Search
Getting the design of a level threshold right can be tricky. Convenience and accessibility are the main focus, but this can cause water penetration or damp.
The external landing should be large and level enough for easy wheelchair access, but there’s a risk of standing water or surface water…
When replacing internal doors in a house, it is important to consider if they perform the function of a fire door, assist with good circulation of air around the house or provided thermal separation between an exempt conservatory or porch.
In most new 2-storey houses, doors between internal…
Approved Document J outlines the precautions needed to ensure that smoke and gases from appliances can be safely discharged. Diagrams 17 and 18 highlight the outlet heights needed in relation to traditional roofs and easily ignited coverings such as thatch and shingles.In general, outlets need to…
On 27 April, building industry stakeholders gathered at the Energy Technology Centre of Nottingham University where the long-awaited new air tightness testing (also known as air pressure testing) technology, the PULSE unit, made its first appearance.
Build Test Solutions (BTS) is an exciting new…
One of our building control surveyors recently encountered this attempt to comply with the Equality Act. The unit had been split into two and a new shop entrance was created.
Despite their best efforts the access ramp provided didn’t conform to the guidance offered in Approved Document M…
When anyone mentions stone cladding, a certain property on Coronation Street springs to mind (No. 9 - formerly Jack and Vera Duckworth's - see below). Their cladding was installed in 1989 and given the blue painted touches in 1994.
Aside from changing the external appearance so that the property…
Although most people park their cars and vans on the road, occasionally we have to deal with an unexpected guest who arrives in their vehicle through the wall.
When this happens it’s usually Building Control who’ll visit the site following a call from the emergency services to assess the…
Article updated on 31 January 2024One of our surveyors recently sent in this photo, taken in a brand new commercial building. It’s the ground floor of a protected staircase and shows the door swing directly over the bottom of the stair within the landing space. Clear space should be…
The Welsh Government has amended Approved Document B volumes 1 and 2, with new regulations and guidance to be implemented on 1st January 2016.
The amendments to the documents arise from the Domestic Fire Safety (Wales) Regulations, resulting in a new Section 7A ‘Automatic Fire Suppression…
Heat through the walls of fireplaces or masonry flues can be transferred to other materials. This can lead to the possibility of fire in combustible materials that are close to the fireplace or flue and measures need to be taken to reduce this risk.
Approved Document J gives guidance on the…