Most building work whether new, alterations or extensions or change of use require Building Regulations approval.

However, to answer the most frequently asked questions by members of the public the following guidance associated with DOMESTIC work has been prepared. If your proposal is not listed below, please call us.

1. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to build an extension to my house? Yes, unless the extension is exempt, for example, a porch or conservatory (see 7, 8, 9 and 10).
   
   
2. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to convert my loft into a room? Yes, this work often impacts on means of escape from the dwelling. We have therefore produced a guidance note, which is available on request or can be downloaded from our website.
   
   • See Guidance Notes
   
   
   
3. Do I need Approval to convert my garage into a habitable room? Yes, even if it is only a store or hobbies room. Again we have produced a guidance note, which is available on request or can be downloaded from our website.
   • See Guidance Notes
   
   
   
4. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to make internal alterations within my house? Yes, if the alterations are of a structural nature and will affect the stability of the building. For example, the removal or part removal of a load bearing wall, or removal of part or the whole of a chimney. Approval is also needed is the alterations affect fire safety, for example a change in layout, or if the work involves upgrading or renovation of a thermal element, for example renewal of a roof covering or replastering of an external wall.
   
   
5. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to install cavity insulation into my house? Yes. But if you use an approved installer they will generally submit a Building Notice on your behalf as a matter of course.
   
   
6. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a detached garage? No, provided that the garage meets the following conditions:
   1. It is less than 30 square metres floor area, and
   2. single storey, and
   3. at least one metre from any boundary or constructed of non-combustible materials for example brick/block, concrete panel, tiles roof, and
   4. contains no sleeping accommodation.
   
   
   Note any electrical installation installed in the garage may require approval – see item 14 below, or our guidance note, which is available on request or can be downloaded from our website.
   
   
7. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a carport? NO, provided its floor area is less than 30 square metres and it is open on at least two sides and single storey. Note any electrical installation installed in the carport may require approval – see item 14 below, or our guidance note, which is available on request or can be downloaded from our website.
   
   
8. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to provide a covered yard or covered way to my house? No, provided the floor area is less than 30 square metres. Note any electrical installation installed in the covered area may require approval – see item 14 below, or our guidance note, which is available on request or can be downloaded from our website.
   
   
9. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a porch? No providing the Porch meets the following requirements:
   1. must be single storey, and
   2. must be less than 30 square metres internal floor area, and
   3. must be separated from the dwelling via a n external quality door, and
   4. glazing in doors, adjacent windows and windows within 800mm of floor level must be safety glazing, and
   5. not contain a WC etc.
   
   
   Note any electrical installation installed in the porch may require approval – see item 14 below, or our guidance note, which is available on request or can be downloaded from our website.
   
   
10. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a conservatory? No providing the Conservatory meets the following requirements:
    1. must be single storey, and
    2. must be less than 30 square metres internal floor area, and
    3. must be separated from the dwelling via doors/windows glazed to external quality, and
    4. must not restrict exit from any escape windows/doors, and
    5. any fixed heating installed should have separate on/off controls, and
    6. must have at least 50% of its external wall area glazed, and
    7. must have a translucent roof, and
    8. glazing in doors, adjacent windows and windows within 800mm of floor level must be safety glazing.
    
    
    Note any electrical installation installed in the conservatory may require approval – see item 14 below, or our guidance note, which is available on request or can be downloaded from our website.
    
    
11. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a small detached building on my land? No, provided it contains no sleeping accommodation, is less than 30 square metres internal floor area, it is single storey and is either more that one metre from the boundary or is constructed of non-combustible materials. A detached greenhouse or shed usually falls within this class of building.Note any electrical installation installed in the building may require approval –– see item 14 below, or our guidance note, which is available on request or can be downloaded from our website.
    
    
12. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to install new or replacement windows or doors to my house? Yes, unless the work is carried out by an installer and registered with a ‘Competent Person’ self-certification scheme.
    
    
13. Do I need Building Regulations Approval to carry out repairs to my house? Generally no, if the repairs are of a minor nature and you are replacing like for like, but see also 4 above, for certain works that may need approval.
    
    
14. Do I need Building Regulations Approval to carry out any electrical work? Yes, unless the work is carried out by an installer under a ‘Competent Person’ scheme. See our guidance note for further information, which is available on request or can be downloaded from our website.
    • See Guidance Notes
    
    
    
15. Do I need Building Regulations Approval to carry out any drainage works?Yes.
    
    
16. Do I need Building Regulations Approval to install solar panels on my roof? Yes, the adequacy of the existing roof to take the increased loads will need to be assessed, and some strengthening may be required.

If Building Regulations Approval is required, your next step is to make an application.

• How to apply

If you are still unsure if approval is needed, then please complete our Householder Exemption form to find out.

• See downloadable forms