Extractor fans in kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms.

dtec dave · May 25, 2017

Morning..

Just wondering if anyone knows what official building regs state about having to install the above when doing a refurb of house?

I have had building control officers tell me in the past that fans are required in kitchens bathrooms and utility rooms, but I can't find anything in the building regs (approved document F) which backs this up.

I have a customer who says he doesn't want them and I have told him he has to have them...anybody help??

Paul228 · May 25, 2017

I'd guessing, so don't take this as gospel.
It use to be that you only had to fit extractor fans in a kitchen or bathroom if they didn't have access to free flowing air. Ie, no outside opening window. They will need an overrun timer if there is no outside window.
A ducted cooker hood would suffice for a kitchen.
I'll ask my building inspector friend his views when he's home

ruston · May 25, 2017

You can download all the approved documents on the Gov Site.
Ventilation: Approved Document F - GOV.UK - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ventilation-approved-document-f

Section 7 is existing dwellings. 7.23

ruston · May 25, 2017

Paul228 said:
I'd guessing, so don't take this as gospel.
It use to be that you only had to fit extractor fans in a kitchen or bathroom if they didn't have access to free flowing air. Ie, no outside opening window. They will need an overrun timer if there is no outside window.
A ducted cooker hood would suffice for a kitchen.
I'll ask my building inspector friend his views when he's home

You are about spot on.

Paul228 · May 25, 2017

Spot on Ruston.
Page 40. 7.23.
Basically if you are doing building works, then you you can't make the ventilation worse ie if it had a fan or cooker hood to the outside then you have to maintain or replace.
If it didn't, and you have opening Windows, then there is no requirement to fit one.