Do I need fire alarms in the new extension I am having built?

Do I need fire alarms in the new extension I am having built? The property doesn’t have them, but the builder is saying that the District Surveyor is asking for them to be installed. Is this correct?

There is a lot of publicity given to this subject by Fire Brigades and I think it is an important point. Whether or not it is a legal requirement under the Building Regulations, it is a really good idea, so that you can sleep soundly. It may also reduce your insurance premiums. Having seen the aftermath of fires and met the tearful residents; I cannot emphasise enough the value of a decent hardwired interlinked alarm system in your property.

It would be a requirement in a new dwelling and there is also a provision within the Building Regulations that, if you are increasing the risk in any way, then you should mitigate this with extra passive precautions, such as alarms. It is probably not much on the cost of work, particularly compared to the benefits.

I am leaseholder in a block of flats and wish to make some alterations, including moving a bathroom. The freeholder has said that I need to get Building Control Approval as well as pay for another Solicitor and Surveyor in addition to my Engineer. What is going on? Is this normal?

This is normal, and the fees can be daunting if not prohibitive for what may seem like quite simple work. I am currently engaged in a property where they an acoustic consultant is needed even though little is changing, on the face of it. It is important though to guard yourself against spurious claims from others and to insure you have all the “ducks in a row” when you come to sell. This is the reason a Solicitor will be involved and a Surveyor on behalf of the freeholder. Essentially, they are protecting the freehold interest (and your leasehold title too). Selling a property without this can be challenging and it can devalue the property if work is carried out that isn’t compliant with the building requirements, Regulations, etc.

I am sure you want to do the right thing but sadly there will be a fair amount of professional fees to pay although, hopefully this can be minimised, as the works sound simple.