Smoke
Detectors in Dwellings.
In
the UK there are a substantial number of people get
injured or die in domestic fires each year. These
incidents could be reduced through the use of smoke
detectors.
When
installing a smoke alarm it must comply with a British
Standard or International Standard Organisation (ISO)
standard. Self-contained smoke alarms must comply
with BS 5446, Part 1, 1990, for auto fire detection,
and BS 5839, Part 6, 1995 for an alarm system.
They
should be located in a circulation route such as the
hall or landing.
Roof
space Conversions.
Roof
space or attic conversions require a Building Regulation
application where the intentions to provide additional
habitable accommodation.
The
most common uses of attic conversions are:
an extra room
a bathroom
a playroom
a study/office
a floored storage area
Where
the intended use is to store lightweight items such
as suitcases, general household items, etc. then the
provision of loose boarding is generally satisfactory.
An application would not be required in such circumstances
provided the access is by ladder and not by a new
staircase. For the purposes of the regulations a ladder
is a flight with a pitch greater than 55 degrees.
Floors, certain walls and doors are required to
be structurally able to resist the effects of a
fire for a specified period of time, usually 30
minutes in a typical domestic situation.
Such provisions, among others are essential to ensure
safe escape on the event of a fire or other emergency.
The new floor and room layout requires a safe and
easy exit route in the event of a fire. Careful
consideration of this item is of critical importance.
The provision of an automatic smoke or heat detection
system to give early warning of a fire is desirable.
The provision of escape windows is an important
aspect of life safety in roof space conversions.
The structural adequacy of the new floor has to
be designed and checked to ensure it can safely
support the new loads placed upon it, without suffering
collapse or excessive deflection.
Ventilation is essential to most room areas to prevent
unpleasant living conditions.
Condensation, if not properly catered for especially
in areas where it cannot be seen, can cause problems.
Certain roof space layouts and roof construction
types require careful consideration of ventilation
and vapour check barrier provisions.
The walls and roof of the roof space conversion
require not only to keep out the rain and effects
of damp but also reduce heat losses.
If a bathroom or show room is to be included additional
ventilation measures will be required to prevent
excessive condensation.
Party
Walls and Boundary Lines.
The
Party Wall Act 1996
contains a framework for preventing disputes in relation
to party walls, boundary lines, and excavations near
an adjacent property. The act covers the insertion
of beams, insertion of a damp-proof course, raising
the height of a party wall, etc. the act also covers
new building work at or astride the boundary line
between properties. The main issue in all cases is
whether the proposed work might have an effect for
the structural strength and support functions of the
party wall.
When
carrying out work under the act it is important to
inform all adjoining owners. At least two months before
the planned starting date for construction, it is
necessary to serve notice for the adjoining owners.
The person receiving the notice may either give their
written consent allowing the work to go ahead, or
give a counter notice explaining the additional or
modified work they would like to see carried out.
If
a dispute arises the best way of settling is to have
a friendly discussion with the neighbour. Agreement
should be put in writing. If an agreement can not
be reached, the next stage is to jointly appoint an
"Agreed surveyor", who will act impartially
to consider the interests of those concerned, and
will thus draw up an award.
It
is important to note that the Party Wall Act does
not remove the possible need for planning permission
or Building control approval.
Domestic
Heating Appliances.
This
section is in context with concern that solicitors
when carrying out conveyancing for house sales and
finding that the necessary statutory approvals have
not been obtained for certain works, such as;
installation of new heating appliances, heating
systems and associated works
converting existing heat appliances
carrying out associated works i.e. new flue.
An
application or notice is required before any work
affecting heat producing appliances, flues or associated
constructions is carried out.
Regularization
Certificate.
Regularization
is a procedure which property owners follow where
problems arise in the conveyancing. It is important
to note that the owner is under no obligation to make
an application for a regularization certificate. The
application for a certificate can relate only to completed
work.
However,
the local authority can ask the applicant to "open
up" work which assumes a reasonable level of
co-operation between the applicant and the local authority,
in order to make sure that the construction complies
with the building regulations.