IVERNA COURT W8
Designated higher-risk building (HRB)
Iverna Court, located just south of Kensington High Street in the heart of London W8, is a distinguished red-brick mansion block known for its elegant architecture and spacious apartments. Residents enjoy proximity to Kensington Gardens, a variety of shopping and dining options, and excellent transport links. Whether you’ve been a resident for years or have recently acquired an apartment, planning a refurbishment in Iverna Court now requires adherence to stricter safety regulations. The introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022 has brought significant changes to how refurbishments are approached in higher-risk buildings like Iverna Court. Ensuring compliance is essential to protect your investment and enhance the safety and comfort of your home.
Understanding the Building Safety Act 2022
The Building Safety Act 2022 was enacted to enhance safety standards in residential buildings, particularly those over 18 metres tall or with seven or more storeys. This legislation established the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and introduced the role of the Principal Accountable Person (PAP) to oversee building safety compliance. For residents of Iverna Court, this means that any refurbishment plans must align with these enhanced safety standards, from initial design to final execution.
What Makes Iverna Court a Higher-Risk Building?
Iverna Court qualifies as a higher-risk building under the Building Safety Act 2022 due to its height and number of storeys. This classification necessitates additional oversight to ensure that refurbishments meet stringent safety requirements, safeguarding all residents by maintaining fire safety measures, ensuring structural integrity, and preventing modifications that could compromise the building’s safety.
These regulations are in place to protect all residents by maintaining fire safety measures, ensuring structural integrity, and preventing any modifications that could compromise the building’s safety.
Why Compliance Matters
Refurbishing in Iverna Court now requires careful planning to align with the Building Safety Act 2022. All alterations, from kitchen upgrades to structural changes, must comply with these enhanced safety standards. Certain types of work may require approval from the BSR or consultation with the PAP, especially modifications affecting communal areas, fire-resistant materials, or structural elements. Ensuring compliance protects your investment and contributes to the overall safety of the Iverna Court community.
With Antarris, you can rest assured that every detail of your project will be managed to meet compliance requirements while achieving your desired outcomes.
Steps to Take Before Starting Your Refurbishment
Confirm Whether Your Building Is Higher-Risk
Your first step is to confirm the building’s higher-risk status with the building management or the PAP. This ensures you fully understand the regulations and how they apply to your planned refurbishment project.
Understand the New Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the safety measures required under the Building Safety Act. Certain types of work, such as structural changes or modifications to fire-resistant materials, may be restricted or require additional approvals. Identifying these requirements early will help you plan effectively and avoid unnecessary delays.
Consult the Principal Accountable Person (PAP)
The PAP plays a vital role in overseeing building safety compliance. Before starting your refurbishment, provide detailed plans for their review and approval. The PAP will assess whether your project aligns with the building’s safety protocols.
Hire Qualified Professionals
Working with qualified professionals is essential for ensuring compliance. At Antarris, we have a team of experienced architects, designers, and contractors who specialise in refurbishments for higher-risk buildings like Iverna Court. By choosing trusted experts, you can ensure you obtain the necessary approvals for your project and that it is executed to the highest standards.
Apply for Necessary Permissions
For higher-risk buildings like Iverna Court, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) acts as the building control authority. This means that your plans must meet the BSR’s stringent safety requirements before approval is granted, particularly for structural changes, fire safety measures, or modifications to communal systems.
Additionally, as the apartments in Iverna Court are likely leasehold properties, you will need to obtain a licence to alter from the freeholder or managing agent before proceeding with any significant refurbishment. This legal document specifies the scope of your planned works and ensures compliance with the lease terms. Securing a licence to alter may require submitting detailed plans, specifications, and contractor information.
At Antarris, we simplify this process by liaising with the BSR, freeholders and managing agents on your behalf, ensuring all necessary permissions are obtained smoothly and efficiently.
Common Refurbishment Projects and Considerations in Iverna Court
Popular refurbishment projects include modernising kitchens and bathrooms, replacing flooring, and upgrading balconies or windows. Internal alterations, such as removing walls, require consultation with a structural engineer to ensure compliance with safety standards. External modifications must adhere to fire safety regulations, and balcony upgrades or window replacements often require approval from the PAP. Electrical and gas works should be completed by certified professionals, such as NICEIC-registered electricians or Gas Safe engineers, to meet current safety requirements.
Potential Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with the Building Safety Act regulations can have serious repercussions. Non-compliance may result in fines, legal notices, or the need to undo completed work. It could also void your home insurance and deter potential buyers, negatively impacting the value of your property. Additionally, as a leaseholder in Iverna Court, you are required to obtain a licence to alter from the landlord (freeholder) before starting any significant refurbishment. This licence will not be granted unless you confirm that the proposed works will also obtain approval from the BSR. Without both permissions, proceeding with refurbishment could result in legal disputes and project delays.
By adhering to the Building Safety Act, you safeguard your home, protect its value, and contribute to the overall safety of the building. Compliant refurbishments provide peace of mind for you and your neighbours, ensuring that all work meets the highest standards. At Antarris, we combine technical expertise with a commitment to quality, helping you achieve your refurbishment goals while maintaining compliance with all regulations.
Why Choose Antarris for Your project?
At Antarris, we specialise in helping homeowners in higher-risk buildings like Iverna Court navigate the complexities of refurbishment projects. With our in-depth knowledge of the Building Safety Act 2022 and years of experience in high-end refurbishments, we are the trusted choice for ensuring your project runs smoothly from start to finish. We offer a full-service approach, including design, planning, obtaining necessary approvals, and executing the work to the highest standards. Whether you’re upgrading your interiors or undertaking structural changes, Antarris is here to guide you every step of the way.
By choosing Antarris, you’re not just improving your home—you’re investing in its safety, compliance, and long-term value.
Contact Us Today
If you’re planning a refurbishment in Iverna Court, contact Antarris for a personalised consultation. Let us help you bring your vision to life while ensuring your project adheres to the highest standards of safety and compliance. With Antarris, transforming your Iverna Court apartment into the home you’ve always dreamed of has never been safer or easier.
