What are the building
regulations and when do they apply?
What are the Building Regulations?
The Secretary of State has powers conferred on him to
make regulations, whereby the health and safety of persons in or
about buildings is safeguarded. Building Regulations
achieve this by setting minimum requirements contained within a
series of Approved Documents A to P, which cover the following
matters:
A) Structure
B) Fire
C) Site preparation and resistance to moisture
D) Toxic substances
E) Sound insulation
F) Ventilation
G) Hygiene
H) Drainage and waste disposal
J) Heat producing appliances
K) Stairways ramps and guards
L) Conservation of fuel and power
M) Facilities for disabled
N) Glazing
P) Electrical Safety
Click here for the
Approved Documents list on the Planning Portal 
When do Building Regulations apply?
Most new building work must meet the minimum standards
of the Building Regulations.
If you are thinking of undertaking major building work you may very
likely need Building Regulations approval. If you are extending or
altering your house, you will also need approval although some work
may be exempt.
Building Regulation approval is required if you want
to:-
- Build a new dwelling, factory, shop, offices etc.
- Change the use of a building, which is not a dwelling to a
dwelling.
- Extend your home by constructing an extension
- Internally alter your home by removal of load bearing walls, or
provide a bathroom, shower, and toilet or alter the drainage.
- Convert the loft
- Put in cavity wall insulation
- Provide new chimneys, fireplaces or flues
- Convert garage to a habitable room
- Underpin foundations
- Replace an existing building with an identical one, even in the
same position.
- Boilers & Heating Systems
- Provide new window openings in the existing walls or roof and
the replacement of existing windows
- New/alterations to electrical systems
