DIY enthusiasts should be cautious of major changes made to building regulations warns a Suffolk council.The changes have been made following central government agreements to conserve fuel and reduce carbon emissions under the obligations of the Kyoto Protocol.

By James Fraser

DIY enthusiasts should be cautious of major changes made to building regulations warns a Suffolk council.

The changes have been made following central government agreements to conserve fuel and reduce carbon emissions under the obligations of the Kyoto Protocol.

Mid Suffolk District Council is urging the public to familiarise themselves with the new rules or discuss their proposals with Roger Wallis at the Building Control Team.

While the council acknowledges that most builders and tradesmen have been briefed ahead of new regulations effective from April 1, they are also concerned that home improvers will be unaware of the information.

The changes will apply to the following: drainage and waste disposal, combustion appliances and fuel storage systems, boilers, gas fires and open fires. Changes too will be made to the conservation of fuel and power to both dwellings and other buildings.

The message from Mr Wallis is clear: "If in doubt, contact us!"

He added that for the first time replacement windows and doors have come under the scope of building regulations, they will have to comply with strict thermal performance standards.

Installations will also have to be registered with Fenestration Self Assessment scheme (FENSA) or if carried out by a member of the public will have to be approved under the regulations.

For those not wanting to be caught out by the new regulations Mr Wallis can be contacted by telephone on 01449 727233 or by e-mail at roger.wallis@,midsuffolk.gov.uk