The Risks of Building an Extension Under a Building Notice: Why Full Plans are Essential

Understanding Building Notices and Full Plans:

Before delving into the risks, let's clarify the difference between building notices and full plans. When undertaking building works that require building regulations, building control are notified by a building notice or full plans submission. A building notice is issued no less than 48 hours prior to building works starting with you a brief outline of your proposed extension to the local authority. This approach allows for a quicker start to construction but lacks the detailed scrutiny of full plans. Full plans, on the other hand, involve submitting comprehensive architectural drawings and specifications for approval before construction begins.

Cowboy builders take advantage of building notices:

Cowboy builders are unscrupulous contractors who take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. When it comes to building notices, cowboy builders exploit the lack of detailed scrutiny and oversight to cut corners and maximise their profits. Here are some ways in which cowboy builders take advantage of building notices:

Poor Workmanship:

Cowboy builders may use a building notice as an opportunity to rush through the construction process without adhering to proper building standards.

Non-Compliance with Building Regulations:

Building notices do not require the submission of detailed plans, which can make it easier for cowboy builders to bypass the scrutiny of building inspectors. They may disregard important regulations and guidelines, such as fire safety measures, structural integrity, insulation requirements, and electrical and plumbing standards. This non-compliance can result in unsafe and non-functional extensions.

Inferior Materials:

To maximise their profits, cowboy builders may cut costs by using cheap and low-quality materials. These materials may not meet the necessary standards for durability, safety, and energy efficiency. As a result, the extension may deteriorate quickly, require frequent repairs, and fail to meet the homeowner's expectations.

Hidden Costs:

Cowboy builders often provide low initial quotes to attract homeowners, which is easily done with the detailed specification from a full plans submission, but they may later add hidden costs and unexpected expenses during the construction process. These additional charges can quickly escalate, leaving homeowners with a significantly higher bill than anticipated.

Lack of Contracts and Guarantees:

Cowboy builders may avoid providing written contracts or guarantees for their work. This lack of documentation leaves homeowners vulnerable to poor workmanship, unfinished projects, and difficulties in seeking legal recourse if issues arise.

Uncertainty in Compliance:

Without the thorough review provided by full plans, there is a higher risk of non-compliance with building regulations. Building inspectors may identify issues during construction that require costly modifications or even demolition and rebuilding. This uncertainty can cause delays, budget overruns, and unnecessary stress.

Potential Safety Hazards:

Building without the guidance of full plans increases the likelihood of safety hazards. Inadequate fire safety measures, poor insulation, or substandard electrical and plumbing installations can compromise the well-being of occupants and reduce the overall quality of the extension.

However, its not all doom and gloom!

The hup! System is pre-approved by building regulations:

Obsession Design and Build offers a solution to mitigate the risks associated with building under a building notice. The revolutionary hup! system is pre-approved by building regulations, ensuring compliance and peace of mind throughout the construction process. hup! combines cutting-edge design technology with a streamlined approval process, allowing for a faster and more efficient extension building.

Design Excellence:

By choosing hup! with Obsession Design and Build, you gain access to their team of experienced designers. They will work closely with you to create a bespoke extension that meets your needs, while also adhering to building regulations and ensuring structural integrity.

Enhanced safety and compliance

hup! has been independently tested for its strength, thermal performance, fire resistance and quality to provide you with complete peace of mind. Find out more about each contact Obsession or hup! direct for the relevant certificates.

hup! is BBA approved and comes with manufacturer backed warranties.

Building an extension is a significant investment, and it's essential to prioritise safety, compliance, and design excellence. Opting for hup! with Obsession Design and Build Ltd provides the peace of mind that comes with a thorough review process and expert guidance. By leveraging the hup! system, you can sail through the approval process and enjoy a seamless extension build that meets all building regulations. Don't compromise on the quality of your extension – choose Obsession and hup! and build with confidence.