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
Designing sustainability and performance into buildings
Specifying and selecting sustainable resilient timber products.
Modifying wood to improve resistance to decay and movement.
A last minute, long look for built environment professionals.
The architecture of creative reuse. Book review.
Installing solar panels on listed structures.
Sustainable development global goals, history in progress?
"Unless we act now, the 2030 Agenda will become an epitaph for a world that might have been."
Mike Kagioglou FCIOB named CIOB President
'Sustainable Development Goals must be focus for construction'
BSRIA training; a look at what's on offer
From energy management to compliance training.
TESP video warns to beware of rogue trainers.
Highlighting the slippery tactics of non-approved providers.
New Building Safety Wiki launched
Boosting awareness and understanding of the new fire safety regime.
New playbook on AI in construction published by CIOB
How to get to grips with, and the best from AI.
Digital Construction Report NBS
BIM, cloud, off-site, immersive tech, AI, twins and sustainability.
ECA learning zone and industry focus video series
From updates and amendments to circular economy, emergency lighting and much more.
The Building People Communities Network
Celebrating and amplifying voices of the under-represented, this refugee week and pride month.
Pride of Place: queer heritage
Acknowledging and taking pride in LGBTQ histories.