Do I need approval?

Building work needing formal approval

General points are given here but for more information try the
Direct Gov Building Regulations web page.

In general, most building work requires building regulation approval and includes the:

erection of a new building or re-erection of an existing building
extension of a building
material alteration of a building
material change of use of a building
installation, alteration or extension of a controlled service or fitting to a building.

Typical examples of work needing approval include:

home extensions such as: a kitchen, bedroom, lounge, larger conservatories
loft conversions
internal structural alterations, such as the removal of a load-bearing wall or partition.
installation of certain heat producing appliances
new chimneys or flues
installation of baths, showers, WCs which involve new drainage or waste plumbing
underpinning of foundations
altered openings for new windows in roofs or walls
replacing roof coverings, unless exactly 'like-for-like' repair
installation of cavity insulation
erection of new buildings, that are not exempt
access improvements for disabled people.
replacement windows
most domestic electrical systems - new or replacement - inside or outside

Exemptions to the Building Regulations

There are certain buildings and works that are exempt from control. This is generally because they are buildings controlled by other legislation or are not normally occupied. These include:

small detached buildings
buildings not frequented by people
greenhouses and agricultural buildings
temporary buildings (temporary in this case means no more than 28 days)
certain porches and conservatories to dwellings (less than 30m² and subject to the installation of appropriate safety glazing)

Non-compliance with the Building Regulations

We prefer to work with our customers in order to meet minimum acceptable Building Standards, rather than take action for a breach of the Regulations. Formal enforcement action is usually taken as a last resort and is very rare.

Contravention of the Building Regulations is a criminal offence and action may be taken under Section 35 of the Building Act 1984, against a person who contravenes them. You may appeal against this judgement and ultimately the situation will be brought to the attention of the Local Magistrates Court. If convicted, that person is liable to be fined up to £5,000 for each offence and may also have to pay a daily fine if the default continues after conviction. Section 36 of the Building Act allows a Notice to be served requiring the owner: (a) to pull down or remove any work contravening the Regulations or (b) to bring the work into compliance with the Regulations.

Please remember we are here to help you. Should you have a problem in complying with Building Standards, please contact us as soon as possible and we will endeavour to help you "engineer" an appropriate solution.

If you are in any doubt please call, write, or email with details of your particular proposal, see our Who to Contact section.

This page was last updated on 3 October 2009