What counts as building work?
- Building extensions or erections.
- Installation or extension of any fitting or service within a building.
- Any project that may change the compliance of the building or any services or fittings within the structure with fire or access regulations.
- Insertion of insulation to the walls of a building.
- Strengthening or stabilizing of the foundations of a building.
What counts as a service or fitting in a building?
- Toilets
- Showers
- Sinks & washbasins
- Hot water cylinders & boilers
- Drainage work
- Windows
- Any appliance that consumes fuel
These regulations are necessary for work such as a loft conversion:
- To ensure the structural strength of the floor
- To safeguard the stability of the roof and walls
- To ensure there remains a safe pathway to exit in the case of fire
- That there is sufficient sound insulation between the loft conversion and the rooms below
- To check whether the loft conversion is subject to the Part Wall Act 1996 and thus if neighbours must be given notice or not.
The Party Wall Act?
- A party wall is a wall that stands along the boundary of land and is used by 2 owners.
- If the loft conversion or any other building work involves a party wall then you must give the adjoining owners notice in writing about your plans.
- This must be served at least two months before the planned starting date and is valid for one year.
- The neighbour must give consent to your notice for the work to begin.
BPM Maintenance is a building company based in the city of Bath that handles all building work in Bath, Bristol, Somerset and Wiltshire. Whether you need a loft conversion, a new shower fitted, a roof replaced or any other work that falls under these regulations, we are the company that can meet your needs.
