention of water ingress, methods of preventing sound transfer, drainage systems and knowledge of staircases and guardings. Together with a good knowledge of boiler systems and building services generally, Then there are the requirements to check planning conditions etc all this for the generous salary of about £30000 to £35000 a year. (sic)”
It does seem to be that building control surveyors already have enough on their plates, and with three new sets of building regulations coming into force this week will find it difficult to integrate health and safety regulations into their already overloaded schedules. Maybe Mr White and Ms Marshall should get their patent leather shoes out of their ivory towers and have a look at what actually goes on at ground level.
Tags: builder, Building Control, building regulations, CO2 emissions, Construction, Construction Safety, damp proofing, drainage system, Find a Builder in London, General Builders, health, Health & Safety Executive, safety standards, thermal performance
Posted in General Building, Handyman Services | Comments Off
There is a little confusion amongst homeowners and DIY enthusiasts about what can and can´t be done in terms of electrical work in the home. Although it is always best to refer to a qualified electrician in London, there are a number of jobs you can still do by yourself without having to seek approval from your Local Authority Building Control.
 Change white electrical switches, sockets etc. and replace with decorative finishes- Replace or repair a socket, light or cable in any room Add extra spurs, sockets or lights to an existing circuit (except in a kitchen, bathroom, or outdoors)
- Fit or replace an electric shower, cooker, garage doors or gates (unless a new circuit is needed)
- Install CE marked prefabricated modular kitchen lighting systems to an existing connection unit or socket outlet
- Install security lighting or air-conditioning to the outside wall of the house provided that there are no exposed outdoor connections (unless a new circuit is needed)
Instances where you do need to get Building Control approval include:-
- Adding new circuits to your existing installation
- Any work (other than repairs or replacements) in a room where there is water (e.g. kitchen, bathroom, etc.)
- Any work (other than repairs or replacements) outdoors (e.g. installing garden lighting or sockets, etc.)
- Replacing a consumer unit
- Installing new central heating control wiring
- Installing a socket outlet on an external wall
It is strongly recommended that any electrical work you carry out yourself is checked by a registered electrician in London to ensure your safety and also that it complies with Part P of the Building Regulations.
It is also advisable that you familiarise yourself with the cable colour changes that were introduced in 2006 – particularly if working on an older property which may still have the original wiring. You can > Click Here < to download the IET guide to the new cable colours or consult with one of the local electricians in London featured in our Tradesmen´s Directory.
Tags: bathroom, Building Control, building regulations, Building Regulations Part P, cable, cable colours, Central Heating, Electrical Work, Electricians in London, Find an Electrician in London, lighting, plug, Plumbing, socket
Posted in Electrical Work, Handyman Services | Comments Off
 Installing recessed lighting is a fairly advanced project. It may be of value to you to consult with a London electrician featured in our Tradesmen´s Directory before starting a job of this nature and, if installing recessed lighting in either the kitchen, bathroom or garden you will need permission from your local Building Control before you start and a London electrician to check your work is compliant with Part P of the Building Regulations when the job is complete. Any new circuits you introduce to your property may also need to be passed, so please account for the cost of this procedure when costing your job and request some electrician quotes by using the “Post-a-Job” facility at the top of the page.
Before installing recessed lighting, you should consider the final effect that you wish to achieve. There are a number of different recessed lighting designs you can use to maximise light and space or to highlight specific objects in your home.
The most common type of recessed light is the downlight. Normally these will illuminate an area equal to the height of the light. Therefore, if your ceiling is 8 feet high, the light will shine directly down and cover a circular area with an 8 foot diameter. If you are considering using downlights over a wide area, you will need to overlap the area lit by each light and it is recommended that you install your downlights at a distance of approximately 6 feet apart.
 Eyeball lights are particularly good if you have a sloped ceiling or wish to highlight a particular decorative element of your home. When illuminating areas like fireplace mantelpieces, the distance from the light to the wall should be 60% (multiply by .6) of the distance from the ceiling to the object – For example, if your mantelpiece is 5 feet from the ceiling, the distance from the wall to where the light is installed is (5 feet x 60%) 3 feet.
The first light should be planned to be about 3 feet away from the wall. Placing the light closer to the wall will create more reflection into the room and make the space feel brighter. Placing the lights further away will make the corners seem dark, create a more ambient impression and give the effect of lowering the ceiling.
Lighting in kitchens needs to be a little brighter. If installing your recessed lights into existing cabinets, they need to be spaced every 3 to 4 feet to illuminate the counter top. In general, for a kitchen, you should allow 3 watts of incandescent light per square foot. To calculate how much light you need, calculate the total square area of the kitchen and divide by three. If using CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs) refer to the manufacturer´s equivalent measurement.
You can safely have as many lights in your new recessed installation as were in your existing fitting. If you are considering exceeding the existing wattage, consult a London electrician before proceeding.
Getting Started
Turn off the power – not just the lighting circuit, but the whole house if possible. This is case you accidently drill through a power cable in a wall or ceiling joist.
If your existing circuit supports the extra load you are installing, there is no need to remove the existing fitting. However, if you choose to do so it is easiest to plan your lighting set-up so that one of the lights you are installing makes use of the hole that will be left by the existing fittings´ removal. Alternatively you could install a ceiling fan or a decorative cover plate that would disguise where the old fitting came from and prevent the need to redecorate the whole ceiling or wall.
Making the Holes
Once you have measured the location for each light, use the manufacturer´s template that comes with the light units to mark the ceiling for each hole you are going to make. Drill a ¼ inch hole in the ceiling at the centre of the proposed opening and then use a jigsaw to make the openings for each of the light mountings (“cans”).
Run a cable from the power source (this could be the light switch or an existing junction box) to the location of the first recessed light. Leave an additional 18 inches of wire hanging from the opening to enable easy wiring of the cans. Continue to feed cable through to each of the openings, drilling carefully through ceiling joists if necessary and feeding the cable through.
Wiring
 Wire the first can to the cable leading from the power source and the cable leading to the next opening and continue connecting the fixtures until you reach the last one. Mount the cans into the openings in the ceiling and add the trim pieces according to the manufacturer´s instructions.
You are now ready to screw in the light bulbs, reconnect the power and view your new recessed lighting effect.
There are several images of how your finished project may look in our “Inspirations” feature and also in our blog – “Improve the Value and Appeal of Your Home”. We strongly recommend that you obtain advice and quotes from electricians in London in respect of Part P Approval and also for any assistance you need with the job itself. London handymen, kitchen fitters, decorators and general builders can also be contacted through our Tradesmen´s Directory, so if you feel that there may be elements of this project which may stretch your abilities, please do not hesitate to use this valuable resource.
Tags: Building Control, compact fluorescent light bulb, Decorating & Interior Design, downlight, electrical cabling, electrical circuit, Electrical Work, Electricians in London, eyeball light, Find an Electrician in London, floodlight, Home Improvements, interior decoration, kitchens, lighting, Part P Approval, recessed lighting, spotlight, wiring
Posted in Electrical Work, Gardening & Landscaping, General Building, Handyman Services, Painting & Decorating | Comments Off
 Local interior designers in London will tell you that nothing creates more of an impression inside and outside your home than recessed lighting. No matter in which room – or rooms – the lighting effects are implemented, directional spotlights highlighting key areas of your living environment and providing additional light for working areas in the kitchen or in a study will improve the value and appeal of your home. Replacing existing lighting appliances with recessed lighting units can accentuate decorative elements of your home as well as removing cumbersome wall and ceiling fittings, creating the appearance of more space in your property.
 However, installing recessed lighting yourself is not a job to be undertaken lightly. Most recessed lighting units come with instructions as to their safe installation, however consideration has to be given both to building regulations Part P (relating to electrical installations) and Part B (relating to fire hazard) especially when installing recessed lighting in the bathroom, kitchen or any ceiling or wall that prevents the rapid spread of fire.
Therefore it is a job which you should seek professional guidance. As you will see from the images both on this page and our “Inspirations” feature, there are many uses that can be found for recessed lighting and, when the lights  are fitted and working perfectly, the final effect is amazing. However, using the skills of a local electrician in London – particularly when getting your installation passed Building Control – will ensure that your lights are flush, safe and approved.
Money saving CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs) can also be used in recessed lighting, although unsuitable to be put into sealed recessed fittings. It is advisable to check that the unit into which you are putting your CFL has sufficient ventilation or an open face to limit the build up of heat and extend the life of the lamp. CFLs should not be put into any light fittings that are going to be  frequently switched on and then off in a short space of time.
Larger installations, such as suspended ceilings, can be done with the help of a London builder featured in our Tradesmen´s Directory and recessed uplighting in your garden will provide additional security for your home*, and illuminate your path safely up the driveway, whilst being a talking point for all your guests as they arrive. (* Please note: Recessed lighting units should not be integrated with a security motion sensor unless specifically approved by the light manufacturer – also sealed units are recommended for external use to prevent the function of the lamp being affected by moisture).
If you can see the benefit in using recessed lighting to improve the value and appearance of your home, why not “Post-a-Job” on our web site. It is quick and easy and will encourage competitive quotes from tradespeople in London direct into your email inbox.
Tags: Building Control, Building Regulations Part B, Building Regulations Part P, compact fluorescent light bulb, Decorating & Interior Design, Electrical Work, Find a Builder in London, Find an Electrician in London, find an interior designer in London, highlights, Home Improvements, interior decoration, London builder, Motion Sensors, recessed lighting, spotlights, ventilation
Posted in Improving the appeal and value of your home | Comments Off
 Outdoor lighting is an effective means of highlighting the most attractive areas of your garden – and shading some of those which are less desirable. It is perfect for adding extra security to your garden, creating a karmic environment or for outside entertaining, and is certain to attract positive attention plus improve the appeal and value of your home.
 Adding lighting effects need not be expensive. A modest lighting scheme may set you back less than a hundred pounds and can be done with the help of a local landscaper in London – although it may be more cost efficient to get some handyman quotes as well before you start. For more elaborate schemes you may need the assistance of a builder in London to help with the reconstruction of any patio areas, and you will definitely require the services of a London electrician  as introducing any lighting scheme in your garden will need permission from Building Control before you start and Part P Approval once the work is completed. If it already seems like it is too much trouble – it´s not. The additional security and value that you will achieve by brightening up your garden is extremely worthwhile.
 You need not have an incredibly large garden either. Small gardens can still be brought to life in the hours of darkness with selective lighting, although you should be careful – no matter what size of garden you have – not to cause undo light pollution and upset all your neighbours! Your choice of lights and lighting fixtures is going to be determined by what you want to achieve with your lighting and how much budget you have. It is well worth speaking with a few exterior design professionals and getting quotes from landscapers in London when you are in the concept stage of your garden lighting. There will be some things which are impractical to do, or your local electricians in London will advise you will not pass planning. Furthermore, consider where your power source is coming from. You may not want an electrical cable running across your lawn, and could benefit from the installation of solar lighting.
There are also many different lighting techniques that you may want to consider:-
Uplighting – This is a subtle way to light up gazebos, pergolas, large tree branches and the sides of buildings. Fixtures are normally fixed at low level or on the ground to create this effect.
Downlighting – Lighting fixtures situated above head level shine light down from trees, walls and roofs. This is a handy technique for illuminating large areas.
Spotlighting – Using spotlights to pick out individual features can be enchanting and create the impression of a deceptively large garden.
Crosslighting – This is where lights are placed on either side of an object (such as a tree or statue) to reveal more detail and create a more subtle shadow effect.
Silhouetting – An exceptionally effective form of lighting where the source of the light is positioned behind a large object to spray light out from behind.
Shadowing – where recessed lighting is placed in front of an object to cast dramatic shadows – often larger than the object itself!
Moonlighting – A romantic moonlight effect created by downlighting a subtle low-voltage light through the branches of trees.
Spread Lighting – This technique illuminates large flat areas, such as lawns and terraces, by creating a circular spread of light.
Water Lighting – If you have a water source, such as a pond or pool in your garden, you can integrate your existing water lighting with the improvements you are making to the rest of the garden. Although underwater lighting can be more expensive, the effects you can get are astonishing.
 You may also want to consider lighting up paths, steps and decking. This can be done in a number of ways, with the most popular being “walk-over” lights being built into the step. Disguising light sources under steps and handrails gives a more subtle light and makes a dark area of your garden safer to navigate.
 Do not forget to think about colours as well! Green filters are a popular choice, and white lights bring out the best in water features. You may want to select a colour scheme which matches the summer plants throughout your garden or integrate a mixture of lighting ideas to compliment specific areas of your garden. Whichever you choose, the local tradesmen in London featured in our Tradesmen´s Directory will be keen to help with any inspiration you need to brighten up your garden with outdoor lighting.
Tags: add value to your property, Building Control, Electrical Work, Electricians in London, Find a Builder in London, find a handyman in London, Find a Landscape Gardener in London, garden lighting, Gardening & Landscaping, General Builders, Handyman Services, light pollution, lighting, low voltage lighting, Part P Approval, perimeter security, security
Posted in Electrical Work, Gardening & Landscaping, General Building, Handyman Services | Comments Off
Posted in General Building on Aug 06
 In April 2010, changes were made to Part L of the Building Regulations to accelerate the drive towards zero carbon house construction by 2016. All local builders will be familiar with the guidelines laid out in Part L1A (2006) and the new changes (which come into effect on October 1st 2010) aim to reduce CO2 emissions in newbuild dwellings by a further 25% and keep in line with the government´s “Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3”.
As well as introducing new limits for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, good builders will be pleased to discover that the document is clearer than in 2006 in distinguishing between “Regulation” and “Guidance”. This should help builders and developers in London better understand what is required of them, and give building control clearer guidance on how to check for compliance. Furthermore, the new requirement to provide a “design submission” as well as “built submission” – with a list of amended specifications during construction – will enable Building Control to confirm that what has been built aligns with the claimed performance and eliminates the “Performance Gap”
For the full details in respect of the changes in the Building Regulations relating to the conservation of fuel and power, please click here. If you are a homeowner who is considering making changes to a property to reduce your “carbon footprint”, please visit our trademen´s section to find a builder in your area. All of our recommended tradesmen are prepared to offer a no-obligation building quote on a number of environmental improvements that can be made around your house. Alternatively you can leave an enquiry in our “Post-a-Job” section and have our highly rated tradesmen contact you.
Tags: Building Control, Building Regulations Part L, built submission, CO2 emissions, Code for Sustainable Homes, design submission, environment, Performance Gap, zero carbon
Posted in General Building | Comments Off
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Whenever considering replacement windows, you should always try to replace an existing window with one that maintains or enhances the character and kerb appeal of your property. A tip offered by local window fitters in London is to look at the window that is to be replaced from both the inside and outside before deciding on how many openings and fixed panels you require – remembering that a window can be a means of escape in the event of a fire which prevents you leaving the room via the door. New replacement windows can also improve the appeal and value of your home and save you money!
