FAQs

Question

Answer

For DOMESTIC work (houses / flats)

If the work you are proposing affects or alters the structure of a building or its energy efficiency, the electrics or the drainage of an existing building,or if you wish to erect a new building, then yes you probably do need Building Regulation approval, most building work does.

Before you start any work, you will need to submit a Building Regulation Application.

For example:

• New houses and barn conversions.
• Certain outbuildings, garages and some garden sheds
• Home extensions and some conservatories
• Structural alterations e.g. widening window or door openings, new window or door openings, removing walls or chimneys.
• Re-covering a roof with different roofing materials.
• Conversion of the loft, garage or basement into a room.
• Alterations of drains below the ground or laying new drainage.
• Installation of boilers and heating systems.
• Changing the Use of a building.
• Replacing windows, glazed doors or installing a roof light
• Alterations to electrical circuits or new installation work including external circuits for fountains or garden lighting.
• Underpinning foundations

Notes:

• Don't rush into making an application, once you have decided what work you would like to do, read our section on exemptions to building regulations, as with all legislation, there are some exceptions to the rule.
• Remember building regulation approval is NOT the same as planning permission. See What is the difference between planning permission and building regulation?

For WORKPLACES,COMMERCIAL and INDUSTRIAL- Including Offices, Schools, nurseries, Shops, sports halls, village halls, pubs, clubs cinemas, factories, garden centres.

If the work you are proposing affects or alters the structure of an existing building, its energy efficiency, the means of escape or its drainage,or if you wish to erect a new building an extension or new drainage, then yes you probably do need Building Regulation approval, most building work does.

Before you start any work you will need to submit a Building Regulation Application.

We will consult with the fire and rescue service as part of the building regulation process and will forward any comments they wish to make under other legislation.

Work that approval needs to be sought for includes:

• New extensions
• Alterations to the Means of Escape
• Increasing the floor load (strengthening work)
• Structural alterations e.g. widening window or door openings, new window or door openings, removing walls
• Moving or adding internal partition walls
• Mezzanine floors
• Portacabin offices or facilities (in place for more than 28 days)
• Re-covering a roof with different roofing materials.
• Bringing an exempt building into commercial use.
• Alterations of drains below the ground or laying new drainage.
• Changing the Use of a building.
• Underpinning foundations

Notes:

• Remember building regulation approval is not the same as planning permission. See What is the difference between planning permission and building regulation?