Roofs planning permission. What are the current requirements for roofs when it comes to building regulations and planning permssion?
When it comes to making alterations or repairs to an existing roof what is needed to be compliant when it comes to new roofs?
There’s a great deal of confusion about what you can and cannot do with your home without informing the local Council or getting their permission.
The situation is complicated further by local variations to the rules depending on where you live in the country, and often the best people for being in the know about the local situation is your local roofing contractor.
There are though some basic rules which apply across the country.
Roofing repairs and regulations
If you are making a repair to your roof, such as fixing a slipped tile, mending broken flashing or fixing crumbling mortar on your chimney, you do not usually need to get permission from the local Planning department or involve Building Control.
The one main exception to this is if you live in a listed building.
Permission is needed for any sort of alteration to a listed building, and the Council will want to be sure that you are using the same sort of tiles, slates and mortar as on other parts of the roof so everything blends in.
This is particularly so if the property is also in any kind of conservation area.
Replacement roofs and building regulations
If you have decided to replace it completely, this is where things start to get a little more complicated.
In addition to getting the appropriate permissions if you live in a conservation area or a listed building, you will also have to inform your local Building Control department about the work.
A good roofing company will be completely up to speed with the current building standards and regulations, and should be able to work within the conditions set out by Building Control.
An inspector may visit your home during the work to inspect the materials being used and to check key aspects of the roofing such as the strength of the beams, and will issue a certificate once the work has been completed. This certificate is required when it comes to selling your house.
Building Control are also concerned with the insulation in your property, and the regulations mean that you have to ensure that the new roof meets the standards set out. Again, a competent local roofer will know what the standards are and will be able to help you choose the right sorts of products.
Choosing the Best Roofing Contractor
If you do live in a listed building, are planning on raising the height of your roof, replacing it completely or making some other sort of dramatic change, it is more important than ever to have a great roofing company working for you.
Always contact at least three local companies to ask for quotes for the work you want done, and ask about their experience in working on similar sorts of projects and in working within current Building Control regulations.
A good roofer will be happy to talk you through the options and explain how the work they are proposing fits into the regulations.
Compare quotes carefully before choosing a roofing company, and remember that the cheapest quote isn’t always the one to go for.
Consider also timescales, reputation, customer service and guarantees offered.
A high calibre company should be well versed in all roofs planning permissions and building regulations.
If in any doubt, always look to get in touch with your local building control office through the online planning portal.
