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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Building Questions >> Alterations to window openings https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1412967452 Message started by Strawberry on Oct 10^th, 2014, 7:57pm

Title: Alterations to window openings
Post by Strawberry on Oct 10^th, 2014, 7:57pm

Hi all
I'm looking to make alterations to several window/door openings on my house. I want to have my current back door totally removed and bricked up. I also want a window on the back of my house made narrower and taller.

I have had a builder out to quote. These walls have been filled with cavity wall insulation previously. The builder has told me he will close all the cavities and use block work on the inside. When I asked if he would put any more insulation in the new areas of wall he said it wouldn't be necessary. I also asked if that would be compliant with building regs and he told me yes. Does this sound right? Won't we end up with cold spots?

The front of the house had timber cladding. I'm looking to remove one very wide window and create two smaller ones instead. This will require a small infill panel in the middle. The builder proposed to do this in stud work. Would this be acceptable to building control?

Thanks very much.

Title: Re: Alterations to window openings
Post by londonman on Oct 11^th, 2014, 2:25pm

I could be wrong but I think this work does have to be under Building Control notification. Not wishing to set hares running but a close neighbour had work carried out by a Ledbury based cowboy builder who bodged about everything and never got building control involved. The neighbour is now faced with a £70k bill for remedial work.

Does your local building control hold surgeries where you can go along and talk to them before committing?

Title: Re: Alterations to window openings
Post by CWatters on Oct 12^th, 2014, 7:51am

I agree. A Building Control notice is needed but shouldn't be a problem.

I'd look for another builder. Seems daft not to put insulation in a blocked up doorway even if it were compliant with the Building Regs. Not like it's difficult.

Quote:

The front of the house had timber cladding. I'm looking to remove one very wide window and create two smaller ones instead. This will require a small infill panel in the middle. The builder proposed to do this in stud work. Would this be acceptable to building control?

There will be a lintel/beam across the top of the existing wide window. If the two new windows fit below that then what the builder proposes should be fine as the panel won't be carrying any load. If the two new windows don't fit below the existing lintel it may have to be replaced by two shorter ones - in which case a brick pier or similar might be needed.