First Principles

Fireplace and Stove installations

After many years installing Stoves and new fireplaces Trevor has decided to stop this sort of work and concentrate on Servicing and Repairing existing installed stoves and installing Baxi fire places where they need new fire bricks etc.

Trevor does however recommend ALS Northern Limited for the installation of Stoves and Liners.

Speak to Laura or Oliver at https://alsnorthernltd.co.uk or contact them on 01723 817221.

Please consider the following notes when considering installing a new appliance.

HETAS

As part of a competent persons scheme, HETAS provide training courses (H003 being the relevant one for ‘dry’ appliances) and charge an annual registration fee to an installer so they can sign off their own work; in that it complies with Approved Document ‘J’ (guidance to the regulations) and the requirements of Building Regulations 2010 as amended (the latest is 2015) from time to time.

As part of the scheme HETAS ask the registered installer to provide a list of clients who they might visit so they can check on the quality of the work and undertake to check a few installations done by an installer during any one year to hopefully ensure a good level of competence and quality.

An alternative way of ensuring the quality of works is via building notices…

Building Notices

To be clear, Trevor is not a HETAS registered installer. If you would prefer your appliance installation to be HETAS certified you will need to look for another installer.

The new installations Trevor is uses the ‘building notice’ process which ensures by a different route to that of using a HETAS installer that the installations are signed off; in this case by an Approved Inspector or Local Authority Building Control Officer. Typically the fees for this are in the region of £130.00 and are paid directly to the inspector or local authority.

Whatever route you choose, there are some things to bear in mind.

New stove and fireplace installations must be signed off as complying with the building regulations. The responsibility for this rests firmly with the customer/client, or the person causing the work to be done. If there is a problem with the works carried out concerning the requirements of Building Regulations and/or the guidance within Approved Document J’ (when using the appliance following installation, or providing certificates in the event of property sale), it will not be the installer who bears the blame or criticism for not having applied for the documentation and having everything signed off upon works completion.

Repairs or replacements of appliances are treated slightly differently to new installations and may not require certification. However you may consider going through the permissions process as it may save complications later -e.g. when you decide to sell your house.

Permitted Development – Chimneys

New Chimneys

In most instances, a new chimney can be erected under permitted development (in accordance with Class G, Part 1 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) Order 2008). If the installation involves the building or installation of a new chimney, then you may need to check the local planning regulations too. The design and position on your property is covered by Approved Document ‘J’ but whether it may be allowed to be installed where you want it, or objected to by your neighbours is a matter for another department entirely – Ask your planning department (and your neighbours!) before you start spending any hard earned cash.

Relining Chimneys

If you are relining your chimney, whether that be with flexible liner, pumice, or concrete liners, or if you are building a new chimney (including building a new chimney using twin wall insulated flue pipe), then this is also classed as ‘building work’ and you must notify building control before work starts. In any case, there may well be local planning restrictions covering chimney work and new chimneys that you have to consider.

Fireplace and Stove installations

From the initial site survey through to aftercare, Trevor Lund Chimney Sweep ensures that your installation is completed successfully. Trevor always aims to consistently deliver the installation service by focusing on the client to ensure that they always get a safe installation that looks great.

All of the installations Trevor is involved with comply with relevant regulations and after installation. He ensures that customers are happy with their new appliance, whether it is a multi-fuel or wood burning stove or a reproduction antique style open fireplace for solid fuel or smokeless fuels. If you are looking for a new stove or fireplace; you can be sure to get the best when dealing with Trevor.

When searching for a comprehensive quote for stove and fireplace installations or repair please contact Trevor through the contacts page.