Q I’ve just purchased my first home, which has a garden office. Can I install a small log burner to make the space usable all year round? Emlyn Hughes, Port Talbot
A Jon Butterworth, Director of Arada Stoves, shares his mustknow expert advice…
Yes you can, but make sure you choose the right wood-burner and that you meet the approval of Building Regulations. Any stove, regardless of its heat output, requires an additional air supply if installed in a building that was built post-2008, or one that has been renovated with double glazing and high levels of insulation.
A certified installer who is registered can gain the building regulations approval for you, notifying your local authority. Alternatively, you can install the woodburner yourself, but you will need to ensure that you gain approval from your local authority building control office.
Luckily, it’s not as daunting as it sounds and you can start by making an application pretty easily online with your local council. Once you’ve done this, the next step is to have a building control officer over to inspect the work. All being well, you’ll receive a completion certification.