Recent content by quaywee

Update 2: Just wanted to let say that we received our completion certificate from the AI a couple of weeks ago. I had to chase them for it as it seems the office forgot about us, but it's all finally signed off.

Update: Checked the council website last week and our notice had been duly posted by our AI back in April. He came round last week, spoke to our contractors and inspected the works which were well underway. Heard from him overnight and everything appears to be ok and works will be signed...

Just wanted to come back and update this in case anyone else finds themselves in a similar situation. We are just in the process of appointing an AI as works are due to start in a week. We are going down the building notice route rather than full plans. Having discussed the changes with him...

Why is that? I am new to all of this so appreciate any help/guidance.

Thanks. I'm afraid I'm not up to speed with the terminology. Seemed better to start with an approved inspector rather than going to the local council.......

AI ??

Update: Spoke to a private sector BCO and – fingers crossed - it looks like we may be ok. As others have said, the issues usually arise when bedrooms are upstairs and do not have means of escape. They can’t make any guarantees but have given a me a quote which includes full examination of...

Will do. It'll be useful for other people to read no doubt. However I do have a new question having just had lunch with someone who had building control issues when it came to selling their property. Is it true that Private building control signoff/regulation can be overuled by that of...

No worries. Yes, I'm going to try and locate a local private BCO this weekend, as we are only in the initial design stages at the moment (although hoping to have works completed in next couple of months). Hopefully I can manage to find someone who takes a more "relaxed" view

Apologies if my posts are confusing – was trying to reply to all the questions/suggestions that were posted.

Yes, I’m anticipating the total cost of our works to be under £30k. £5k would add another 17% to the cost!

Your earlier post states that the place of escape can be an enclosed garden as long as the garden is as deep as the height of the dwelling. My garden isn’t even as deep as our two floors, let alone all four stories.

I am clearly naïve as I must admit I got a shock at the cost of even applying and obtaining building control signoff. I need to lie down at the thought of adding another £5k on top! [Gulp]

Correct - our flat is located on the ground and first floor. However the warehouse itself is four stories high.

Well that completely rules out our windows as a means of escape even if the dimensions work. The window (and the patio door which is in one of the bedrooms) open onto walled garden approximately 19ft by 10ft, with walls which are around 6ft high. Our building is four stories high ……