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Original poster

Window Regulations for existing windows whilst doing extension/renovation works

19 replies

Nav7 · 01/10/2023 17:01

Hi All,

I hope you're well.

Quick Q... I've just had a 6 x 3 single storey extension built which runs across the entire back of the house. The builder has told me that the building inspector has told him that the existing windows upstairs need to be replaced to comply with current window regs, to open 90 degrees. Is this correct? I would have thought that any new windows would need to comply, but would existing ones that are perfectly fine but don't open 90c need replacing?

OP posts:
Original poster
Nav7 · 02/10/2023 08:05

Anyone with any advice please? 🙂

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Diyextension · 02/10/2023 08:07

Any new windows need to comply with current building regs , any old windows that are not being changed dont. Either your builder or building inspector is wrong.

Pfpppl · 02/10/2023 08:32

We had a similar extension across the entire back of our property. We actually replaced the upstairs windows on the back of the house before we had the work done. Building control signed off our work without mentioning the existing windows - they don't open 90 degrees. I'm wondering whether the windows were compliant with the regs at the time they were fitted now!

LondonNQT · 02/10/2023 09:17

How strange. You shouldn’t need to change any existing windows - I’d get he reasons in writing from the building inspector.

The only thing I can think of is that your extension has impacted on other areas. For example, adding an attic conversion means that all bedrooms on the first floor need to be fire doors. So obviously in that instance you’d need to change existing doors (or put in additional fire alarms I believe). Could it be something like that?

Original poster
Nav7 · 02/10/2023 09:29

It's just a single storey extension and I can't think of what it has impacted if anything. The builder said that if there's a fire, as the windows do not open 90c, there's no escape route hence why he wants them changing... but if I hadn't had got the extension done, that would have been the case anyway. If I was replacing them then yes, I agree that they should meet the latest regs. I just wonder if the builder is trying it on maybe?

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MartyFunkhouser · 02/10/2023 09:34

No. The builder has got this wrong. Unless your extension means your ground floor is now open plan and it wasn’t before, you don’t need to change the first floor windows.

Original poster
Nav7 · 02/10/2023 09:46

MartyFunkhouser · 02/10/2023 09:34

No. The builder has got this wrong. Unless your extension means your ground floor is now open plan and it wasn’t before, you don’t need to change the first floor windows.

Ah so this might be it... it is open plan now, which it wasn't before. What is the reason for the requirement of 90c opening windows on the 1st floor if it is open plan as opposed to not?

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AnSolas · 02/10/2023 09:48

Did the inspector point it out as a "thing I see and say should be changed as it cheaper with you on site providing all the labour and materials are bought now" or he is not siging off until they are changed?

Have you changed any of the internal halls or doorways which are fire escape pathways?

MartyFunkhouser · 02/10/2023 09:48

Because of the means of escape.

If your stairs formerly discharged into a compartment, that allowed a nominal
period for the occupants of the first floor to escape via the stairs. If that compartment is removed, you have to provide a means of escape from the first floor habitable rooms.

ReadyForPumpkins · 02/10/2023 09:50

When we build our extensions last year, I have emailed building control of our council. Contact them and ask instead of asking mumsnet. Even if we all say you don't need to, and the building inspector says you have to, then you either challenge or have to do it. They'll explain their reasons.

Original poster
Nav7 · 02/10/2023 10:18

AnSolas · 02/10/2023 09:48

Did the inspector point it out as a "thing I see and say should be changed as it cheaper with you on site providing all the labour and materials are bought now" or he is not siging off until they are changed?

Have you changed any of the internal halls or doorways which are fire escape pathways?

None of the pathways have been changed. If there was a fire upstairs, the pathway out would be down the stairs and through the front door... the wall between the kitchen and dining room has been removed as has the wall that was separating the dining room and the outside as it is all open plan now... What I can't get my head around is that say I had not done the extension, the 1st floor windows wouldn't open 90c anyway so why the need to change them with the extension?

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AnSolas · 02/10/2023 11:05

If i am reading what you wrote correctly its fully open plan and your "kitchen" is the whole of the downstairs?

Have a look at the building regs

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-approved-document-b

And as pp said contact the LA directly and get them to put the reason in writing.

Fire safety: Approved Document B

Building regulation in England covering fire safety matters within and around buildings.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-approved-document-b

JamMakingWannaBe · 02/10/2023 11:11

Have you changed the fire pathway downstairs? Was there originally a door between your kitchen and the front door eg to block the progress of a fire?

Can you ask your architect? Presumably the extension was designed to be Building Reg compliant.

MartyFunkhouser · 02/10/2023 11:18

It sounds like your stairs discharge into an open plan ground floor and before, your extension they discharged into a hallway separated from the accommodation by a door?

If this is the case, you need to make the first floor windows suitable for escape. Think about it - if the ground floor has a fire and is full of smoke, it will go straight up the stairs.

Original poster
Nav7 · 02/10/2023 11:27

I have attached a floor plan of what the layout was before and what it is now. Kitchen, utility, dining are all now open plan. Separate lounge, separate hallway which haven't been touched/amended. The kitchen door has been blocked off so only 1 entrance to the open plan through the old dining room. Can't see how it affects upstairs windows though?

Window Regulations for existing windows whilst doing extension/renovation works
Window Regulations for existing windows whilst doing extension/renovation works
OP posts:
MartyFunkhouser · 02/10/2023 11:40

That new layout is ok. I assume they’re solid doors and not new glazed ones?

Original poster
Nav7 · 02/10/2023 13:08

MartyFunkhouser · 02/10/2023 11:40

That new layout is ok. I assume they’re solid doors and not new glazed ones?

The internal ones? Yes, they're all solid, no glass. Bi folds at the back

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MartyFunkhouser · 02/10/2023 13:30

So you’re ok then. The builder has got it wrong.

This extension is making the situation no worse than existing, so you can’t be asked to change the first floor windows.

Original poster
Nav7 · 02/10/2023 15:54

MartyFunkhouser · 02/10/2023 13:30

So you’re ok then. The builder has got it wrong.

This extension is making the situation no worse than existing, so you can’t be asked to change the first floor windows.

I thought so.. I will relay this back to him and see what he says. Thanks

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