Building Regulations apply in England & Wales and promote standards for most aspects of a building’s construction, energy efficiency in buildings, the needs of all people, including those with disabilities, in accessing and moving around buildings.
Do I need Building Regulations Approval?
The majority of Building Projects require approval under the Building Regulations, these include:-
- The construction of a new House, Office, Shop, Factory, Hotel or other significant Building.
- The extension of any building, unless the extension is either a porch or conservatory (see below).
- Structural Alterations carried out on buildings, eg. removing load-bearing walls.
- Alterations to drainage systems, heating systems and hot water systems.
- Internal alterations to commercial buildings that affect means of escape in case of fire.
- Cavity Wall Insulation.
- Underpinning.
- Replacement Windows.
- Certain changes of use of Buildings.
Projects that do not Need Building Regulations
Some projects are exempt from the Building Regulations, these include:
- Most Agricultural Buildings.
- Temporary Buildings intended to remain in place for no longer than 28 days.
- Small Detached Buildings which contain no sleeping accommodation and have a floor area not exceeding 15m2 eg. garden sheds.
- Small Detached Buildings with a floor area not exceeding 30m2 which contain no sleeping accommodation and are either substantially non-combustible or are located at least 1m from the property boundary eg. Detached single or small double garages of masonry construction.
- Porches with a floor area not exceeding 30m2 so long as a door is retained in the current front door position.
- Conservatories with a floor area not exceeding 30m2 providing that the conservatory is separated from the house, is single storey, substantially glazed and has a translucent roof.
- Carports open on at least two sides.
- Covered ways.
If you are in any doubt as to whether your particular project requires Building Regulation approval please get in touch.