Building Regulation Applications
What work requires building regulations?
Unauthorised work that has been carried out without Building Regulation consent will cause problems in the future when the property is sold.
In general, most building work needs formal approval and the type of work covered includes the:
- erection of a new building or re-erection of an existing building
- extension of a building
- material alteration of a building
- material change of use of a building
- installation, alteration or extension of a controlled service or fitting to a building
Typical examples of work needing approval include:
- home extensions such as for a kitchen, bedroom, lounge
loft conversions - internal structural alterations such as the removal of a load-bearing wall or partition,installation of baths, showers, WCs which involve new drainage or waste plumbing, installation of new heating appliances other than electric
- new chimneys or flues
- underpinning of foundations
- alterations that affect the building's means of escape or fire precautions
- altered openings for new windows in roofs or walls
- replacing roof coverings unless exactly 'like for like' repair
- installation of cavity insulation
- erection of new buildings that are not exempt
- access improvements for disabled people
- replacement windows and doors (unless the contractor is FENSA registered)
- electrical work in dwellings (including electrical work in detached garages, sheds and external lighting)
Exemptions to the Building Regulations
There are certain buildings and work that are exempt from control. This is generally because they are buildings controlled by other legislation and include:
- buildings not frequented by people
- greenhouses and agricultural buildings
- temporary buildings (less than 28 days)
- small detached buildings such as small detached garages