digesting building regulations

[garyo]

I'm about to fit a new kitchen, and want to make sure I don't fall foul of any regs. How should I go about figuring out what's relevant and what's not?

I've been browsing through the govt website, and will read it all if I have to, but there's an awful lot of detail, and nearly every section *might* have something relating to kitchens:

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/en/1115314110382.html

or are there books out there (not asking for a recommendation) that summarise things for general DIY purposes?

Cheers

Gary

 

[Static]

It depends what you are doing..
Are you knocking down structural walls or putting in new windows/doors? Are you adding any complex electrics? Are you playing with the gas supply? Mostly a new fitted kitchen wont need building regs unless you are completely rewiring, doing gas works or knocking holes in the walls.

 

[garyo]

there's nothing structural going on- just moving a non load-bearing stud wall with a socket in it (already done). I'm going to replace some single sockets with doubles, rearrange the room generally.

My question stems from seeing someone on here discussing where they could put a gas hob with regard to other overhead cabinets... I was just going to use my common sense, but if there are regs covering then what worries me are all the other regs that I don't know I'm not complying with, if you see what I mean!

Cheers

Gary

 

[JohnD]

The most common thing is rewiring, which in a kitchen or bathroom is subject to building regs; as is a new consumer unit or a whole new circuit. Your local council should jave a leaflet or website and most likely charges beteen £50 amd £150 for plans and inspection. You are supposed to tell them before you start. If you go this route it's worth doing a new cooker circuit, lighting, anfd a ring or radial for the kitchen sockets and spurs while you're about it - get it all done in one go.

If you are moving the drains about, or structural walls, or windows, that too, but I don't know about those aspects.

the Building Control people are usually very helpful if you approach them early.