There are two ways of securing the mandatory building regulation obligations in carrying out structural alterations to an existing residential or commercial building. One is by a Building Notice, and the other is to obtain Full Plans Building Regulation Approval. Building Control carry out the same inspection regime and charge the same fee for both methods. Under a Building Notice, the Building Control Authority is given notice of the intention to build and it is the responsibility of the applicant and his appointed contractor to build to current regulations and provide structural calculations and construction details to support the structural alterations. Under a Full Plans Application, Building Control are provided with plans and design details for the works, from which they provide approval. The contractor is then obligated to build to the approved plans. We would always recommend securing Full Plans Approval, the risk of inferior build standards is significantly reduced. It also means all contractors giving costs are working to the same details.
For a straight forward structural alteration, Building Control charge something in the region of £200 to £300 (depending on authority) for either application method, and includes an inspection of the works before the structural components are covered up. All being well, Building Control provide a Completion Certificate, which is an important document that verifies the structural alteration works conform with the current Building Regulations.
The work carried out by us is to, initially survey the building, assess the structural requirements and then produce structural details and supporting calculations. The plans and details will secure full plans building control approval, allow you to secure competitive costs and facilitate the build. We will, if required, make the online Building Regulation Application on your behalf.
We charge £300 to £420 for a single opening, depending on location, and slightly more if the requirements are for additional opening supports. Given existing and proposed floor plans we can provide costs for more complex alterations.