Do I Need Building Control?

Types of work that require building control consent

Building regulations apply to most new buildings and certain alterations. They can also apply when the use of a building is changed. In general, most building work needs formal approval.

Types of work that need approval
  • Erection of a new building
  • Re-erection of an existing building
  • Extension of a building
  • Material alteration or change of use of a building
  • Installation, alteration or extension of a controlled service or fitting to a building – for example a new boiler or new external window.
Examples
  • Home extensions such as for a kitchen, bedroom, lounge or 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
  • 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
  • Repairing or replacing more than 25% of the surface area of a roof
  • Installation of cavity wall insulation
  • Access improvements for disabled people
  • Replacement windows and doors
  • Electric installations such as installing a new consumer unit or a new electric shower unit

What is exempt from needing a building regulations application?

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.

Usually exempt if: Won’t be exempt if:
Conservatories
  • It is built at ground level
  • It is smaller than 30 square metres
  • It is separated from the house by external doors or windows
  • At least 50% of the walls are glass or translucent material
  • At least 75% of the roof is glass or translucent material
  • Any fixed electrics or heating meet Building Regulations standards
  • You are planning to create a new structural opening (for example, removing a load‑bearing wall) between the house and the conservatory
  • The conservatory is open plan to the house
  • It is larger than 30 square metres
Garages and Carports
  • It is a new attached carport and
    • open on at least two sides
    • smaller than 30 square metres
  • It is a detached garage and
    • smaller than 30 square metres
    • does not include sleeping accommodation
    • made from non‑combustible materials
  • If the garage is made from combustible materials, it must be at least 1 metre from the boundary.
  • The garage is larger than 30 square metres
  • It includes sleeping accommodation
  • A combustible garage is closer than 1 metre to the boundary
  • Structural work affects the main house
Porches
  • It is built at ground level
  • It is smaller than 30 square metres
  • It is separated from the house by external doors or windows
  • Any fixed electrics or heating meet Building Regulations standards
  • The porch is open to the house with no external door
  • It is larger than 30 square metres
  • Structural alterations are made to the existing house
Sheds and Garden Buildings
  • The building is smaller than 15 square metres

or

  • It is 15–30 square metres and at least 1 metre from the boundary

or

  • Built from non‑combustible materials
  • It is larger than 30 square metres
  • It is used for sleeping accommodation
  • A combustible building is within 1 metre of the boundary

Need help?

If you’re not sure whether your project is exempt, please contact us using our contact form and we’ll be happy to advise.