Retroactive Building Control for DIY Window Install

[jsfar92]

Hello all,

We're in the middle of planning for extension which is likely to happen next year. As part of the works I plan to do the internal reworks this year (mostly just moving a stud wall to create a corridor upstairs to the new bedroom) and then have the extension built next year and knock through. Part of the reworks also requires an existing window opening being partially bricked up with a smaller window added in its place which I plan to do myself.

I know that i'll need building control to check the window install but there's also another window being added later down the line as part of the build next year. I'm assuming there's nothing against doing my modification and installing the window this year and then getting building control to retroactively give approval to it when we add the second window next year?

 

[kingandy2nd]

No time limit on BC so put your application in when you start your DIY works, but for the whole of the job your planning to do overall. BC can check the window when done, and then return later for the rest of it.

 

[jsfar92]

Ah that makes more sense, I'll do that. Thanks.

 

[^woody^]

Building control specify a set number of inspections for certain works, so if you call them out more then they specify then you may be charged more. They can also archive applications that are not in progress, and again charge you to retrieve from archive when the work starts up again.

Do the work, and take photos of the relevant stages of that window fitting (DPC in revels, insulation if needed, and new lintel for the new window) and then submit the b/regs application when the extension is ready to start, and they can inspect the windows and photos then.

 

[jsfar92]

Thanks for the responses so far. I had a plan of how i'd be doing the change already but I may as well pick some brains whilst I'm at it. The change is actually turning an existing window opening into a small obscured glass window (for a bathroom) and a temporary window that will be turned into an opening into the new extension. Given there is already a lintel there, my assumption was that I could take the existing window and sill out and create the new smaller openings in brickwork (try to match the exterior as closely as possible) without having to modify any lintels. There is a soldier course currently above the window. Would it be easy enough to remove a section and turn the bricks horizontally to "close up" the soldier course for the new window without affecting the lintel or surrounding brickwork? The second window is less critical to look correct as it'll eventually be inside the extension.

The main reason for my original question was because we're at the final stages of an application for planning permission for a part width second storey extension (semi detached house), but there's a good chance we may reapply next year for full width since we've had a look around and found that a few people on our road have built to full width (if for any reason we don't get permission for full width next year we can go back to the original plan). This means both windows may be temporary and I didn't want to get building control round for windows that may only stay in place for 6/8 months whilst we wait for the build to start. But I also don't want to just board up the windows with some OSB whilst we're waiting.