Alteration work
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A building may need to be altered at some point after it has been constructed during its in-use period. This will necessitate alteration work.
Alteration work may be required for a wide range of reasons, including:
- Factors unforeseeable at the design stage, e.g new efficiency standards become possible.
- Total or partial change of use e.g an office block converted into housing.
- Change of ownership necessitating enlargement, extension or other changes.
- Failure of building components.
- Changing technological possibilities.
- Fashion
- Wear and tear.
Common examples of alterations include:
- Extension.
- Partial demolition.
- Linking or separating spaces.
- Making or closing openings.
- Retrofitting a new component or feature.
- Refurbishing an existing component or feature.
- Renovating an existing component or feature.
- Repairing an existing component or feature.
- Maintenance.
- Decoration.
Alteration work may be instigated by:
- The building owner.
- The building tenant (with the owner’s permission).
- The local authority (e.g if it needs to take urgent action or has instigated a compulsory purchase order).
- Central government (e.g. changes in regulations).
Alteration work can be complex and may involve higher design and construction fees than new build work. Appointing a designer or contractor to carry out the works may be on the basis of a firm that has successfully undertaken work in the past and is trusted by the client/building owner; or by inviting firms to tender for the work in an invitation to tender (ITT).
[edit] Permissions
Some alteration works may require planning permission while some may be considered ‘permitted development’ for which planning permission will not be required. The best way to determine whether a development is ‘permitted’ or not is to refer to the local planning authority.
Examples of permitted development include:
- Certain enlargements or alterations to houses.
- Construction of some sheds and fuel storage containers.
- Certain porches, doors and windows.
For more information see: Permitted development.
Alteration work may also require building regulations approval.
For more information see: Do the building regulations apply to works to existing buildings?
[edit] Variations
The term ‘alteration work’ as used in this article should not be confused with alterations to the scope of works of a construction contract, which are more commonly known as ‘variations’. Variations are changes involving addition, substitution, or omission to the original scope of the construction contract, and can affect the design, quantities, quality, working conditions or sequencing of the works.
For more information see: Variations.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Building regulations.
- CDM.
- Change of use class.
- Do the building regulations apply to existing buildings?
- Henry Boot Construction Ltd v Alstom Combined Cycles.
- International Existing Building Code (IEBC).
- Material change of use.
- Planning permission.
- Permitted development.
- Refurbishment.
- Renovation.
- Retrofit.
Featured articles and news
Download your free guide.
Four new types of prior approval for solar developments
Online Planning Portal application types from 5 September.
Election fails to spark construction industry revival
Contract awards and planning; post election.
Making diversity and inclusion easy for SMEs
The CIOB tool for companies with limited resources.
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living
BSRIA Briefing 2024, initial speakers announced.
Looking back at the UK's first Passivhaus leisure centre
Reflections on St Sidwell’s Point with CIAT.
A-Level results and electrical apprenticeships
Electrical Skills Index highlights areas with skills shortages.
One of the world's more unusual drive-throughs.
A quick introduction.
Hadrian's Wall Path and the national trails
The trails are heritage assets in their own right.
Articles on timely advice and hydraulic lime.
Building Designers Association of Australia
CIAT and BDAA sign Memorandum of Understanding.
Built Environment Inclusive partners issue statement committed to inclusion.
Building regulation requirements can have unintended consequences.
CIOB announces 2024/25 vice president
Sustainability champion Professor Saul Humphrey.
Accelerating towards a net-zero built environment.