What type of Building Regulations application do I need?

Best for:

• Extensions and conversions
• New builds
• Any work where you want certainty before starting
• All buildings covered by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005:

All premises that are workplaces (e.g. shops, offices and other non‑domestic buildings), and

The common areas of buildings that contain flats or maisonettes (such as shared corridors, lobbies and stairwells).

How it works

• A Full Plans application form is submitted, along with detailed construction drawings, specifications and structural information.

These documents are often prepared by a principal designer or architect, but they can be submitted by anyone acting for the applicant.

• Our registered building inspector checks the submitted plans for compliance with Building Regulations.
• If we need more information—such as structural calculations—we will request this during the plan-check stage.
• Once everything complies, we issue an Approval Notice, which is valid for three years from the date the plans and fees were deposited.
• Minor changes can usually be agreed on site as the work progresses; however, major alterations may require revised or additional plans to be submitted.

Why choose this option?

• Contractors can price the work more accurately.
• Everyone works from approved, detailed plans.
• Gives peace of mind before construction begins.

Best for:

• Smaller home projects where detailed plans are not required
• Competent contractors who understand Building Regulations well

How it works

• A Building Notice application form is submitted, along with any supporting information needed for your type of project.
• Unlike the Full Plans route, detailed construction drawings are not required upfront, but we may request additional details—such as structural calculations—during the process to confirm compliance.
• Once we have the necessary information, we will issue a Building Notice acknowledgement confirming that your project can begin.
• Our registered building inspectors will visit the site at key stages of the work. It is your responsibility (or your contractor’s) to notify us when each inspection stage is ready. [link to Inspection stages]
• Minor adjustments can usually be agreed on site. If significant issues arise, we may ask for drawings or specifications to demonstrate compliance 

Important to know

• Because work starts without approved plans, it’s important to use a contractor who is competent and up to date with Building Regulations. You are responsible for making sure they understand what is required.
• You must submit a location plan (minimum scale 1:1250) for larger works such as extensions and conversions.
• If your project is within 3 metres of a public sewer and you do not have a Build Over Agreement, you cannot use the Building Notice route. You will need to apply using the Full Plans method instead.

Applies to:

• Domestic and non‑domestic work
• Work carried out after 11 November 1985

How it works

• You submit a Regularisation application form and plans showing the work as built.
• Our inspector will ask you to expose or open up parts of the work so it can be inspected (for example, structure, insulation or drainage).
• You may need to provide extra details such as structural calculations.
• If the work meets the required standards, we issue a Regularisation Certificate, which acts like a Completion Certificate.

Reasons this may happen

• The private company has gone out of business
• They can no longer carry out inspections
• There are unresolved contraventions
• The person responsible for the work no longer wishes to use the RBCA
• The RBCA cannot or will not issue a Final Certificate

What you need to do

• Ensure a Cancellation Notice is issued by the private building control company and copied to us.
• Submit a Reversion Application form.
• We will work with you to assess the work and help bring your project to a safe, compliant completion.