Badly Thought Out Window Rules Look Set to be Scrapped

The poorly thought out Conservative Government Health and Safety Rules regarding shrinking the size of windows in new developments look set to be scrapped.

Michael Gove’s plans to make upstairs windows at least 1.1 metres from the floor are leading to new developments having smaller windows with dark and gloomy interiors.

It was feared that global warming would lead to more windows being opened for longer that led to the regulations being introduced. However a review is due to be published shortly and industry hope is that this strange rule will be axed.

Some critics have said new homes that have been built adhering to the new rules, have upper storey windows that appear squashed in appearance.

 

Options to get around the regulations cost money and lower budget properties will suffer as developers are not prepared to invest more money.

Rico Wojtulewicz, spokesperson for the National Federation of Housebuilders said the regulations are “making it difficult …. to deliver unique and beautiful homes.”

Also there is confusion with Local Authorities and Building Control who fail to understand the new regulations.

The Housing Department will publish their report later this year, hopefully providing a better result for the development sector.

References

• Gove
• Wojtulewicz
• Planing Portal – Doors -Windows, Here

Granite Building Warranties are specialist independent brokers of building warranties for the construction industry and for a quote or further information please contact Ed or Kelly on Tel: 01284 365345 or email ed@granitebw.co.uk / kelly@granitebw.co.uk

STARTING YOUR SELF BUILD

So you now have your planning permission for your self-build – great news! Before you get started, there are still several critical stages to complete before you give the builders the go-ahead. Read on to ensure a smooth running project and that your property is covered in its entirety.

Planning Conditions:

• Discharging Planning Conditions will require another application to the planning department and can take up to 12 weeks to discharge.

Finding the Right Contractor:

• Check references on their financial standing
• Visit current and previous projects
• Word of mouth referral is a good start
• Do not make large upfront payments

Building Regulation Drawings:

• You will need your architect to prepare drawings for building regulation submission and submit them to the local authority for approval.

Project Managing the Build:

• A project manager handles the planning conditions, building regulations and ensures the work is completed on budget, on time and that all planning permissions, site insurances and warranties are in place.
• If you take on this role yourself it can be very time-consuming and could cost you a lot more time and money.
• A Chartered Surveyor can manage the project for you and will avoid mistakes and overspending.

Building Warranty:

• You will need to put a 10-year structural warranty/latent defects insurance in place at the beginning of the construction process.
• Granite Building Warranties will provide a number of options for both self-builders or developers and provide a very professional service. These are the self build warranty and the commercial building warranty.

Building Control:

• Building regulations are minimum standards for design, construction and alterations and apply to every building project.
• You will need to engage the services of Building Control. This can be the local authority or an approved inspector and they will need to inspect at the key stages, which are: Foundations, DPC, Roof plate, Roof on, First & Second fix and Completion.
• Completions certificates are issued upon completion of the build and no sale can take place until they are issued.

Site Insurance:

• Site insurance is essential for all developments and can be arranged in conjunction with the warranty. Site insurance will cover you against theft of tools/plant, damage/fire to the building and third-party liability.

The Way Forward:

Granite Building Warranties Ltd can assist you with all insurance requirements for your build and will take the worry and hassle out of the project.

For further information please contact Ed, Kelly & Rob on Tel: 01284 365345 or email ed@granitebw.co.uk / kelly@granitebw.co.uk/ rob@granitebw.co.uk

WHAT IS CIL? HOW DOES CIL EFFECT MY SELF BUILD? HOW CAN I MITIGATE MY CIL PAYMENT?

What is CIL?

According to the Government website, “the Community Infrastructure Levy (the ‘levy’) is a charge which can be levied by local authorities on new development in their area. It is an important tool for local authorities to use to help them deliver the infrastructure needed to support development in their area.

Most new development which creates net additional floor space of 100 square metres or more, or creates a new dwelling, is potentially liable for the levy.”

How does CIL Affect my Self Build?

Image: www.homebuilding.co.uk

For some types of build, including self-build, relief or exemption from the levy may be available.

A self-build housing exemption is available to anyone who builds or commissions their own home for their own occupation. On completion, they must provide the requested supporting evidence. The property must also remain their principal residence for a minimum of 3 years.

According to the Government guidance, there is a set process which requires 4 steps. These must be undertaken within the required timescales in order to gain a self-build exemption.

Step 1

The applicant must assume the liability to pay the levy by completing an Assumption of Liability form and submit this to the collecting authority.

Step 2

The applicant must certify that the scheme will meet the criteria to qualify as a ‘self-build’ development and complete a Self-Build Exemption Claim Form and submit to the collecting Authority.

Step 3

A commencement notice must be received by the collecting authority prior to the commencement of the development (start of works on site). This must state the date on which the development will commence; failure to submit the commencement notice will be subject to a surcharge.

Step 4

Following completion of the build, the Self-Build Exemption Claim Form – Part 2 must be submitted to the collecting authority, along with the additional supporting evidence, within 6 months of the date of the compliance certificate.  Acceptable supporting information includes:

• Proof of the date of completion
• Proof of ownership – (freehold or leasehold)
• Proof of occupation as the applicant’s principal residence

In addition to the above, applicants must also provide a copy of one of the following:

• An approved claim from HM Revenue and Customs; or
• A Specialist Self-Build Warranty; or
• An approved Self-Build Mortgage from a bank or building society.

For further information on Self-Build Warranties please contact Ed, Kelly or Rob on tel: 01284 365345 or email ed@granitebw.co.uk / kelly@granitebw.co.uk / rob@granitebw.co.uk