A to Z of building your own home... V

VentilationVentilation is defined in the Building Regulations as ' the supply and removal of air ( by natural or mechanical means) to and from a space or spaces in a building.In addition to this, there are also other aims for ventilation

• Control excess humidity
• Provide air for fuel burning appliances
• Limit the accumulation of moisture and pollutants from a building which could, otherwise, become a health hazard to people living within that building

Ventilation also prevents damp and condensation in a building. Properly aerating your home drives out moist vapours from your bathroom and kitchen. The best thing to do, would be to open your windows wide, but a ventilation systems does the most efficient job of preventing damp. In fact, for new-build homes the law now requires a ventilation system to be standard.However, Ventilation itself is not enough. You also need to heat your home to help with to prevent problems with damp. Ventilation, can be perfectly combined with heat recovery; under normal conditions a ventilation systems brings cold outdoor air in.Vehicular AccessWhen considering building your own home, access is one of the most important elements, as this could determine whether you can gain planning permission or not. The information below will give a bit more insight into what you may need to consider.

• If you directly adjoin the main road, then as long as it is not a classified road, a new access road won't be too dangerous then you will not need planning permission, however you should gain advice from your local authority
• If there is a gap between the proposed site and the highway in the ownership of a third party, then their consent must be obtained.

If you are considering building down the bottom of your garden then please read the following information;

• If a plot is part of a garden of a dwelling that has a right of access over private land, then you must make sure that the right of way is applicable for the new house.

Main points to consider when creating access for a new dwelling:

• Gates normally require a 45 degrees splay which must be set back 4.5-6.5m from the carriageway and open inwards
• Usually, there should be allowance for two cars to be parked, which must be able to enter or leave the property in a forward gear, requiring space for turning