Getting started with your building project
What they are (legal standards)
Building Regulations are legal rules set by the government. They apply to most building work and set minimum standards for how buildings are designed and built, so they are safe and fit to use.
The government also publishes technical guidance, often referred to as Approved Documents, or “rainbow regs”. These set out practical ways to meet the Building Regulations. They are not the law, but they are widely used to show that the requirements have been met.
These rules help protect people and cover things like structure, fire safety, ventilation, drainage, access, and energy use. This helps make buildings safe, healthy, and efficient.
When you need them
You need Building Regulations approval for many types of work. This includes new buildings, extensions, loft conversions, and some changes to electrics, plumbing, or structure. Even small projects may need approval, so it’s important to check first.
For guidance, see our Do I Need Building Control? and What type of Building Regulations application do I need?
Difference from planning permission
Building Regulations and planning permission are different. Planning permission looks at what you can build and where. Building Regulations focus on how the work is carried out to make sure it is safe. You may need both. For an overview, see our guide on the Difference between planning permission and building regulations
How the process works
The process is designed to support you at every stage, for a simple overview of each step, see our Building Control Process: A Quick Guide.
