Latest consultation involves improved guidance on biofuels and airtightness in new buildings

The greater uptake of biofuels and increased airtightness of new buildings has been recognised by the government in its latest consultation on Part J of the Building Regs.

The proposals for the regulations, which cover combustion appliances and fuel storage systems, will come into force in 2010 and will include better guidance on biofuel technology, including the requirements for biomass boilers, as well as proposals for dedicated ventilation openings to serve combustion appliances in new airtight buildings.

Other key measures include the requirement for battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors to be fitted whenever a new or replacement solid fuel appliance is installed, the introduction of access points to inspect concealed fuels and new guidance on the siting of condensing boilers to avoid disputes between neighbours over pluming – the vapour discharge from the flue.

The government is also considering the requirement for all oil storage tanks to be bunded if the industry calls for it.

The consultation will close on 26 November.

The implementation of water-saving regulations has been delayed for six months after a last-minute EU intervention.

The decision to put back Part G of the Building Regulations to April 2010 was also caused by the communities department failing to finalise a scheme to sign off installations in time.

Part G, which covers sanitation, water efficiency and safety, was going to be implemented in October. The revised version places a limit on water use in new homes and requires baths to be fitted with thermostatic mixing valves to reduce the risk of scalding.

It also contains guidance on greywater harvesting systems and drinking water.

A draft was published on 15 May and the communities department said it would shortly notify the European commission.

However, the commission has complained about a paragraph in the draft intended to prevent hot water systems overheating.

Although this is an existing requirement, the wording has been changed and is now interpreted by the commission as referring to a product rather than a system. This would mean it must conform to European standards, and therefore falls under European jurisdiction.

The seasonally adjusted net balance of surveyors reporting rising rather than falling house prices over the past three months turned positive in August, to 11%, compared with minus 6% in July. This is the highest result since May 2007.

The RICS reports there are further signs that more vendors might be venturing back into the marketplace. A net balance of 12% of surveyors reported that new instructions increased in August, compared with 4% in July.

However, the pace of improvement in new buyer enquiries did slow somewhat last month. The net balance of surveyors reporting an increase rather than a decrease in new buyer enquiries fell from 61% in July to 49% in August.

Meanwhile, the sales-to-stock ratio – a measure of market slack and a lead indicator of future prices – continued to edge upwards. It has now risen for eight consecutive months and stands at 27 – its highest level since January.

They lie and cheat to extort money in return for little or no work at all and in 2008 it is estimated that they stole £170million from unsuspecting homeowners across the UK. The evidence shows that incidents of this nature are far more prevalent during the summer months.

How to spot and avoid rogue traders

How to spot a rogue trader

Cold callers may use lines like these to frighten homeowners into doing business with them:

• You have loose tiles on your roof
• Your roof has been leaking
• I see cracked brickwork on your house
• You need to have some pointing on your chimney
• You need some work doing on your driveway
• I’m doing some work in your area and have materials left over which we need to use it up
• I’m doing free property surveys to check if you have rising damp
• Your brickwork is acting like a sponge soaking up the rainwater

How do I get rid of these rogues?

• Do not engage in conversation with them
• Saying you do not buy good and services at the door
• Saying you need to compare prices
• Saying you need to discuss it with your, son, daughter or friend.

There are huge benefits to be had from having a flat conversion, but as pointed out above, it’s rather important that the project is carried out properly. Parkview Construction is highly professional, safety conscious, and values quality and affordability as much as you do.Parkview carries out conversions by following one of the two procedures below:

• We can provide a full design and build service, from drawing the initial plans using experienced architects and structural engineers to handling the planning application and building regulations application. Once approval has been granted we will make all necessary arrangements to commence your works.

• We often find that the client already has the plans drawn up and planning permission has been granted. Parkview will then take over the project for the build stage and furthermore, is able to commence works at short notice due to the depth of resources of the company

If you would like to view the projects Parkview has undertaken or is currently undertaking please contact us on the telephone number below and we will arrange a site visit. Please click on the Site Visits link to find out more.