If you are involved in a building project you must know all your legal obligations before you start building. If they are converting a loft, remodelling a garage, expanding a building or building a new structure, it is vital to understand the law. Most people make the mistake of assuming that securing planning permission is all that needs to be done, only for them to realise later on that complying with building regulations is equally essential. This involves ensuring that your construction is safe and conforms to the required standards in Essex. This article explains how you need to be informed of these legal obligations so as not to incur losses or penalties.
Differentiate Planning Permission and Building Regulations Approvals
Misunderstanding planning permission and building regulations approvals is the most common mistake amongst property owners. Though both can be required for a project, their purposes are entirely different. Local planning authorities will take into consideration things like neighbourhood considerations, land usage, aesthetics, and environmental issues. However, building regulations centre around technical specifications associated with a construction project. As far as building control in Essex goes, one should know the difference between the two, since getting planning approval doesn’t mean your construction project automatically meets building regulations.
Notifiable Work when There Are No Other Options
Before some types of work commence, building control approval in Essex is necessary. Some of these include the construction of new homes, additions to existing homes, loft conversions, alterations, garage conversions, laying out of the drainage system, extensive electrical work in certain zones, and roofing work in some situations. This is important because if not done, the homeowner may experience difficulties when trying to sell their property since the new buyer will want proof of conformity.
Identify the Two Legal Approaches of Obtaining Permission
When dealing with building control in Essex, there are two different approaches to consider. The first approach involves a Full Plans Application. This involves submitting detailed information and drawings before the commencement of construction work. There will be more confidence regarding the compliance of the intended activity with the requirements since the plans will be reviewed properly. The other approach is known as a Building Notice. This applies to smaller residential buildings. Since there is no need for extensive planning ahead of time, the process is much faster.
Penalties and Enforcement Agents for Essex
Building regulations come with dire consequences in case of any breach. Since the local authority holds the enforcement power, it can investigate the issue if it comes to light. It might be necessary to make adjustments, removal, or even rebuilding of some project aspects to meet the regulations in place. There might be monetary costs in some instances, too. In extreme cases, there could be legal action filed against the people responsible for carrying out the project. Following the building control in Essex laws will save you from the trouble of unnecessary hassles.
Understand Your Building Regulation Exemption
For some building projects, building regulation approval is not needed. Some projects are exempted from the approval process. Examples of such are small greenhouses, agricultural structures, temporary structures, detached and garden buildings, and minor repairs done using similar materials. Even though the structure looks exempt, there is a need for consent if it contains electric wiring, has sleeping facilities, or is within the property lines. This is something that should be verified first before concluding that an exemption exists from building control in Essex laws of Essex.
Conclusion
To protect yourself from unnecessary costs if something goes wrong, you need to know your obligations before you start construction. Ignoring it is not an option, starting from the determination of notifiable works, selecting the right application process, knowing about penalties, and understanding the difference between planning permission and building regulations. Knowing all about building control in Essex will help you avoid any delays and problems throughout the whole process.
