Building Regulations The following FAQ’s are given for guidance:

1. Do I need a Building Regulation approval to build an extension† on my house?

Yes - unless the extension comprises exempt Building work† .

2. Do I need Building Regulation approval to convert† my loft into a room?

Yes.

3. Do I need Building Regulation approval to convert† my garage into a habitable room?

Yes.

4. Do I need Building Regulation approval to make internal alterations† within my house?

Yes - if the alterations are of a structural nature such as the removal of a load bearing construction – e.g. a wall partition, joist, beam, or chimney breast; or the creation of a wider opening. You also need approval if, in altering a house, work is necessary to maintain the means of escape in case of fire.

5. Do I need Building Regulation approval to install replacement windows† in my house?

Yes - unless the work is carried out by an approved person who is a member of a self certification scheme.

Approval is not required for replacing only the glass (ie the frame remains).

6. Do I need Building Regulation approval toconstruct a detached garage† ?

No - provided its floor area is less than 30 square metres in total and it is either situated more than one metre from the boundary or is built substantially of non-combustible materials.

7. Do I need Building Regulation approval to construct a carport† ?

No -provided its floor area is less than 30 square metres and it is open on at least two sides.

8. Do I need Building Regulation approval to construct a porch† ?

No, provided its floor area is less than 30 square metres and any glazing is toughened or laminated.

9. Do I need Building Regulation approval to construct a conservatory† ?

No - provided the floor area is less than 30 square metres, the roof is glazed with transparent or translucent material, the wall glazing is toughened or laminated and the proposal will not form an extension to an existing room. Please Contact the Building Control section for details.

10. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct certain detached buildings† on my land?

No, provided they contain no sleeping accommodation and are:

i) not more than 15 square metres in floor area, or

ii) not more than 30 square metres in floor area and situated at least 1 metre from the site boundary or constructed substantially from non-combustible materials.

11. Do I need Building Regulation approval to underpin† my house?

Yes - this is a structural alteration.

12. Do I need Building Regulation approval to construct a boundary wall† ?

No.

13. Do I need Building Regulation approval to install an unvented water system† ?

Yes.

14. Do I need Building Regulation approval to install or alter the position of a w.c, bath, etc.† ?

Yes - where the work involves new drainage or requires alterations/connections to the existing above or below ground drainage system.

15. Do I need Building Regulation approval to turn my house into flats?

Yes.

16. Do I need Building Regulation approval tocarry out repairs† to my house?

No - if the repairs are of a minor nature and you are replacing like for like. Otherwise yes. Please Contact the Building Control section for details.

We provide full pre-build building regulation services

Architectural and Structural CAD drawings.

Building Regulation Applications and submissions

Sap calculations

Structural steel and timber calculations

Material listing and costing

Specifications

PDF	File Size	Building Regulation Guides Description
Building Regulations Explanatory Booklet	1.16 MB	A full overview on the legal Building Regulations in England & Wales (relevant to anyone planning to carry out building projects).
Party Wall etc. ACT 1196_Booklet	1.09 MB	Explanation on how the Part Wall Act may affect you if you’re planning to carry out work covered by the Act or receive notification under the Act of proposed work by your neighbours.
Part L & Part P Changes - April 2005	283 KB	The energy efficiency and electrical safety measures introduced as part of the Government’s strategy to tackle climate change.
Domestic Heating Compliance Guide - April 2006	757 KB	Guidance on complying with the Building Regulations Part L for conventional space heating systems and hot water service systems in properties.