An alteration could be a change from one occupancy to another, or a structural change, such as an addition to the area or height, or the removal of a portion of a building, or any change to the structure, such as the construction of, cutting into, or removal of any wall, partition, column, beam, joist, floor, or other support, or a change to or closure of any required means of ingress or egress. Basically, house alterations comprise altering, remodeling, renovation, rehabilitation, restoration, reconstruction, resurfacing of circulation paths or vehicular ways, and changes or rearrangement of structural parts, elements, or walls.
Although normal maintenance, reroofing, painting, or wallpapering, or changes to mechanical and electrical systems are unconsidered alterations unless they affect a facility’s usability. For example, a project limited to an HVAC system that includes the addition of thermostats would affect a facility’s usability because it involves elements covered by the standards. Hence, existing buildings often undergo alterations during their life to change, modify or improve their performance or the nature of their use.
• Total or partial change of use. (could include a new HVAC system, lighting system, or change to the building envelope, such as a new window)
• 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.
The current dwelling obviously, remains the most critical part because it is what is currently in place. Look for services like buried electrical lines, sewage and water lines, and gas lines and mark them up. Considering all these aspects and carefully handling them while the work commences will avoid damage and unnecessary expenses.
There are numerous factors to consider when going forward with home alternations. Begin by considering the internal flow of the building, how each person uses it, and whether there are ways to improve that flow and to meet changes in user needs without it becoming a major hassle. For example, a living room space can split into two bedrooms or maybe think about combining two bedrooms into a living room. On the other hand, some key service-oriented rooms in a house are expensive to change like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms which all have plumbing requirements, gas lines, or heavy voltage electrical lines that are expensive to change.
Take a hard look at your house and think about ways to conduct alterations that don't require breaking ground and that putting in foundations and footings backfilling all the things up again.
Altering an existing building may result in certain requirements, such as ensuring the building continues to comply with the Building Code to at least the same extent as before the alteration and complying with current Building Code requirements for fire escape and access facilities for persons with disabilities. Some alterations may require planning permission. Other alterations may be considered 'permitted developments' for which planning permission is not required. Check with the local development authority regarding the changes undertaken and if they require formal permits.
1. HSE (health, safety, and environment): This is critical before beginning any new house alterations. To carry out safe construction, it is necessary to possess a thorough understanding of safety precautions and risk analysis. As a result, any repair agency must conduct mandatory audits and implement schemes/policies to avoid misconduct and accidents on the construction site. Experienced contractors shall be deployed for any addition & alteration works.
2. Inspection of the surviving decrepit building: A minute inspection and due diligence report must be prepared to discover the building's structural aspects.
3. Temporary Supports: Proper temporary supports must be arranged for any structure that is being demolished or dismantled in place to evade collapse. A detailed method statement must be prepared, and an experienced individual must be present.
4. Selection of Repair Materials: Standardized materials can be utilized. The use of low-quality materials may necessitate frequent repairs and wear and tear on the structure.
5. Material Storage & Disposal: Proper storage of new materials must be identified, and dismantled materials must be disposed of on a daily basis.
