If you want to erect a new building, extend or alter an existing one or provide fittings such as drains, sanitary facilities or heat-producing appliances the regulations will probably apply. They may also apply to changes of use of an existing building even though you may not be carrying out any construction work.
Some work is exempt from building regulations. Unless you are sure that you do not need approval, we advise that you contact us.
When approval is normally required
Usually, approval is needed:
- For house extensions. However, a porch or conservatory under 30 square metres in floor area is exempt (providing that the glazing complies with the safety glazing requirements of the regulations and any electrical work is carried out by a qualified electrician)
- For a loft conversion
- To convert a garage into a habitable room
- For a car port. If it has less than two open sides and is over 30 square metres in floor area
- To underpin a building
- To re-roof a house
- For internal structural alterations to a house
- To convert a house to flats
- To install a toilet
- To replace windows
- For electrical works
- For an attached garage
- To renovate or replace a thermal element. A thermal element is defined as any external wall, floor or roof which separates a heated space from the outside. Examples include replastering or rendering substantial areas of wall, re-tiling a roof or replacing a concrete floor
When approval is not normally required
Usually, approval is not needed:
- For a car port - if it has at least two open sides and is under 30 square metres in floor area
- For minor repairs. But please check as some repairs will require approval
- To build a garden wall. But please check as some repairs will require approval
- For a detached garage. But please check as some repairs will require approval