EWI and building control

[nebjamin]

Hi,

I am very close to having my house insulated externally. Have secured approx £8k ECO funding to have 60mm phenolic + silicone render to bring U value from 2.2 to 0.3.

The system will be either wetherby or alumasc and installation performed by approved contractor.

My question is whether I need to involve building control to sign off the work. Doing so looks like it will add approx £1k to the cost I have to pay (approx £13.5k).

Thanks,
Ben

 

[Architexeter]

I should think the answer is yes.

The guys installing it should know.

Speak to building control.

If money is tight, if you are happy with the competence of the installers and the approved product then you could apply retrospectively for BR approval. If so keep all documents and take loads of photos. NB This put the responsibility on you to potentially retrospectively rectify any issues that B.Control are not happy with.

Are you planning on selling the house any time soon, as a solicitor would want the approval?

Hope that helps.

 

[nebjamin]

Thanks for the answer!

I did a bit more reading and I agree with what you're saying. The fine print of the installation contract basically says the customer is responsible for all planning and BC stuff.

Some councils seem to have special rates for EWI - unfortunately not in Croydon. For a job costing 13.5K the charge is 816.00 inc VAT. Some motivation to go green and cut CO2 that is! Pah!

Anyway, money is not so tight that I want to take any risks so will get them involved beforehand.

Cheers,
Ben

 

[jeds]

You definitely need building regulations. The vast majority (if not all) approved contractors will be a member of a 'competent persons scheme' which allows them to self certify. Check that the one you use is such a firm and that they will take care of the application and registration.

 

[nebjamin]

The one I am using (one of the big insulators but not an energy company) is not a member of an approved scheme for EWI.