Frequently Asked Questions
New Builds and extensions
How do I find out what the ground conditions are?
The following link may help you determine the type of ground conditions in your area. However, please note, these are only a guide and until the footing have been dug the exact ground conditions are unknown. In areas of known poor ground, a trial hole/soil investigation may be required during the plan vetting stage and prior to commencement.
I’m looking to build a new extension. I would like some technical advice on what I need to do?
Read our Easy Guide Download
I need some advice on if I can submit a Building Notice for my work?
A building notice is intended for simple domestic building work and assumes that the applicant/builder is fully conversant with the requirements of the Building Regulations for the proposed project.
A Building Notice cannot be used where
- the building is subject to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO)
- where it is built over or within 3m of a sewer
- where the building opens onto a private street
When a Building Notice is used, the form must be accompanied by the appropriate Building Notice fee, block plan and a location plan if the work involves a new building or extension.
What can I do if the glazing in my extension exceeds to allowed 25%?
The glazing of any windows, doors and roof lights to an extension should be limited to 25% of the extension floor area (plus and doors/windows being built over)
The 25% rule is set by the government and is aimed at reducing global warming.
You can exceed the 25% rule if you demonstrate the increased glazed area does not increase the energy loss above that of a 25% or less glazed building (notional compliant extension). This can be achieved through compensatory measures such as increasing the insulation elsewhere in your home or even upgrading your boiler to a newer / more efficient model.
There are two ways to do this.
- Employ the services of an energy assessor to provide a whole dwelling calculation (SAP), this may give you greater flexibility.
- Providing an area weighted U Value calculation.
How much and what insulation do I need for my extension?
The amount of insulation is dependent upon the particular element (ie roof, wall, floor) and the u-value required.
Click on the LABC u-value guide download which gives you more information Download
What size timbers do I need for my rafters or joists?
The size of rafters or joists will depend on several factors including the span and spacing of the timbers. The following is a guide for the most common sizes.
COMMON TIMBER SIZES FOR A GIVEN SPAN
| Joist Span(m) | Floor Joist(mm) | Ceiling Joist (mm) | Pitch Rafters 22.5o – 30o (mm) | Flat Roof (max 10o pitch) (mm) |
| 2 | 47×120 @ 600c/c | 38×120 @ 400c/c | 38×125 @ 600c/c | 38×120 @ 400c/c |
| 2.5 | 47×145 @ 600c/c | 38×145 @ 400c/c | 38×150 @ 600c/c | 38×145 @ 400cc |
| 3 | 47×170 @ 400c/c | 47×170 @ 600c/c | 47×150 @ 400c/c | 47×170 @ 600c/c |
| 3.5 | 47×195 @ 400c/c | 47×170 @ 400c/c | 47×195 @ 600c/c | 47×195 @ 600c/c |
| 4 | 47×220 @ 400c/c | 47×195 @ 400c/c | Purlin needed | 47×195 @ 400c/c |
| 4.5 | 75×195 @ 400c/c | Binder Needed | Purlin needed | 47×220 @ 400c/c |
| 5 | 75×220 @ 400c/c | Binder Needed | Purlin needed | 75×220 @ 400c/c |
If timber sizes to be used or the pitch of the roof differs to that indicated then further professional advice should be sort.
How do I calculate the size of a soakaway required for my extension?
There are generally two types of soakaway, either a crate system or rubble filled. Below is information on how to calculate the size required for each.
A) CRATE SYSTEM
Where ground has good soakage (such as sand/gravel) then the size/volume of a crate type soakaway can be calculated as follows:
Volume = Roof area being drained x (50mm rainfall rate per hr/3000).
For example, a 50m2 roof area would require a crate soakaway of
50m2x(50/3000) = 0.84m3
B ) RUBBLE FILLED
These soakaways are normally filled with clean brick/block/concrete pieces no larger than 150mm. It can be assumed that the voids left between the rubble equates to about 30%.
To calculate the size/volume of a rubble filled soakaway, the same calculation can be used but the result divided by 0.3.
For example, 50m2 roof area requires a rubble filled soakaway of (50m2x(50/3000))/0.3 = 2.8m3
POSITIONS
All soakaways must be sited at least 5m from any building or road and preferably at least 2.5m from any boundary.
For larger areas to be drained or where ground soakage is not good, a soakage test and more detailed calculations should be carried out and further guidance can be found in Approved Document H and BRE Digest 365
Do I need permission to build a garage extension onto my home?
Yes you do require permission to build a garage onto your home however a carport extension, open on at least two sides and less than 30m2 in floor area, is exempt. You should ensure a carport does not interfere with the proper working of a low-level flue outlet from an oil or gas appliance.
Do I need permission to build a house, bungalow, maisonettes or block of flats) or any other type of new building?
Yes. As a new building all the relevant requirements in the regulations will apply in full.