I'm building an extension. I've had the building inspector out to inspect trenches, concrete, foundations, DPC. He said he should be called in next to inspect the roof timbers, then pre-plaster and then the final inspection. Looking through the paperwork though (and on the net) there is no need to call them for roof timbers and pre-plaster. From what I read, once the slab is down, the only inspection left is the final one. Am I right?
I'm no expert in this field, but I would have thought that they can inspect whatever they like. Presumably he'd like to check your cavity (and window frame expanding foam) insulation or something.
Christian.
Go along with him, Building Inspectors are good friends and bad enemies!
Andrew Mawson
The inspector can inspect what he wants at any time during the development. What you are reading is probably related to the mandatory inspections which will always be checked. I'm not sure if this varies between authorities, but this is a list of the mandatory inspections for my local council (Chorley BC).
a) Commencement of work b) Excavation of foundations before concreting c) Foundations when constructed d) Damp Proof Course when laid e) Site concrete or floor slab (before being laid) f) Drains (before backfilling) g) Drains (after backfilling) h) Prior to occupation i) Completion of work
If the BCO chooses to do additional inspections, e.g. because he is concerned about something, then he can.
On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 22:03:16 +0100, a particular chimpanzee named "PJ" randomly hit the keyboard and produced:
Under the regulations, you have to notify Building Control at various stages. You are correct in that there is no statutory notification required between the dpc and occupation or completion.
However, I always suggest that the person carrying out the work notify Building Control before covering major structural elements (such as the roof or floor joists). If things are wrong at this stage, it's a hell of a lot easier to rectify then than after everything is plastered and decorated. If you're using a Building Notice then it's doubly important to check that what you're doing complies before you proceed too far. Your Building Regs fees cover all inspections, so it won't cost you extra to have him call out.
I was visiting a friend this weekend who is having an extension built. The extention has just had the roof structure put on and is part way through being tiled. Another friend who had arrived before me had pointed out the top of the wall was bowing out -- this is the wall which has the wall plate sitting on it and the roof on top of that. By the time I arrived, it was too dark to see this. The roof structure was made on site, not using prefabricated pieces. (I think this was both because difficulty in getting them to site -- way back from road with limited access, and also because the design makes the loft a habitable space with full size floor joists.) However, my immediate comment was that the loft floor joists under the rafters were going the wrong way, i.e. at right angles to the rafters. In my limited knowledge of roof structures, the loft floor joists are tied to the rafter ends and stop the roof doing the splits, so the joists are in tension. What seemed to have been done in this case is that the third floor joist in on each side was doubled up, and a short piece of timber from about every 3rd rafter run back and bolted to this. These timbers did not continue across to join their counterparts on the other side. IIRC, this doubled up floor joist also had a couple of vertical purlin supports on it.
I've never seen a roof construction like this before. Is it normal? We dug out the architects plans, and it seemed to match. None of us could see why the architect had specified the loft floor joists to go at right angles to the rafters though.
Why don't you start your own thread?!
I must have left my brain in the jar on the bedside table on Monday...
Sir
My local guy is really good. My project is a DIY job. He has worked out that I am not trying to scripm or scrape, and am trying to do a good job. He indicates things that can be better, and helps solve problems. I like to have a chat with him about the next bit of work, it helps get it right.
To me, the more often he comes out the better.
Rick
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