The advantages
Sometimes it is not possible for you to provide all the required
information. If this is the case we can issue a conditional
approval. The necessary details can then be supplied at a later
stage, before that element of work is started. Once the plan has
been approved, we then carry out inspections at regular intervals
during construction.
The builder has the benefit of working in accordance with an
approved plan and, hopefully, there will be few surprises. This
form of application therefore gives a degree of reassurance to both
the applicant and the builder, as most details are agreed at an
early stage. However, it is important to remember that during
construction there are, on occasions, problems which may not be
evident at the design stage.
The fee for the application is generally paid in two
instalments. Normally you will need to pay 25% of the fee when the
application is submitted and the remainder will be invoiced to you
when the work starts. Careful consideration should be given to who
will be responsible for the final payment and this should be
verified on the initial application form.
When we are satisfied that the work complies with the Building
Regulations, as far as can be reasonably ascertained, a completion
certificate will be issued. This document is very important as it
will provide evidence that the work has been undertaken to an
acceptable standard. It will help satisfy the requirements of
financial institutions, mortgage companies and solicitors acting
for future purchasers.
The disadvantages
You need to have a set of detailed plans prepared to include all
the information necessary to carry out the work - from the depth of
the foundations to the height of the chimney. Although some
applicants do prepare their own plans, most will need to employ the
services of a designer, and this can be expensive.
Once the plans have been submitted it takes between 3-6 weeks
for us to carry out the required checks and notify you or your
agent as to whether or not they are satisfactory.If additional
information is required or the plans need to be amended, then there
can be a further delay while we wait for the details to be
provided. Because of the detailed nature of this approach it may
take between 4-8 weeks for you to receive a formal decision.
Most building work represents a considerable financial
investment, as such it is advisable that both you and your builder
are familiar with the Building Regulation requirements in order to
avoid any unnecessary expense.