how can a self builder comply with current regs?

[amelia1]

My husband is a time served joiner with a life time in the building trade, he has managed large building sites and is now retired.
In the past he has built us a garage, an extension and a conservatory, made and fitted all new hardwood windows and extended the CH.
Now we want to add another room - a Permitted Developement - but how can we comply with all the new regs and the calculations?
He can fit appropriate double glazed units in his windows but what are the requirements for the actual hardwood frame?
Is self build no longer viable?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Err I don't really understand what you're asking. Self build extensions and entire dwellings is entirely possible as is evident from the thousands of suchlike posters on this forum!

If you have specific questions then ask away, you've come to the right place!

edit: with respect to him making windows you are best to discuss this with the actual Inspector who will be overlooking your build. I recall this being asked a few times before and also do not recall a specific answer.

 

[^woody^]

There wont be any calculations for an extension

No problem with using timber window frames

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

He's gonna make'em himself though woody, He won't just be able to use a bit of scrap, BC will expect something reasonable but how is that established in such cases? I guess if he's a good joiner and they look good BC will be happy?

 

[tony1851]

Wouldn't he have to make sure that his area of glazing didn't go over the 25% floor area + existing windows/doors?

 

[^woody^]

I think that if he is a proper joiner as opposed to a carpenter, then he should have no problems. He sounds like he knows what he is doing though

IIRC, there is no difference in thermal performance between timber and plastic frames glazed with similar dg units, so he should be OK

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Wouldn't he have to make sure that his area of glazing didn't go over the 25% floor area + existing windows/doors?

He would technically need calcs then. Depends on the BCO in my experience.

 

[garyo]

Hi Amelia,

your query does read as slightly ambiguous - is it about a) the thermal performance of the window construction, or b) the thermal performance of the entire extension construction, or c) making a self build extension comply with ALL building regulations, and whether it's feasible to do this self-build?

 

[amelia1]

Thanks to all for their input. Sorry I have had problems logging on to the Forum so didn't see your replies (and they weren't flagged up on my emails).
The two windows will be within the prescribed dimensions (1.5m wide and 1m high) Argon is recommended for the glazing but the manufacturers are saying it breaks down too quickly and is not worth using - but if that is what it takes to get past BR so be it. And are trickle vents compulsory?
The BCO simply says you cannot make or fit a window that will be compliant - trouble is those who say they can want about a £1k per window (excluding fitting) and we have a garage full of woodworking machinery!
And what about the 'air tightness' test?
We have taken the BRO's advice - though it seems to change on each meeting - re insulation but according to the Planning Portal there are supposed to be some complicated mathematical equations which have to be submitted before work can begin.
We have taken advice on appropriate lighting which will be done by an outside contractor who is known to the council.
The radiator will be an extension off our current WB Greenstar system
All for a room where I can do some sewing and use the computer!

 

[maltaron]

"The BCO simply says you cannot make or fit a window that will be compliant"

Why not? I would think that a competent joiner could make a window with double glazing etc far superior to the plastic crap that complies with the regs, even though many plastic windows are fitted with more draughts than a prostitutes knickers