Extension under 40sqm, engineer needed?

metricspaces

If you get a draughtsman to draw up plans for an extension which is not subject to planning permissions as it's under 40sqm, and you employ a builder to build the extension, do you need an engineer to inspect the construction? Is it a legal requirement for under 40sqm or just a good thing to do?

If it is an engineer you need, what exactly would be you asking them to quote you for? Is it a general request of "I'm getting an extension, can you quote me to inspect" or do you need to have more specific request for them e.g. "I want you to inspect foundations, inspect the block work, inspect the insulation, etc."?

Finally, is there any paperwork you would be expecting from an engineer hired to do such a job?

This is an extension on an existing old 1970s house, must the extension meet all current building regulations? Or is there a different rule for such small extensions?

Gumbo

metricspaces wrote: »

If you get a draughtsman to draw up plans for an extension which is not subject to planning permissions as it's under 40sqm, and you employ a builder to build the extension, do you need an engineer to inspect the construction? Is it a legal requirement for under 40sqm or just a good thing to do?

Technically, No. But, who will design the foundations and any structural members?
Who is certifying that it is in indeed exempt from planning and compliant with current Building Regulations.

metricspaces wrote: »

If it is an engineer you need, what exactly would be you asking them to quote you for? Is it a general request of "I'm getting an extension, can you quote me to inspect" or do you need to have more specific request for them e.g. "I want you to inspect foundations, inspect the block work, inspect the insulation, etc."?

Health and Safety Construction Stage
Design, inspection and certification.

metricspaces wrote: »

Finally, is there any paperwork you would be expecting from an engineer hired to do such a job?

1. Certificate of compliance with the exempted development regulations.
2. Certificate of compliance with the Building Regulations.

These are items you will need for any lending institution if borrowing to build, or if you ever go to re-mortgage or if you ever go to sell.

metricspaces wrote: »

This is an extension on an existing old 1970s house, must the extension meet all current building regulations? Or is there a different rule for such small extensions?

It must meet the requirements as set out in the Current Building Regulations. The technical requirements of the Building Regulations has allowances for existing dwellings and extensions to existing dwellings.

metricspaces

Thanks! If it is only a draughtsman and a builder involved at this stage, I'm guessing neither of them can do any of the following?

1. Design the foundations and any structural members
2. Provide Certificate of compliance with the exempted development regulations.
3. Provide Certificate of compliance with the Building Regulations.

Only an engineer or an architect can provide these services?

Gumbo

metricspaces wrote: »

Thanks! If it is only a draughtsman and a builder involved at this stage, I'm guessing neither of them can do any of the following?

1. Design the foundations and any structural members
2. Provide Certificate of compliance with the exempted development regulations.
3. Provide Certificate of compliance with the Building Regulations.

Only an engineer or an architect can provide these services?

Engineer for structural elements
Some also offer complete sign off.
Most architects won’t offer design on structure.