Archived press
release.
As part of a joint project with other councils in Suffolk,
Suffolk Coastal has produced a guide for residents planning to
extend or make alterations to their home.
The Guide to Extending Your Home aims to help residents to
comply with the Building Regulations by letting them know how the
regulations may apply to the work they want to undertake.
“The guide is not a substitute for getting professional advice
but, does provide helpful information about what is likely to be
affected by the regulations in most domestic projects,” said Cllr
Andy Smith, Cabinet Member for Development and Building
Control.
Building Regulations are an important part of making any
alterations to a home; they are in place to make sure that the work
is carried out safely and to a satisfactory standard and apply to
almost all building projects except very minor alterations.
Types of work that are covered by the Building Regulations are
outlined in the guide and include loft, basement and garage
conversions, domestic conversions and other alterations including
removing interior walls and altering any electrical or drainage
systems.
“A person’s home is often a life long investment so it is
important that any improvements are carried out to a certain
standard so that they are safe for everyone using the building and
do not devalue the property.
“If building work is carried out without adhering to the
Building Regulations a completion certificate cannot be issued, so
it is important to always get professional advice before carrying
out any new work,” added Cllr
Smith.
The process of making large alterations to a home can often be
daunting, so the guide should help residents feel more comfortable
about the process and what they need to consider before starting
any work on a project.
The guide is available to download or view as an e-book from
www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourhome/buildingcontrol/guide
If residents are not sure whether their project is covered by
the Building Regulations or would like more information, they can
contact a member of the Building Control team by calling 01394
444219 or emailing
building.control@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk
The Guide to Extending your Home has been produced in
partnership between Suffolk Coastal District Council, Babergh
District Council, Ipswich Borough Council and Local Authority
Building Control
(LABC).