SECONDARY ENTRANCE
Q Are there any Building Regs I need to be aware of if I put in a secondary front door for our multi-generational home?
A secondary entrance can be a great benefit for a multi-generational household because it can give the people residing there a sense of independence and privacy. An existing side or rear door can often be repurposed as a more formal entrance. It is important to make sure a secondary entrance door meets Part M (Access to, and use of, buildings) and Part B (Fire) of the current Building Regulations ideally along with the Secured by Design guidelines, which come from a police initiative to encourage and inform the adoption of crime prevention measures in building design.
There are some complex rules around council tax and ownership relating to secondary entrances that it’s worth being aware of. In general, if you are sharing some spaces as a family, your home overall will be considered as a single dwelling. However, we’d always suggest checking with your local authority if you’re unsure, and potentially a property solicitor, too.
Nimi Attanayake
