What do I need Building Regulation approval for?
You must apply for Building Regulation approval if you want to:
- construct a new building such as a home, office, shop etc.
- make structural alterations to an existing building, e.g. remove a wall or a chimney breast
- build an extension to an existing building
- convert a roof space to be used as habitable accommodation or create a new storey
- install fittings or services in a building, such as installing or converting a central heating system, installing a heating appliance, a flue, or unvented hot water system
- install a solar panel or other renewable-energy technology that serves the building
- alter or install drainage or provide new sanitary accommodation such as a toilet or bathroom
- make material change of use to a building, such as the conversion of offices into flats
- provide access ramps and other facilities for people with disabilities
- install cavity wall insulation or roof space insulation
This list is not exhaustive. Please contact our office using the details below if you require clarity on whether the works you propose carrying out require building regulation approval.
What happens if I carry out works without building control approval?
This could result in one, or all of the following:
- enforcement action (legal action) against you - you will have to make the appropriate application (Regularisation) and may face court proceedings and fines if work is not made good to the appropriate standards. (will be linked to regularisation section)
- extra costs - you may have to pay to make alterations or in the worst case, you may have to remove the works you have carried out
- delays in home conveyancing- you may not be able to sell or re-mortgage your property, or face delays when moving home
Exemptions
You may not need to make an application for certain works, but they will still need to meet the standards of Building Regulations and you must make sure the builder or installer constructs them correctly.
It is advisable to submit an application to confirm the works you intend to do are exempt from the building regulations. You can use the links below:
Exempt extensions to a building can include:
- a conservatory
- a porch, covered area or covered way
- domestic greenhouses
- a carport
- certain small, detached buildings
Conservatories do not need an application if the:
- floor area is less than 30m²
- area is separated from main building by exterior quality doors to retain the thermal performance of the existing building
- construction gives resistance to moisture and other ground contaminants
- safety glazing is used if needed
- the heating system is not extended into it and a fixed heating appliance is not installed
- if more than three-quarters of its roof area and more than one-half of its external walls are made of translucent material
Porches do not need an application if:
- the floor area less than 5m²
- the construction provides resistance to moisture and other ground contaminants that may be required by Part C of the Building Regulations
- safety glazing is used if needed (as required by Part V of the Building Regulations)
- heating from the building is not extended into it and a fixed heating appliance is not installed within the porch area
- there is a door into another section of the building and an external door from it
A carport does not need an application if it is open on at least 2 sides and has a floor area of less than 30m².
Certain small, detached buildings do not require an application if they are:
- detached single-storey buildings with a floor area up to 15m², not used for sleeping and are at least one metre from a dwelling
- detached single-storey building (such as a domestic garage) with a floor area up to 30m², not used for sleeping and either one metre or more from any dwelling or boundary, or else constructed substantially from non-combustible materials (such as brick walls and a tiled roof)
Planning permission
It is advisable to check with our Planning Service to see if the works require an approval for planning permission. Even if you do not need to make a building control application, you may still need to make a planning application.
For more information, you should phone the Planning Service on 0300 200 7830 or visit the planning webpage using this link.