Councillor warns against 'cowboy builders'

North Belfast Sinn Féin councillor Danny Lavery has said that childrens lives are being put at risk by ‘cowboy builders’ who are enticing families to cut corners on loft conversions.
The Republican representatives comments come in the wake of reports that some builders are offering people cut-price conversions that do not conform to proper safety standards.
“While many people are tempted to convert their roof space, perhaps to provide an extra bedroom for the kids, failure to have the work carried out properly, and to obtain all the relevant certificates, could be catastrophic”, said Councillor Lavery.
“The truth of the matter is that these attic conversions, could be putting children’s lives at risk because the builders are not putting in simple but vital, potentially life-saving features, such as smoke alarms. Building regulations are not about frills - they are about your safety,” said the Sinn Féin representative.
According to Councillor Lavery having this type of work done without following the proper procedures could end up costing homeowners a lot of money as well as lives.
“Whilst my concerns are primarily about the health and safety issue, people also need to be aware that in many instances planning permission is also required.
“I have had numerous complaints about dormer type windows having been erected without proper planning which has resulted in costing the home owner thousands of pounds to correct,” he said.
Homeowners are being told that they can save thousands of pounds by ignoring building control regulations.
Councillor Lavery has urged people to use the retrospective application process within Building Control to ensure their homes were safe.
Evidence suggests that the problem, which is citywide, is prevalent in the North Belfast area according to Donal Rogan, Building Control Manager for Belfast City Council.
Anyone who is considering a loft conversion or has any queries about building work in and around their home can contact Belfast City Council’s Building Control Service Helpline on 028 9027 0432 or visit the online site at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/building control.