What are the repercussions ? (building control)

[allthatglittersisnotgold]

Anyone got any experience of not having building control sign off a loft conversion?

Basically not going to change teh doors in the flat and already got mains connected smoke alarms, in loft hall, main, hall, by front door and in kitchen. To pass we need them in other bedrooms so I understand.

I cannot now deal with more eletrical wiring, and decoration being ruined, so wonder can we just "not" have it signed off by building control? Or have it signed off at a much later date? It's ridiculous over kill in my opinion.

I'm almost certain that there could be insurance issues.

It will certainly be an issue should you ever come to sell the property.

A friend of mine never bothered getting it signed off and just dealt with the final few snags prior to selling the property- which required the certificate.

Thank you,

After the stress I've been through I can't imagine I'll be selling this property EVER!

I know it is a right pain but I would certainly have it signed off,with regard to leaving it until later the critiera could change dramatically in the future and therefore cost you a lot more,if ever there was an accident or god forbid something went wrong you would be liable as you are not classed as a legal conversation.

I know people who did what they needed to get it signed off, then installed all their original doors back once they got their certificate....

Could you install wireless smoke alarms to the bedrooms?

I have heard that wireless smoke detectors linked to a central mains-connected one are now acceptable - so no rewiring/redecorating. Maybe you should check out that option, if that is all that you think stands in your way of approval.

Unless you have specific extra hazards you shouldn't need smoke alarms in bedrooms as well.
The standard requirement is hard wired smoke alarms in hallways (top & bottom) & hard wired heat detector in kitchen.
If you have timber floors/ceiling joists a competent installer should make minimal mess. When we moved in we added hard wired smoke detectors and this required no redecoration, just a bit of hoovering.

Building control is not overkill - it is supposed to make sure work done it up to relevant safety standards. If the work is done properly then the building control bit it easy - they visit - inspect it and sign it off and then you receive a certificate in the post.

If you don't get it signed off by building control, then if you sell your house, it's as though the loft conversion doesn't exist. You can't sell it as 4 bedrooms, it has to be 3 bedrooms + coverted loft suitable for storage (there's some code phrase that estate agents use). And when you take people round, you all have to go through this rigmarole about how there's a bed there but that it's not an actual bedroom and doesn't meet fire regulations.

Frankly, I'd bite the bullet and get it up to scratch.

Consequencies - it will COST more in the long run.
You have already paid for Building control - it is a service for your benefit to make sure your property is SAFE and efficient.
You have a certain time to complete the project.

If you leave it now. In 5 or 10 or 15 years when you come to sell you will have to do something about it. If you choose then to bring it up to standard you will have to pay again to the Building Regs Dept.

If you can afford to get it done now just get it done for the long term benefits.

Now it is worth knowing that Building Regs are not prescriptive, there are many ways of meeting the requirements so talking with the officer and get second or third opinions if necessary.

• It is not unusual to come up with alternative solutions, in general.

Specifically - you say you need more smoke alarms wired in. If so that is not a big job to add now, and why didn't the electrician you employed advice you that you needed it in the loft conversion? ( I think you need one on each level, so one in loft - but I could be wrong).

Doors - are you really clear about what door needs to be changed and how it will meet regulations? Again not a big job and well worth it. Do speak with the building control officer to clarify exactly what is needed.

Hi,

Yes I knew we would have to change doors, or install "more" wired smoke alarms. I did not realise the electrician would be a complete oaf and now I don't want him touching anything.

Like I said they are laready happily in loft landing, hall landing, by front door and kitchen, more IS overkill. I didn't say BUILDING CONTROL is overkill. Just the stupid little things they insist on-when we already have plenty of alarms therockenholt.

We're not going to change the doors as we had all lovely new ones a year ago, but we thougth a loft would even be a possibility for us. In all honesty the alarms have a light on them and I don't want to see the light when I'm trying to sleep in a dark room.

Appreciate it will be harder in future to get signed off so will probaby just do whatever ridiculous health and safety thing they require. Did not know about wireless alarms, so will check.

Feel like all our rooms which were beautiful have been affected by the conversion need a spot of redecorating and the property feels like it has been sinking money, reluctant to let any more ceiling damage occur wiring in the units.