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Do I need to make a Building Regulation application?

Any building project creating something new or altering or extending an existing building will usually need to comply with building regulations.

The regulations apply when any of the following are carried out:

Erect or re-erect a building or part of a building
Extend a building
Carry out external or internal alterations to a building that affect structural, fire safety, thermal performance and disabled provisions
Convert a roof space
Recover roofs or re-clad a building
Carry out underpinning
Change the use of a building or part of a building
Replace windows and doors
Insert cavity insulation
Install unvented hot water systems
Provision, extension or alteration of
- Washing and sanitary facilities and fittings
- Sanitary pipework
- Foul and rainwater drainage
- Sewage treatment plants and cesspools
- Boilers, flues, chimneys and hearths
- Fuel storage installations
- Hot water storage and controls
- Electrical installations to dwellings

Any person carrying out building work needs to ensure that work complies with the building regulations. This can apply to the client, owner, builder, designer, supplier etc.

Exemptions

There are some types of work which will be exempt from the Building Regulations and an application will not be necessary. These are summarised below.

Garages

Construction of a new attached carport, open on at least two sides, less than 30m² in floor area.
Construction of a detached garage less then 30m², subject to certain criteria.

Sheds

Construction of a small detached building such as a garden shed or summerhouse in the garden less than 15m² or if floor area is between 15 & 30m², either at least 1m from the boundary or constructed of substantially non-combustible material.

Manhole & drains

Repairing or replacing an existing drainpipe, manhole or associated fitting if the replacement is like for like.

Windows & doors

Replacing broken, fogged double glazing units, rotten sashes or rotten sections of the main frame.

Porches

Construction of a porch built at ground level under 30m² in floor area (on the proviso that the glazing and any fixed electrical installation complies with the applicable requirements of the Building Regulations).

Work on the roof

Repairing or recovering an area that is less than 25% of a pitch or flat roof.

Conservatories

A conservatory built at ground level and under 30m² in floor area (on the proviso that the glazing and any fixed electrical installation complies with the applicable requirements of the Building Regulations).

How can we help

To check whether your works require Building Regulations or Planning Permission visit the do i need permission page and download an enquiry form which will enable us to answer your queries regarding both Building Regulations and Planning Permission.