Building Regulations

DO I NEED BUILDING REGULATION APPROVAL?

Not all building work will need Building Regulation approval. Here are some examples:

WORK THAT DOES NOT NEED APPROVAL

EXTENSIONS TO YOUR HOUSE:
Conservatories, porches, covered ways and car ports are exempt if:

- They are at ground level;

- Their floor area is less than 30 square metres;

- A suitable grade of safety glazing is used.

DETACHED BUILDINGS
Garages of masonry, with tiled or slated roof, up to 30 square metres can be built anywhere on your site. Timber framed buildings of the same floor area must be kept at least 1 metre from the boundary. Sheds or greenhouses up to 15 square metres can be built anywhere within the garden.

WORK THAT NEEDS BUILDING REGULATION APPROVAL

Most other building work needs Building Regulation consent. For example:

- All other house extensions including attached garages;

- Loft conversions;

- Detached buildings with a floor area exceeding 30 square metres;

- Any building that contains sleeping areas;

- Structural alterations;

- Converting a house into flats;

- Services (eg drainage, unvented hot water systems, solid or gas fuel appliances);

- Cavity wall insulation.

Please note that these notes are only meant as a guide. Always fill out the domestic extensions and building questionnaire for a definite answer. Forms are available from your Local Authority Building Control Department.