When do I need to apply for Building Regulation approval?

You must apply for Building Regulations approval if you want to:

  • construct a building such as a new home, office, shop and so on.
  • make structural alterations to a building, eg. remove a wall or a chimney breast.
  • build an extension on an existing building.
  • convert a roofspace to be used as habitable accommodation or creating a new storey.
  • install fittings or services in a building, for example, installing or converting a central-heating system, installing a heating appliance, 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 if you require clarity on whether the works you propose to carrey out require building regaulation approval

You may also need planning permission for some of this work, so please make sure to contact our Planning Service also.

What are the Building Regulations?

The Building Regulations set performance standards for the design and construction of buildings. The Building Regulations (NI) 2012 set the current legislative requirements and building standards 

They are arranged in 15 parts:

·         Part A: Interpretation and general

·         Part B: Materials and workmanship

·         Part C: Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture

·         Part D: Structure

·         Part E: Fire safety

·         Part F: Conservation of fuel and power

·         Part G: Resistance to the passage of sound

·         Part H: Stairs, ramps, guarding and protection from impact

·         Part J: Solid waste in buildings

·         Part K: Ventilation

·         Part L: Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems

·         Part N: Drainage

·         Part P: Sanitary appliances, unvented hot water storage systems and reducing the risk of scalding

·         Part R: Access to and the use of buildings

·         Part V: Glazing

Parts B to V refer to technical booklets which give guidance. In most cases, if you follow these booklets, your building will meet the Building Regulations.

Planning Permission

Planning permission may be required for extensions and other works. For more information you should contact the Planning Service on 0300 200 7830 or visit our Planning Services.

Exemptions

You may not need to make an application for some works but they will still need to meet the Building Regulations standards, and you must make sure the builder or installer constructs them correctly. Even if you do not need to make a Building Control application you may need a planning application. Please check this with our Planning Service.

Exempt Extensions to a Building

Please click the link to download an exempt extensions to a building application form

Exempt extensions to a building can include;

  • A Conservatory
  • A Porch, covered area or covered way
  • A Carport

A room is defined as a conservatory if more than three-quarters of its roof area and more than one-half of its external walls are made of translucent material such as glass. 

Conservatories do not need an application if the:

  • floor area less than 30m
  • 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 that may be required by Part C of the Building Regulations
  • safety glazing is used if needed (Part V of the Building Regulations), and
  • the heating system is not extended into it and a fixed heating appliance is not installed. 

However, you  may need planning permission for conservatories. 

A porch must have a door into the building and an external door out of it.

Porches do not need an application if the:

  • floor area less than 5m2
  • 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 (Part V of the Building Regulations), and
  • heating is not extended into it and a fixed heating appliance is not installed.

However you may need planning permission for porches. 

Domestic greenhouses are exempt.

However, you may need planning permission for domestic greenhouses. 

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

Small detached buildings do not require an application if they are:

  • Detached single storey building with a floor area up to 15m², not used for sleeping and which is at least 1m from a dwelling
  • Detached single storey building (such as a domestic garage) with a floor area up to 30m², not used for sleeping and is either 1m or more from any dwelling or boundary, or else constructed substantially from non-combustible materials (such as with brick walls and a tiled roof).

However, you may need planning permission for carports or small detached buildings.