Careful planning is required if you intend to carry out the work yourself. First, you need to decide what work is actually required and obtain the necessary planning permission (see Chapter 12).
Seek professional advice if in doubt.
Next you need to find out whether Building Regulations approval is required, and if so, make an application (see Chapter 13). To do this you will need to produce a site plan and show that your building work will comply with the regulations. At this stage you should look into energy efficiency and find out whether there Doing the Work Yourself 175
are any grants available that encourage the efficient use of energy in your development. For example, Home Energy Efficiency Grants are available to help owner-occupiers, landlords and tenants to install energy efficient heating and insulation, and through the Low Carbon Building Programme individual house-holders can apply for grants to help with the installation of renewable sources of energy for their homes. For further infor-mation contact the Energy Saving Trust (details below). At this stage you also need to make sure that your insurance is adequate and covers you and the property for the work you expect to undertake (see Chapter 14).
While you are waiting for planning permission and Building Regulations approval, update your skills where necessary by enrolling on a local course, reading up on a topic or spending time working with experienced developers. This is a good time to conduct a risk assessment and think about what protective clothing is required for each of the different tasks, such as safety goggles, gloves and masks. Find out what dangers might be present, such as asbestos.
You should then go on to plan the work in detail, listing the materials and plant required and researching the best places to buy equipment (see Chapter 19). All deliveries will need to be planned in the right sequence. This also applies to your sequence of trades, even if you intend to carry out all the work yourself. It is essential that your property is watertight and free from moisture and damp penetration before you begin the installation of electrics, plumbing, fittings and fixtures (see Chapter 17).
When you plan your project make sure that you stay within your budget (see Chapter 15). Think about how often you will use tools and equipment before buying specific items. Hiring may be a cheaper option in some circumstances.
Summary
Doing the work yourself can reduce the cost of your project considerably. However, you have to evaluate your skills and moti-vation realistically before you begin work. It can be costly and time-consuming to put right work that has not been carried out
properly. You must also make sure that work is carried out to required standards and within existing regulations. These have been established to protect you, your family and your tenants, especially in terms of health and safety.
Whether you decide to do the work yourself or bring in others to help, you need to make decisions about sourcing materials.
Through careful research and planning you can reduce the costs and make sure that materials are available when you require them, which will help your project to run smoothly. These issues are discussed in the next chapter.
Useful addresses
National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC)
Warwick House, Houghton Hall Park Houghton Regis
Dunstable Beds LU5 5ZX Tel: (0870) 013 0382 Fax: (01582) 539090
e-mail: [email protected] www.niceic.com
NICEIC is an independent, non-profit making, voluntary regu-latory body covering the United Kingdom. You can access a list of approved contractors through its website.
Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) ESCA House, 34 Palace Court
London W2 4HY Tel: (020) 7313 4800 Fax: (020) 7221 7344 e-mail: [email protected] www.eca.co.uk
ECA represents electrical engineering and building services in the United Kingdom. Search for a member using the online directory.
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Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI)
CORGI is the national watchdog for gas safety in the United Kingdom. Its remit is to investigate gas safety-related complaints from the public and provide members of the public with details of local registered installers.
Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) Foxwood House, Dobbs Lane
OFTEC promotes excellence in oil-fired heating and cooking.
OFTEC-registered technicians are individually trained and have their skills assessed and reassessed every five years. Find a member by using the online directory.
Heating Equipment Testing and Approvals Scheme (HETAS) Orchard Business Centre
HETAS is the official body recognized by the government to approve solid-fuel heating appliances, fuels and services. This covers boilers, cookers, open fires, stoves and room heaters.
Useful appliance safety advice is available on the website.
Useful websites
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
The Energy Saving Trust is a non-profit organization funded by the government and private sector, which works with house-holds, businesses and the public sector to encourage the more effi-cient use of energy. On the website you can find information about energy efficiency grants offered by the government, local authorities and energy suppliers.
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