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How does that upgrade the fire resistance of the new floor and the stair enclosure to 30mins standard!?

Assuming the loft conversion is creating one floor over 4.5m above ground level then I understand the current requirement is to provide a full 30min fire resistance to the new floor, rather than a modified 30mins, together with a 30min fire resistant stair enclosure and fire doors. I'd say...

Eh!? :lol:

If the lofts either side haven't already been converted, or if the party walls have a cavity which isn't fully sealed, then they're effectively external and the party walls need thermal insulation. If its a habitable space each side then I'd be more worried about sound insulation depending on...

Hi, just my 2p worth :) 1. Any additional loading on ground floor beam would need to be justified by calculation, i.e. engineer. They're not all robbers though, shop around. 2. Yes, generally ok. 3. This will probably need to be designed/justified by an engineer, a double joist may not...

God help the BCO that gets this job

If new floor joists were added when the loft was converted then these may well have been set above the height of the existing ceiling so as not to disturb it, which could explain the 1" gap. Presumably the ground floor ceiling is supported off something, my guess is the original ceiling joists...

The works may constitute a material alteration under the building regs and the steps should be no less compliant with Part M than previously. I personally would say that a black step on grey steps is not acceptable, others will no doubt disagree, but the colouring is not consistent throughout...

I'd say it's a 'very good idea' to have fire resistance to guard against that very specific occurrence.

The more you can squeeze in the better, so 150mm thick roll into a 100mm gap is fine if it will go. Compacting mineral wool reduces thermal efficiency but improves sound insulation due to increased density. The additional weight compared to the timber studs and boarding is negligible.

It's a good idea for any structural beam to have fire resistance for property protection, however it's generally only required when it supports a floor to allow time for occupants on that floor to escape.

If the beam isn't supporting a floor then it's unlikely to need fire protection. Leave enough room around the spotlights to allow for heat build up to the light and any transformer, e.g. a good 100-150mm clearance to the sides and above should be sufficient.

If the cooker draws 30-60 litres/sec of combustion air!? However, fitting an extract fan in that situation should be done with care as it could interfere with the combustion air supply to the cooker.

If the council didn't build it, they aren't responsible. I'd say the developer should be your first enquiry, closely followed by your solicitor. The council almost definately let you see the plans though, as an owner, although I doubt it's built to plan or detailed properly if the sound...

The first thing to do is to notify building control that you've finished work, and arrange a final inspection. It probably won't matter about the door relocation as long as the fire door is up to spec. I'd wait for them to raise it as an issue.

I'd definately ensure continuity of the insulation by filling in the gap between the flat roof and the rafter insulation, there is a potential cold spot there. Cold air infiltrating between the flat roof joists could cause condensation imo.

Heya Rusti The requirement is simply for adequate ventilation, the Approved Document is only one recognised way of achieving that aim so there should be room for negotiation with the BCO whether they like it or not. I understand that by following the letter of Approved Document F, in the...

I have no idea how you came to that conclusion from appendix B of that document, it refers only to purge ventilation not mechanical extraction :shock: A newly built kitchen requires an extract fan regardless of opening windows if Approved Document F is followed. A relocated kitchen should...

As I understand it the ventilation in the new kitchen should be no less compliant than in the old kitchen - i.e. the building is no less compliant after the works - as defined in Regulation 4(3) (2010 regs) http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/2214/regulation/4/made If no 'building...

I would. Although it sounds like no significant structural alteration is required the installation of a new window is controllable works. Building Notice would be fine.