New building regulations will come into force in England from June 2022. But what does this mean for homeowners looking to make improvements to their home, such as building extensions?
In December 2021, it was announced that building regulations were to be updated, effective June 15, 2022. The government has set out a series of new measures and standards, which affect both new and existing homes .
The headline-grabbing announcement is that new homes in England are required to reduce CO2 emissions by 30%, to help the country get closer to its net zero target.
But the changes to Part L (fuel and electricity conservation) and Part F (ventilation) will affect existing homeowners, including those who intend to make improvements to their homes. , such as extending their properties.
Among other objectives, these measures aim to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions for new buildings and work carried out on existing buildings.
What are the new measures?
Here are some of the new measures that affect existing homes described in Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations.
Ventilation improvements
Ventilation standards are being raised in new housing, but the guidelines stipulated in part L also apply to new extensions to existing buildings.
Many problems are caused by poor ventilation, including musty and damp, which may pose a health risk. It can also lead to degradation of the building fabric. Ventilation improvements can include exhaust systems to remove water vapor and airborne pollutants. Thus, these new measures should help preserve the health and safety of residents, while improving the longevity of building materials.
Upgrading fabric standards
Efficiency requirements for fabrics used in construction are defined by the Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard (FEES), which is seeing improvement. Using higher quality materials will lead to more energy efficient buildings. Again, this applies not only to new construction, but to extensions and work carried out on existing buildings. Increased standards for thermal elements will lead to improved fabrics used in roofs, walls, floors, exterior doors and windows.
Low carbon heating
Any new or replacement heating system in homes should be designed with low carbon heating in mind. So while you can still install a gas boiler system, for example, it must be carbon-reducing ready – like a hybrid heating system.
Why are these measures important?
Although extensions can often be built without the need for planning permission, any construction undertaken must still comply with building regulations.
If the construction works are not compliant, the owners risk unlimited fines and possible forced demolition. For this reason, it is important to get it right during the design phase.
More generally, higher standards for reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions will help ensure that households are cleaner and greener. And it’s a step in the right direction for the country to reach net zero by 2050.
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