We have many years experience checking and certifying thousands of lofts and extensions in and around London; we are approved to do so by the Building Safety Regulator on behalf of the Secretary of State.
This section concerns residential building control for domestic buildings: Extensions, Loft conversions and Houses.
Flats and Other Residential (nursing homes etc) are considered under Commercial Building Control.
Projects include both standard designs with protected routes (enclosed stairs) as well as those needing particular attention such as open plan lounges (with fire safety reports, detection and sprinklers).
Many Registered Building Control Approvers only work in the commercial field, but London Building Control Ltd can be used as your building control body for all domestic building work.
The Registered Building Control Approvers Building Control Process is set out under The Building Control Process.
Fire Safety
Most homes only need a simple smoke detection system with detectors in landings and halls. Fire doors are often needed around stairwells.
Open plan arrangements are an area of particular concern, as a fire could cut off escape from the inner rooms. Extra detection and sometimes sprinklers will be necessary in these cases. Please contact our technical team for further advice.
Energy Conservation
New dwellings require SAP calculations. Extensions with large amounts of glazing may also require a SAP calculation to ensure compliance.
Energy Performance Certificates are required for new dwellings at end of works and air tightness tests will usually be required as part of ensuring energy efficiency for these projects.
Planning may often ask for additional items under ‘optional requirements’.
LBC can help advise you on any of these matters or refer you to one of our partner consultants.
Access for the disabled
Access and facilities for the disabled need to be considered; a level entrance is usually required for new houses, together with a toilet on the entrance storey (door opening outwards), additional ‘optional requirement’ covered under your planning conditions.
Acoustics
Acoustic testing is required for all new dwellings.
Structure
Often structural calculations are required in support of the design – for steel beams in lofts or over openings, or for unusual foundations etc.
Help from Consultants
LBC can refer you to consultants for the required assessments (structural engineers, energy and acoustic assessors, access audits or fire safety assessments). This independent advice would then form a comprehensive package for your project.