Building Control and Insulation

On Friday 15 November 2013 13:36 thescullster wrote in uk.d-i-y:

Existing structure? I would not think so - you are not required generally to bring existing structures upto current new build standards.

If it was an extension then that could be different.

May depend on if its still Mr B in the frame!

Thanks Tim and John

I downloaded the on-line Part L1B document - I think this is the relevant reference material.

Yes I think I might be in the clear. The kitchen is an existing single storey extension which had doors/windows relocated and an internal wall removed. Oh and the infamous rewire!! Although a steel beam was introduced to support the ceiling joists, there was no real change to the roof structure thermally. So I can probably argue the ceiling/insulation are non-upgraded "retained thermal elements".

A rear extension was also remodelled at the same time, but this did have a re-roof and the loft insulation is therefore up to spec.

No, John, Mr B has finally (today) declared the kitchen electrics complete and passed the reigns back to the main building control guys telling them to arrange a final inspection.

Phil

On 15/11/2013 15:00, Tim Watts wrote: l

Isn't insulation one of those things that if you bring more than a certain amount up to standard you must do it all?

Sort of... There is a requirement that if you change more than a certain proportion of a thermal element (normally 25%), you are supposed to bring it all up to modern standards. So if you change the level of insulation in half the loft, you should do all of it - but the scope is limited only to the thing you are working on IIUC, so changing loft insulation would not trigger requirements to change windows or walls etc.

There is some guidance here:

On Friday 15 November 2013 16:54 Andrew May wrote in uk.d-i-y:

Not in reality - at least not with a sane BCO...

I am however not sure if you might not be right technically which means insane BCOs might be bothersome...