Do I Need Building Regulations Approval? A Complete Homeowner's Guide

Building regulations are a set of minimum standards for the design, construction, and alteration of buildings in England. They are set out in the Building Regulations 2010 and supported by Approved Documents (Parts A through T). Building regulations are separate from planning permission – you may need both, one, or neither.

When Is Building Regulations Approval Required?

Approval is generally required when you:

• Erect a new building (including outbuildings above 30m²)
• Extend an existing building
• Carry out structural alterations (removing walls, altering roofs, underpinning foundations)
• Install or alter a heating system
• Replace windows and external doors (unless via a FENSA-registered installer)
• Replace a roof covering
• Install a new bathroom where there is no existing drainage provision
• Carry out a material change of use (e.g. converting a house into flats)

Common Exemptions

Detached single-storey buildings under 30m² at least 1m from the boundary; conservatories and porches under 30m² separated from the house by doors/windows; routine like-for-like repairs; FENSA-registered window replacements; single-storey garages under 30m².

What Happens Without Approval?

Carrying out notifiable work without approval is a criminal offence under the Building Act 1984. The local authority can require work to be altered or demolished. Lack of approval will appear in property searches when you sell. Retrospective regularisation is possible for work done after November 1985.

How to Apply

Submit a Full Plans Application or Building Notice to local authority building control or a Registered Building Control Approver. Competent person schemes (FENSA, Gas Safe, NAPIT, etc.) allow registered tradespeople to self-certify certain types of work.

Completion Certificate

On satisfactory completion, the building control body issues a Completion Certificate. Keep this document – it is required for property sales and may be requested by mortgage lenders.

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