Full Plans or Building Notice application

[mjc55]

I have been considering whether to go for a building notice application rather than full plans and thought I would take a straw poll on here.

 

So how many of you didn't bother with a full plans application and how many a building notice?

 

Who went for one and wished they had gone for the other?

 

 

[joe90]

I always went full plans as I wanted to know from day one the structure was approved. Never make assumptions.

[Redbeard]

I imagine yours is a new-build (yes?), which is a Big Thing. In that circumstance, unless I'd done it many times before, I would go Full Plans. Get them agreed at the outset and then all you need to worry about is the 'execution' on site (BTW I bet that's not all you have to worry about in a new-build, unless you are doing it all yourself!).

 

For smaller works such as extensions and insulation measures I always used Bldg Notice. If you are entirely confident of every detail, and confident that your BCO will agree with your confidence (*not* a 'given') then Bldg Notice is OK, but for a whole NB I would do full plans. I never had any knock-backs using Bldg Notice for smaller stuff.

[DevilDamo]

It depends upon the proposals.

[saveasteading]

1 hour ago, joe90 said:

Never make assumptions.

This discussion also took place a few days ago.

My summary was:

If you know exactly what you are doing, the building is conventional, and you accept risk.   Building Notice, and you can start more quickly.

 

Otherwise, Full Plans.

[Gone West]

We did full plans. When the BCO queried something I had done on the build he looked back at the plans and said well it has been accepted so it's OK. No arguement.

[joe90]

28 minutes ago, Gone West said:

We did full plans. When the BCO queried something I had done on the build he looked back at the plans and said well it has been accepted so it's OK. No arguement.

I had one BCO try to get me to change an RSJ after I fitted it, I had full plans, I told him my SE was more qualified than him and I would be contacting his boss if he did not pass it, it stayed and I am not on his Christmas card list now 🤣.