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I need to re-roof/slate my 'typical' town-terrace property + upgrade its insulation. As a 'hands-on' tradesmam/handyman my work included small roof + gutter repair issues etc; So whilst aware + competant of some of the work & its detailing to meet regs, I need an amount more knowledge to accomplish everything this entails. I plan to be hands-on, assisted by say a roofer/tradesman (retired?) able to work up to the high standard I desire. I think, to obtain the guidance needed I'd best seek some practically orientated on-site advice/consultation, perhaps from a local roofer (retired?) or architect. . . . Can anyone suggest the precise profession/type of person to ask. I DON'T want to be just fed theory - I want practical tips & a site visit or 2. I'm north of Leicester. Info about current roof etc:- Roof renewed in the 70's in cement tile in an all-round poor quality job, now needs doing sympathetically. My finances are limited - I'd input some tools, be hands-on + my limited knowledge; further motivated to keep job in-house as scared of being 'hoodwinked' by a deceitful professional. A bonding gutter will be required where my roof joins neighbour, see left on photo 1. Is a cold roof - but to up-grade its thermal element I'd ideally now add insulation above rafters to the existing between rafters, thus course raising roof height by say 50mm too, but possibly unrealistic! . . as need to integrate with neighbours roof. Adding more insulation within existing attic room impractical as seriously impinges on current limited height/width. Thanks any suggestions.

Hi all, I'm building a parapet/flat roof 2 storey house, with woodburner stove served by flue exiting through wall on ground floor. I cannot figure out how much higher than my (aluminium) parapet capping I need to take the flue. I just can't relate the regs to this configuration (no windows, ridges, neighbouring walls etc). Any help appreciated.

As promised, here are my completed (I hope) drawings for building control, which I've just submitted to the local council. I'll post back on here with what they come back with, any changes required, and also any restrictions imposed. I know some were asking what was required for BC plans, so hopefully this will give a good guide for a masonry cavity wall build. Side Extension Drawing BC.pdf

Hi everyone My partner and I are in the process of renovating a bungalow, we're flipping front to back and extending the back (bedrooms we're on back and living area on the front). We have completed the front of the house removing chimney breast and putting in new ensuite with the building regs required for this. We're now planning the extension and to save costs I've drawn the drawings myself and will do the planning submission myself. I'm currently considering the building regs side of things. The extension is pretty simple; 5m rectangle on the back of the bungalow bringing out the exisiting roof pitch over it. One of my worries is that the bungalow is adjacent to the neighbours garage (see attached rough photos) - its an odd setup I know! Do you think that I will need to underpin the garage to complete the foundations for the extension? I'm drawing up the party wall agreement at the moment and building regs drawings. Thanks so much in advance. Alex

Hello, Does anyone know if you can have a door (that swings into the room) at the top of a set of stairs without the 400mm? I've attached a drawing Thanks

Hi all, Im am interested in building one of those timber frame homes on some land that apparently do not need planning permission as they fall under caravan regulations due to them being considered non permanent structures. I was just wondering if anyone knows the situation with hooking up to services with one of these builds i.e. would hooking up to mains water, sewerage, main electric/gas etc. class this type of build a permanent structure, and so require all the usual stuff re planning applications? I dont know for sure, but would've thought for something like this to be covered under caravan regs alone it would have to function similar to a caravan, with regards to water and gas (bottles) anyway. My next question was going to be regarding 'cost'... If anyone knows about this stuff and can shed some light, it'd be a appreciated. Thanks Rob

Looking for recommendation for Architectural Technician, preferably in the Mourne area, or anywhere in N Ireland I need Building Control and Build drawings for a 4 bed, 2 storey home on a superb brown field site. TIA

Hi guys - I am looking for a CAD technician, with full knowldge of the Building Regulations, to convert my layout sketch to a set of Building COntrol and Build drawings - any recommendations? I am not looking for the full architectural service, but person must be able to take the lead in the area of compliance/regulation. TIA, James

Building regs compliance question Hello, looking for advice on whether I need to comply with 'proposed' and 'advisory' flood mitigation treatments in building a one storey side extension please. We applied to extend out to the side for a kitchen/diner. The house has been extended in the past 25 years with no planning conditions. The planning dept wrote to my architect and said 'i note that the property is in an area at risk from surface flooding. Can you provide floor levels and any proposed mitigation' My architect sent (without consultation) a response listing a number of 'advisory' actions. These included; Using limestone plaster - that's ok Sockets above 45cm - that's ok No concrete screed above insulation - this one isn't ok because we told him we wanted underfloor heating, and we have a concrete floor. Kitchen units to be wooden rather than particle / mdf - again not ok because this would add considerable cost. There are others but you get the gist. Planning permission was granted and there's no mention of any conditions relating to these proposals. The question is - do i need to comply with all of these or can I ignore them since they're just proposals? Any advice appreciated before I start talking to builders. Thanks

Hello We have just completed our extension where we have moved our existing kitchen into the extended part of the house. The original plan was to make our existing galley kitchen into 2 small rooms, utility and shower room (shower, toilet and sink). We have decided to not have the shower so considered keeping the room as 1 and having the utility and toilet/sink altogether. As this room will be directly attached to the kitchen (although toilet on the opposite side of the 4m long room) would this satisfy BR? It's not ideal but also dont want the expense and feeling as though we have 2 tiny rooms if we don't need to. Thanks in advance for any advise.

Our site has no mains drainage and the existing bungalow has an old septic tank that will need to be dug out and removed. Are there any particular requirements around this? I have no idea how old it is or of what construction, other than it's possibly in the region of 40 years old and has no electrics or pumps involved.