Snaggingservice.co.uk

30/08/2024

31/03/2023

19/03/2023

Minimal requirements regarding extract ventilation in new builds

Today we would like to talk about minimal requirements and building regulations in the UK.
All newly built dwellings must comply with the minimum requirements set out by the UK government. In terms of quality control, this would be the base layer. Warranty providers such as NHBC or Premier warranty usually ask for higher requirements driven by insurance risks.
For now, let's look at minimal requirements for ventilation. These requirements in the UK are set out by Approved document part F. Link below:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1045918/ADF1.pdf

On page 16, in article 1.17 the document speaks about minimal extract ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms and other sanitary accommodations. The article describes how all of these mechanical extract systems MUST be connected to the outside and must achieve a minimal extract flow rate.

In the attached pictures I would like to point out a much too common defect that we find these days in new builds: Bathroom ventilation ducts that are not linked to the outside. In the attached pictures the vents should have been connected through the roof structure to facilitate the extraction of moist air from the bathroom. Instead, all of the moist air was being pumped into the eaves storage. Besides the fact that this configuration is, not capable of achieving the minimal 15l/s extraction airflow, the moisture was being introduced in the roof timber structure which would then migrate into drywall partitions down the line. The predicted effect in 2-3 years would be that mould would set in on the surrounding area next to the discharge point of the ducts.

Would this defect have been spotted by the homeowner within the two-year warranty period? Maybe
Should this defect be spotted by the building warranty inspector? Most likely.
Should this defect be spotted by building control inspectors? Definitively!

Fortunately, our service aims to fill in the gaps in quality control. This assures the homeowner that their new build is safe and that they are getting the most out of the warranty period.

If you are planning on buying a new build or have completed the purchase within the past 23 months (less than 2 years), please get in touch. Fill in the contact form at the bottom of the website and we will get in touch with you.
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15/03/2021

Can you spot where the water is pooling on the bay roof and then infiltrating the bay area?
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07/03/2021

Too high to inspect? Not for us.
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06/03/2021

Pedestal carving day could be a real bank holiday.

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20/11/2020

This is how the plumbing under the bath looked in one house we inspected recently.
Three things are wrong in this picture.
Let's play a game: try to guess them and leave a comment. I will come back and in a few days and edit the post with my answers.

20/11/2020

Just a few defects we have found this week.
Some are obvious to spot but most require knowledge of building standards and regulations, specialised tools and years of experience.

www.snaggingservice.co.uk

20/11/2020

New built is not synonymous with no defects. Not even with minimum building requirements.

Get your snagging survey done.

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Fill in the contact form, and we will get back to you.

06/11/2020

Here is another smashing review, this time from Karl.
Karl mentioned that the developer started fixing the snags straight away.

https://www.trustpilot.com
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