It is very positive that there are a number of new editions of the Building Regulations. "Not more rules!" I hear you scream. Well, don't see them as rules but more as guidance - guidance that we all need to follow and embrace. After all, as self-builders and renovators, we are usually looking for more than just a house. What we want is a quality home that is as good today as it will be tomorrow.
The 15 December amendments to the Building Regulations include uplifts to Part F (ventilation) and Part L (fuel and power), and there are new Approved Documents for overheating (Part O) and charging electric vehicles at home (Part S).
The new rules will come into effect on 15 June 2022, and it is reassuring to note that the old standards will only be valid for one year from that date, meaning that projects using the old standards must commence before 15 June 2023 rather than the usual three-year period.
HOW WILL THE NEW REGS AFFECT SELF-BUILDERS?
Building Regulations can often strike fear and confusion into even the most experienced builders and designers, and Approved Documents are very wordy, but essentially they are the guidance on how to meet the requirements of the regulations. However, while they can be open to interpretation, please do not look for the cheapest way to comply but rather the best way to optimize the results.
According to government sources, heating and powering buildings currently make up around 40% of total energy use. The ambition is to reduce this significantly, and from June 2022 all new homes must produce 30% less carbon dioxide emissions than current standards.
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Denne historien er fra March 2022-utgaven av Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Back to black
Dramatic black finishes and industrial touches add impact to Charlotte and Sam Tisdall's extended end-terrace home
Change for good
A last-minute decision to build a kitchen extension instead of a general update turned out to be a wise move for the owners of this detached period property
High praise
After converting a run-down gospel hall into a unique 1930s-inspired home-complete with geodesic dome - Alice Deuchar and Daniel Schamroth pronounced it a resounding succes
Lifetime achievement
Replacing a tired 1960s bungalow with a bespoke prefabricated contemporary house allowed retired architect Helen Heslop Brunt and her husband Martin to fulfil a long-held dream
Self-build for beginners PART 13 PRE-CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
Make sure that your insurance, health and safety, build and cost schedules and all documents are all in place before kick-off
ECO LANDSCAPING
Creating a garden with green credentials isn't without its challenges, but there are plenty of ways you can reduce its impact on the environment, once you know how
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PASSIVHAUS VENTILATION?
Heat and energy expert David Hilton explains the benefits, options and costs of this ultimate heating standard
HOW MUCH DOES EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION COST?
It's touted as an affordable home insulation method, but is external wall insulation worth the outlay and what are the lifetime costs? We look at the figures...
Open-plan kitchen DAVID HOCKNEY EXTENSIONS
From structural considerations and zoning to layout ideas and lighting, our practical guide to creating your new space has it covered
RENOVATING A GEORGIAN HOME
Known for their elegant architectural features, Georgian homes need to be restored sensitively to make them fit for modern life
