Building Control permission for Log Burner

[SIDEBURN]

Why do you need BC permission for a log burner?

[Richard C]

Bit vague on what you’re doing exactly but if you intend to install a new stove DIY then, yes; unless you get it installed & certified by a HEATAS registered installer & get a certificate of compliance; such is life . I'm having to jump through the very same hoops myself at this very moment!

[SIDEBURN]

cheers Richard, Yes I'm installing a new Log burner in an old fireplace that has had a new brick fierplace built, a bricklayer friend of mine is doing the work, and has done these installations before, but hadn't mentioned Building Control permission before. Is it compulsory?

[Richard C]

SIDEBURN wrote:

Is it compulsory?

It is compulsory in the sense that you will be asked to supply a certificate of compliance for the installation as a part of HIPS when you come to sell & if you can’t produce one, it will be regarded as unauthorised building work as will any other notifyable building work. You will then have to pay for a post installation inspection which will is likely to cost a lot more than doing it now; then there is a risk it may be non compliant which could affect your sale. There is also the safety/insurance aspect of getting the flue wrong; this has a potential to suffocate you & your family or your insurance company declining to pay a claim in the event of a problem. The regs. are not that onerous & here is a summary of what you need to comply with;
http://www.firesonline.co.uk/acatalog/Stove-Building-Regulations.html

If your plan on DIY, you will need to submit a Building Notice (download it from the Planning Portal) & pay a fee - £97.75 when I looked last month.
http://www.cncbuildingcontrol.gov.uk/admin/files/building_notice.pdf

The other alternative is to use a HETAS installer who will provide the certificate of compliance you need without involving LABC. I’ve not finally decided yet but I will probably go the HETAS route mainly because I just don’t fancy getting up on the roof with an 8 metre long, 6 inch diameter stainless steel snake strapped to my back. You can download a list of installers in your area from the HETAS website;
http://www.hetas.co.uk/nearest_member

I had a couple around last week & am awaiting their written quotes. Some will try & charge you anything from £20 - £60, especially the shops; they will also try & insist you buy the stove from them at list price; I’m just awaiting delivery of mine this week @ some £300 cheaper than list. I don’t pay for quotes (wish I could charge for my quotes) & just crossed them off my list; the self employed independent engineers are the ones to go for & both the guys I had round were very helpful & more than happy for me to do the building works, leaving them just to install the liner, the fire & carry out the commissioning tests; basically a draught/smoke test.

Another tip is that if you plan on plaster walls, don’t use ordinary gypsum plaster or plasterboard near the stove; the plaster will only withstand 50 degrees & will blow & plasterboard, even the fire check ones, is regarded as combustible material due to the paper linings & so won’t comply. If you’ve any other questions come back as I’ve been going through the learning curve on this one myself over the last weeks or so.

[SIDEBURN]

Many thanks Richard, very informative, you've answered all the questions that I had, and I now feel a lot more confident about the job.

Cheers Sideburn.