| Planning Permission
- Most conversions will
not require planning consent – particularly
those with roof windows to the rear only.
- Planning permission will always
be required
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if there is a change of use to the building
o if the building is in a conservation area,
is a listed or protected structure or is in
an area of outstanding natural beauty
>
if there is any alteration made to the existing
roof line, i.e. dormer windows to any side of
the roof, raising of roofs, Velux Windows to
front or side of house, creation of Mini-Hips,
Gables or reduction of full hipped roofs.
- Applications should be made
to the Local Authority and a decision must be
given by them in eight weeks. Sometimes ‘Additional
Information’ is sought and a further eight
weeks from receipt of the necessary information
is then allowed for the Local Authority decision.
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Building Control
- All building work must conform to
the relevant Building Regulations.
- Responsibility for compliance
with Building Regulations rests with the property
owner. It is essential therefore that works are inspected
during the course of the job by a relevant professional
who can give the necessary ‘Opinion on Compliance’
on completion. Inspections at the end are rarely of
value as no account can be taken of work covered up
or inaccessible.
| Health
and Safety
Legislation governing the construction
process is the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work
(Construction) Regulations, 2001, made under the
Building Control Act of 1990. The Health and Safety
Authority (HSA) enforces the legislation. |
The householder has no statutory
duties under these regulations as a client where
the work is
- To build or extend your private dwelling for
family use.
Other statutory duties affecting designers, contractors,
employers and employees apply to all projects
irrespective of the purpose of the project.
The relevance of the latter is that if any party
does not perform their statutory duties then other
liabilities may arise. |
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Insurances
Contractors insurances should be checked to ensure they:
- cover the period of the job
- include employers liability
- include public liability
- have appropriate levels of cover
- Owners should notify their, insures
of their plans to have work done.
Any independent professional
such as architects, engineers, surveyors, draughtsmen
engaged should have correct cover and appropriate levels
of professional indemnity insurance.
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