Frequently Asked Questions
For: Building Control
- How do I arrange a site visit from a Building Control inspector?
- Building Notice Procedure, what is it?
- Regularisation procedure, what is it?
- ‘Radon gas’ what is it?
- When can I start work?
- Do I need approval to carry out repairs to my house?
- Do I have to pay for the Building Control Service?
- Is there guidelines to what type of building I can build in open countryside?
- How do I arrange an inspection from a Building Control Inspector?
A.
On receipt of your approved plans, inspection cards will be issued which clearly explains the type of inspection required and notice for such inspection. Alternatively you can contact the Building Control office on 028 87 720357 and request an inspection.
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A. Anyone intending to carry out work to which Building Regulations apply must lodge an application with their local building control office. No plans are required to be lodged except for site location map. A disadvantage of using this method is that no approval certificate will be issued, which may be required by some mortgage lenders.
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A. The regularisation procedure allows the Local Authority to consider appropriate works carried out and completed without the submission of full plans and giving of notice. Such work often comes to light during the sale of a property when the vendor is asked to produce evidence of approvals. When work complies with the regulations that were in operation at the time the unauthorized works were completed, Building Control will issue a ‘Certificate Of Regularisation’.
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A.
Radon is a naturally occurring gas which is produced by the radioactive decay of uranium in underground soils and rocks. It is colourless, odourless and tasteless and it moves through porous layers of soil and rock. When it reaches the open air it disperses rapidly into the atmosphere harmlessly. When it seeps into buildings, high concentrations can occur which may affect your health.
Building Regulations, from April 2001, require radon preventative measures to be installed in new houses built in radon-affected areas, as identified in 1999. The Building Regulations do not currently require radon preventative measures in non-domestic buildings such as schools, factories and public buildings.
Under the Health & Safety in the Workplace Regulations employers are responsible for ensuring safe radon levels in these types of buildings. Consideration should be given to the provision of radon preventative measures in new buildings of this type and to testing existing buildings in radon affected areas.Your local Building Control Department will be able to advise on the requirements of the Regulations.
Radon Tests in Existing Houses. A radon monitoring measuring service is provided by:-The National Radiological Protection Board at NRPB Chilton Didcot Oxon OX11 0RQ Or on NRPB Radon Freephone 0800-614529
The test requires two radon detectors (small circular discs about 70 mm diameter) to be placed at certain locations in the house for up to 3 months. These are then returned to the NRPB who will analyse the information from the detectors and send back the results to you. The information is not disclosed to anyone else.
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A. Work can start at any time once plans have been submitted to the Council and they have deemed the application valid. The Council will however remind the developer in writing that plans are not yet approved and any work carried out may require remedial attention even if in accordance with those plans. The developer is still required to give the Council 2 days notice in writing before commencing. You are therefore strongly advised to wait until your plans are approved to avoid the risk of carrying out work that does not comply with the Regulations.
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A.
No, if the repairs are of a minor nature and you are replacing like for like replacing the felt to a flat roof, repainting, and replacing a small area of brickwork.
Yes, if the repair consists of removing a major part of wall and rebuilding or re-roofing, if the tiles are of the same type then no approval is needed, if roofing material is heavier or significantly lighter than the existing material approval under Building Regulations is probably required.
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A. Yes, plan fees are payable for assessing and approval of plan at submission stage.Inspection fees are payable after work has commenced. (Note this is a one off ayment for all inspections until completion certificate is issued). However a fee schedule is available on line(click here).
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A.
There are strict building regulations in relation to building in the countryside. For further information contact Building Control department on 877 20357.
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A.
On receipt of your approved plans, inspection cards will be issued which clearly explains the type of inspection required and notice for such inspection. Alternatively you can contact the Building Control office on 028 87 720357 and request an inspection.
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