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Building Regulations - your questions answered

Certificate of Conformance to Approved Documents L1, A, J, M, F, N and B - Whats that all about?

U value of 2.0 W/m 2K or better - Is it a bird, Is it a plane?

Don't worry we have the expertise to plot a safe course through this potential minefield. Find out more...

Q What are the new regulations?

A Since April 2002 all new, or replacement external doors and windows have to comply with the Government's new tougher heat retention regulations, Document L.

All new or replacement windows have to be manufactured to meet the new, higher demands on insulation, glass products will be expected to have lower heat loss, measured by their "U" value.

It means that, unless you live in a listed building, the new or replacement windows have to be double glazed, whether or not they were before.

To comply with the new regulations all new installations need to be registered with the Local Council, and the installation needs a certificate of conformance to approved document L1 of the building regulations.

Q What has to be certified?

A Where a window or windows is/are completely replaced (as opposed to repaired) in existing dwellings, they must comply with Approved Documents Parts L1 and N (safety in relation to impact). In addition, the building should not end up with a worse level of compliance with respect to other applicable parts of Building Regulations, which includes Parts A (Structure), B (means of escape in case of fire) F (ventilation), J (combustion appliances and fuel storage systems) and M (access for the disabled).Compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 is also essential.

Q How will the regulations affect me, the customer?

A If you have external windows or doors installed after April 2002 and you do not have a certificate of conformance;

When the time comes to sell your property, your purchaser's solicitors while undertaking the necessary search, will ask for evidence that any replacement glazing installed complies with the new Building Regulations. The only way to show that the installation meets the governments new heat retention regulations, is a certificate of conformance. If you have a certificate, you will be automatically registered with your local council. Your installation has approval under the Building Regulations.

If you do not have a certificate, you will not be able to sell your house. You may need to change your door/window installations before you can sell your property.

Q Are the regulations enforceable?

A Very much so, solicitors are thorough in their searches when dealing with property sales.

Q What if I buy a replacement door/window and fit it myself?

A You will need to go through your Local Authority Building Control and prove that the installation meets building regulations as detailed above, in order to obtain your Certificate.

Q Does this apply to Listed Buildings?

A No, they are covered by other limitations, contact us for details.

Q Do the regulations apply to New House Builds?

A No, this work is controlled by Building Control – though we also do work on new house builds.

Q What is the easiest solution to all this?

A Get Benchmark Joinery to do the work, we guarantee you will get your certificate of conformance and be registered with your Local Council. You will have no problems when you decide to sell your property.