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Building regulations

What are building regulations?

Building regulations are a set of national minimum standards created by central government. Their main purpose is to ensure the health and safety of the occupants of all types of buildings as well as energy conservation and the provision of access and facilities for disabled persons.

When do the building regulations apply?

A building regulation application (either full plans or building notice) will be required if you intend to:-

erect a new building or extend an existing building
carry out a structural alteration to a building including underpinning and re-roofing
make alterations to the internal layout of a building
install a WC or other waste appliance
install a heat producing appliance unless the work is carried out by a person registered under a competent person scheme approved by the Department for Communities and Local Government
install domestic electrical systems unless the work is carried out by a person registered under a competent person scheme approved by the Department for Communities and Local Government
install cavity wall insulation
change the use of an existing building so that it now is or contains a dwelling, flat, hotel or boarding house, where previously it did no
change the use of an existing building to one that is used as an institution or public building where previously it was not.

What are the requirements of the building regulations?

The building regulations are supported by approved documents. These provide guidance to meet the requirements of the principle regulations. Alternative methods to the approved documents can be acceptable but should be discussed with us before final design stage work is undertaken. The building regulations and approved documents cover the following topics:-