Domestic heating appliances

This guidance note is intended to provide awareness and information to contractors engaged in the installation of heating appliances, heating systems and associated works within existing dwellings.

It gives advice on:

• when Building Regulation applications are necessary
• how to make an application
• general requirements

The need for this guidance note has been highlighted by solicitors when carrying out conveyancing for house sales and finding that the necessary statutory approvals have not been obtained for certain works, namely:

• installation of new heating appliances, heating systems and associated works
• converting existing heating appliances, Eg. from open fire to room heater, oil, gas appliances etc.
• carrying out associated works, Eg. new flue, altering existing flue, fitting heating controls, insulation of heating services, cutting and drilling of structural floor joists etc.

Building Regulations

The purpose of Building Regulations are to:

• protect the health and safety of both occupants within the buildings and those in close proximity to them
• ensure any products of combustion are safely discharged into the atmosphere
• fire safety risk
• pipes and hot water storage cylinders, etc.

When is notification required?

An application or notice is required before any work affecting heat producing appliances, flues or associated constructions is carried out.
Fees will be payable.

Works

• The Building Control service must be notified prior to works being carried out on site.
• Once notified, site inspections will be carried out to ensure technical performance standards in the design specification and installation process have been complied with.
• On satisfactory completion of the works a Completion Certificate will be issued which will indicate that the works are in compliance with the Building Regulations performance standards.

Notification

Contractors should be aware of Building Regulation criteria and procedures associated with the installation of heating appliances, heating systems and associated construction works.
Generally it is the dwelling owner who gives the appropriate notification, pays the fees and then engages a contractor to carry out the work. However, a contractor may be engaged to carry out the whole or part of this process.

Regardless of who gives notification, the contractor must notify Building Control service prior to carrying out any works.
Failure to follow the necessary procedures is a contravention of the Building Regulations and is subject to enforcement procedures.

Failure to follow the procedures and obtain a Completion Certificate may affect future house sales, Eg.

• Stall or cancel the sale
• Incur additional costs at a later stage to regularise the mistake
• Attract enforcement procedures

It is recommended that the Building Control service is contacted to confirm whether or not the proposed work is subject to the Building Regulations.