When do I need Building Regulation Approval?

• Do you need to make a Building Regulation Application?
• New from 6 April 2006 - Repairs/renovation - the new kid on the block
• Please don't forget
• Bet you didn't know that!!
• Four Steps to a successful project

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Do you need to make a Building Regulation application?

Planning Permission is concerned with the layout, use, appearance and impact of new building work on its surroundings.

However, Building Control is concerned with the Building Regulations. This controls the design and construction standards of buildings.

You will generally need to submit a Building Regulation Application before you start any building work. The following work is included :-

• New buildings.
• Extending buildings.
• Structural alterations e.g. widening existing openings, forming new openings, removing walls or chimneys.
• Loft, garage or basement conversions to habitable rooms.
• Drainage works installing new drainage or appliances, altering layout ofappliances or below ground drains. Installation of boilers and heating systems.
• Changing the current use of a building.
• Non structural alterations that affect fire safety or access for people with disabilities.
• Replacement windows in dwellings.
• Electrical installation work in dwelling houses and flats including common areas and shared amenities.

NEW FROM 6th April 2006

• Repair / renovation to the existing ' Thermal Elements ' of the building e.g. roof, wall or floor construction which affects over 25% of its relevant area. This will include the re-covering of roofs with similar materials.

Repairs/ renovations - the new kid on the block

As from 6th April 2006, anyone undertaking the repair/ renovation of the existing roof, walls or floor construction of a building, which involves the replacement of over 25% of the relevant area of the ' Thermal Element ', will require Building Regulation approval. This is the first time the Government has sought to control the repair/ renovation of the existing elements of a building. The repair/ renovation work will need to include the upgrading of the ' thermal element ' to the new thermal insulation requirements.

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Please don't forget

YES, from 1st January 2005, anyone undertaking electrical installation work to a dwelling house or flat requires Building Regulation approval, unless they use an electrician/ installer who is registered with a Competent Persons Scheme.

Further details can be viewed on our What's New page and our Electrical Safety Guidance Note download below.

Also anyone replacing existing windows, glazed doors or rooflights in an existing house also needs to consider the requirements of the Building Regulations.

Please read our advice in Customer Guide 14 which is downloadable below.

There are a number of instances where Building Regulation permission is not necessary. These are outlined in the section Buildings Which Do Not Need Permission.

A copy of the free Building Regulation Explanatory Booklet issued by the Communities and Local Government (CLG) department is either available by contacting the Building Control support team on 01628 796870 or by visiting the CLG web site at http://www.communities.gov.uk.

Please Remember

Check with your local planning officer to see whether your proposal requires Planning Permission.

Planning colleagues will be pleased to help you decide whether your proposal also requires Planning Permission. Please contact the Development Control teams either on 01628 683810.

You can also ask for a copy of a free DTLR booklet 'Planning A Guide For Householders'. This will help you to decide if your proposal requires Planning Permission.

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Bet You Didn't Know That !!!!

There are many seemingly straightforward alterations that you may consider undertaking yourself in the home, which require Building Regulation consent. We have suggested a few, although it is by no means exhaustive.

They may seem trivial, but WILL become a problem when you try to sell your property, if you have not obtained Building Regulation Approval before carrying them out. It is best therefore to get things right first time, by contacting your local Building Control Surveyor for advice before you start any work.

• Taking down an internal wall ( even if it appears to be non loadbearing ).
• Building a conservatory ( unless it is exempt from requiring a Building Regulation Application, please refer to the exemption criteria listed on our ' Buildings which do not need permission ' webpage ). But don't forget that any electrical work involving a new circuit will require Building Regulation approval irrespective of whether the conservatory is exempt or not.
• Re-covering a roof, replacing a floor or re-plastering the walls of a building.
• Moving a staircase.
• Forming a playroom in the loft.
• Installing a rooflight.
• Inserting a new door or window opening.
• Installing an unvented hot water system.
• Installing cavity insulation within existing walls.
• Converting your garage in to a habitable room.
• Removing a chimney breast.
• Changing the method of heating.
• Closing a side of your carport.
• Underpinning.
• Changing the use of a building ie into flats, barn conversions.

And Last But Not Least!!

• Electrical work involving a new circuit within a dwelling, extensions to circuits in kitchens and bathrooms as well as special installations such as outdoor lighting and power.

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  Four steps to a successful project

  Step 1

  These are just some of the possible projects that you may be thinking of undertaking. It is always best to double check for the sake of a telephone call. Please view our Contact Building Control Consultancy web page for details of your local area Building Control Surveyor.

  Step 2

  Our Making A Building Regulation Application web page, will provide guidance and advice to help decide which type of application process best suits you, as well as easing you through the process you have chosen.

  Step 3

  Once you have made an application, our Site Inspection web page will help you ensure that we are notified and are able to inspect the building work at all the relevant stages.

  Step 4

  Lastly, we will need to be informed when the work is completed on site, in order that a Completion Certificate for the work can be issued. Our Completion Certificate web page will advise you on what to do at the end of the project.

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• Replacement Windows Customer Guide

  Our Customer Guide 14 helps explain all you need to know when replacing windows and doors in your home.

  •   Replacement Windows Customer Guide (51kb) pdf

  Electrical Safety Guidance Note

  Our guidance leaflet will help explain everything you will need to know when undertaking any electrical works to your home.

  •   Electrical Safety Leaflet 151kb (pdf)