Central Heating and Building Regs

[fastJedi]

I am builing an extension on our Bungalow. Building Regs were applied for and granted well over a year ago and work commenced in March this year. I am just at the stage were I am reinstalling the central heating. I am relocating the existing Heatslave 15/19 oil combi boiler in the extension and adding two radiators.

On the last inspection I asked what he wanted to see on the final inspection. He said "mainly paperwork for the electrical installation and the boiler commissioning". I asked if he would expect to see a 2 port valve between living and sleeping areas .... he said he wouldn't, so long as he could see TRV's and / or a room stat.

I'm still a little confused / nervous. For some aspects of the build, for example the floor insulation, I got away with a little less insulation because it was signed off to an earlier spec. Logically, this earlier spec principle should apply to the heating too?
- I think the requirement to separate the living / sleeping areas come in Apr 06?
- I guess he could get me for not having a bunded oil tank too? (I won't be happy if I have to swap my 6 year old plastic tank)
- What paperwork should I ask for? Is it just the boiler commissioning or do I need something that covers the whole system?

It's all a bit annoying. I installed the original system about 6 years ago. It ran completely error free for 6 years and is twice as neat as most professionals on the basis taht time isn't money to me. Now im not allowed to connect my own oil pipe, what's that all about?

 

[EliteHeat]

dunno

 

[Agile]

The energy efficiency aspects of controls came in in April 2004 if I remember correctly.

Its all a little vague about what is needed in a case like yours because its not new build.

I would suggest you do what he suggests and fit TRVs. They will pay for themselves within a year if set correctly.

I dont understand why your motive seems to be to "get away" with as much as you can. Its your home and you should want the best and most energy efficiency system as possible.

Tony

 

[bster]

if you are onabout zoning (seperatley controlled heating areas) then this only applies to properties exceeding 150sqM.

TRV's AND roomstat, not TRV's OR roomstat.

 

[fastJedi]

Perhaps I shouldn't have used the term "get away with" ....... It isn't my intention to do a cheap build. The central heating already has TRV's (except the bathroom) and a room stat in the hall..... but I haven't provisioned wiring for a 2 port valve or budgeted to replace the oil tank.

Sounds like I am safe with the 2 port valve (135 sqM)

I think I will "get away with" the oil tank as it isn't a new build

And i'm going the assume I only need paperwork for the boiler commissioning like the Building control man said!

 

[oilman]

There is a proviso in the building regs which allows for changes not being made where it is impractical or unreasonalble to do so. So BC inspector won't worry, and they can approve non-compliant systems if they need to anyway.

For the oil tank, even oftec people don't have to make changes if the work being carried out doesn't make it any worse than it is.

 

[Agile]

There is a proviso in the building regs which allows for changes not being made where it is impractical or unreasonalble to do so. So BC inspector won't worry, and they can approve non-compliant systems if they need to anyway.

Yes but its the BC who make that decision! It may not be the same as yours!

Tony

 

[oilman]

There is a proviso in the building regs which allows for changes not being made where it is impractical or unreasonalble to do so. So BC inspector won't worry, and they can approve non-compliant systems if they need to anyway.

Yes but its the BC who make that decision! It may not be the same as yours!

Tony

They've said what they want

On the last inspection I asked what he wanted to see on the final inspection. He said "mainly paperwork for the electrical installation and the boiler commissioning". I asked if he would expect to see a 2 port valve between living and sleeping areas .... he said he wouldn't, so long as he could see TRV's and / or a room stat.

 

[meldrew's_mate]

Why not download and read Doc L1 for yourself (conservation of heat and power), it's free from the office of the (soon to be ex) Deputy PM? OK, it won't be the 2005 edition, but if you read the latest version you will get a taste of what is required, and can be better informed when talking to (NOT arguing with!!) the BC officer.

Doc F is a good read too if you're an insomniac.

 

[Agile]

Thats heavy going and would be ripe for mis-interpretation.

The important thing to know is what should be provided and then what the BC will accept.

It always annoys me when I advise somebody who needs a new boiler that they need TRVs and a new cylinder only to find that some cowboy changes just the boiler because they are East European. Knowing all the regulations is usually counterproductive!

Tony