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.