Surface Finishes

[wraysdunc]

I am renovating an old stones built property and my Architect is saying that surface finishes, particularly in the kitchen and bathrooms, need to comply with Part XV111 of the Housing Act Section 604 as amended by Schedule 9 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 with additional guidance on the interpretation of Fitness Standard published by the Department of the Environment as Annex A to Circular 6/90.

Does anyone have experience of Building Control using this legislation?. What surface finishes are acceptable and who decides etc?

 

[Ian Bond]

What do you want your surface finishes to be?

Oak worktops, tiles, stone ?

Common sense would say they should be durable, practical and attractive / suit the style of the kitchen.

You don't want something that is hard to keep clean, marks easily or disintegrates when a bit of water gets on it.

Are you paying this architect fella to quote you stuff like that from the regs without further explanation?

 

[Gervase]

Are you renovating the cottage for your own use or to be let out or used by others?
If it's for your own use, and you are renovating rather than converting, you can simply tell your architect that he's talking out of his posterior. You can use whatever finishes you like.

 

[Penners]

tell your architect that he's talking out of his posterior

And tell him he should translate his posteriorspeak into English.

You're the customer.

 

[wraysdunc]

Are you renovating the cottage for your own use or to be let out or used by others?

Actually I have been a bit inaccurate with the terminology. The barn is subject to a change of use and so I should have said it is a conversion. Do you know what the rules are re surface finishes when converting a property

 

[biffvernon]

I've not heard of any rules on surface finishes unless you are converting to an abatoir or dairy.

 

[middi]

You haven,t by any chance upset the poor bloke and he is now getting his own back by confusing the issue and conversing with you in double dutch.

Tell him what you would like and see if it meets with his approval, if not, then tell him he is not invited to dinner if he things your worktop is a disgrace.