Some building types and extensions are exempt from the building regulations. This means an application doesn’t need to be submitted to building control. You might still need planning permission though, so make sure you check first with your local council planning department.

The most common exempt projects are listed below. LABC has also written a useful blog on exempt projects here.

Conservatories

A conservatory is normally exempt if it is:

• built at ground level
• less than 30m² in internal floor area
• separated from the rest of the house by external windows and doors
• glazed or translucent material is used for a minimum of 50% of the new walls and 75% of the roof
• the fixed electrical/heating installations comply with the requirements of the building regulations.

Note - You will however need building regulations approval if you need to create a new structural opening between your new exempt conservatory and the rest of your home. See how to make an application here.

Garages and carports

Would not normally need building regulations if:

• it is a new attached carport, open on at least two sides and the internal floor area is less than 30m² 
• it is a non-combustible detached garage less then 30m²  and it doesn’t contain sleeping accommodation. (If it is built of combustible materials the garage must be at least 1m from the property boundary.)

Porches

Are normally exempt if they are:

• built at ground level and less than 30m² internal floor area
• separated from the rest of the house by external windows and doors
• the fixed electrical/heating installations comply with the requirements of the building regulations.

Sheds

Small detached buildings such as a garden shed or summerhouse in the garden will not normally require building regulations if the floor area of the building is less than 15m².

If the floor area is between 15-30m² you will not normally require building regulations providing that the building is either at least 1m from the boundary or it is constructed of substantially non-combustible material.

To find a full list of exempt projects

Full details of all the exemptions can be found in Schedule 2 of the Building Regulations here. Alternatively, if you are still unsure if your project is exempt please contact us using our contact form here.