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Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
Do You Need Planning Permission to Add Storeys?
Building Regulations: An Overview for Upward Extensions
Structural Integrity: Walls, Foundations, and Floors
Fire Safety Measures
Designing Your New Stairs
Essential Ventilation
Achieving Energy Efficiency
Fire Safety Measures
When you build upwards and add new floors to your property, you'll need to re-evaluate the fire escape routes that run through your entire home. This frequently involves fitting additional fire safety features into the existing areas of your house.
For example, imagine you're adding an extension to a house that already has two floors. In such a scenario, you'll usually have to put in special fire-resistant doors, and sometimes even protective walls, around the staircase. The reason for this is simple: it's simply too hazardous to attempt to escape through windows located on any level higher than the first floor.
Beyond this, you are required to fit smoke alarms that run on mains electricity and are connected to each other on every floor that the stairway passes through.
Furthermore, you might also find it necessary to enhance the fire resistance of specific structural parts of your house, for instance, the floors themselves.
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Disclaimer
This guidance is for general information only and is not legal advice. Planning requirements vary by council and property. You should check your local planning authority's specific requirements before submitting an application or starting work. This guidance applies to England and Wales. When in doubt, contact your local planning authority or seek professional planning advice.
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