Ready to hire?

Post your job in minutes, browse real reviews and choose who to speak to.Post a job

Need some tips or advice?

Extensions

Extension fire precautions - can council demand escape window despite not mentioning it before?

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 2.53 PM

Building a single story extension comprising a lobby, bed room with ensuite, extension size 3.8metres by 5.7 metres. The build is according the the builder complete. The council did final inspection and said looks good. After several weeks with no completion certificate I contacted council. They said the inspector now wants a heat detector and a escape window fitted. The approved Plans had a normal window with a opening at the top. My main question can the council now demand the escape window despite never mentioning it before? Don't have a big issue with heat detector that's a small relatively cheap job but a new window seems a bit extreme having never been mentioned before and my builder is also at a loss to explain the change regarding the window. Have any regulations recently changed?

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

1 Answer

ServiceBase Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5

Rhyl

I'm certain that they cant deviate from the approved plan. The exception being if there was a note or condition on the approval. This would normally apply to "below ground" items like existing foundation depths. The problem is that if its been missed the inspector will get a rocket. So hes probably trying to ensure compliance to cover his back. I would say if you've complied with the approved drawings stand your ground. Hope this helps.

Answered6 February 2015