Do I need a spy hole on my front door if I have ring door bell?

[Berkshire_selfbuild]

Hi All,

 

My front door on my new self build will be solid with glass side panel on either side which will be obscured. I’ve been told by window surveyor that I have to have a spy hole unless I have clear glass. I raised the question with them if a ring door bell can mitigate the need for a spy hole however they are not sure. Can anyone provide any clarification? Thanks 😎

[BotusBuild]

Not sure of the answer to your Q, but could an alternative be to have a clear edge around the frosted side panel for looking out through?

[Berkshire_selfbuild]

Just now, BotusBuild said:

Not sure of the answer to your Q, but could an alternative be to have a clear edge around the frosted side panel for looking out through?

Yes that is an option, however if I can do without that and have a ring door bell instead that would be my preference.

[Russell griffiths]

What a load of bollox

fit what you want, if bc questions it just point to the ring doorbell, if they get arsy then drill an aftermarket one in. 
 

but I would push back against this. 
are you in Beirut or somewhere. 

[Berkshire_selfbuild]

29 minutes ago, Russell griffiths said:

What a load of bollox

fit what you want, if bc questions it just point to the ring doorbell, if they get arsy then drill an aftermarket one in. 
 

but I would push back against this. 
are you in Beirut or somewhere. 

Thanks! Ha, I’m in Wokingham, Berkshire. As you say, surely this is such a minor element that maybe I should just do what I want and worst case drill a hole.

[BotusBuild]

Fit plain glass in the side panel to start with and retrofit a frosted stick on layer once BC has ticked their box? 🙂

[Nick Laslett]

Wow, it is always a surprise to find another building reg, that you haven't observed. My inspector didn’t seem to care about front door spy hole, nor the security chain. 
 

Is this actually a building reg? My door supplier never mentioned it. The answer is YES. 
 

It gets worse, apparently the DDA Compliance (Disabled Discrimination Act) dictates the height of the spy hole. Sometimes you will need to fit two to comply, eek!

 

Here is the passage from Approved document Q:

 

 

@Berkshire_selfbuild, you will be alright with a Ring doorbell.  
 

 

Edited Sunday at 14:52 by Nick Laslett

[saveasteading]

I didn't know this. 

But, as often in bregs, note  " should" , "or other" etc.

 

"Alternative caller identification measures" might include a letter box to shout through.

 

Tell bco you are fitting a Ring and get his aok.

And doubt your window surveyor, whatever one of them is...should be expert and clearly isn't expert or on your side.

[Sparrowhawk]

window surveyor = posh company's triple glazing salesman?

[JohnMo]

Doesn't the Note (as posted by @Nick Laslett ) cover what you asked.

 

Your door bell is an audio visual entry system. I really wouldn't ask anyone anything, just say no to your salesman and move to the next topic.

[Adsibob]

Just tell the window surveyor that you have super powers enabling you to see through the door.

[Iceverge]

On 15/06/2025 at 15:45, Nick Laslett said:

gets worse, apparently the DDA Compliance (Disabled Discrimination Act) dictates the height of the spy hole. Sometimes you will need to fit two to comply, eek!

 

 

Ah, that's what those are for. 

 

I had assumed it was @Pocster for "crotch observation".