When do the Building Regulations Apply?

The following types of work are subject to a Building Regulations approval:

The erection or extension of a building;
The installation or extension of a service or fitting which is controlled under the regulations:
An alteration project involving work which will temporarily or permanently affect the ongoing compliance of the building, service or fitting with the requirements relating to structure, fire, or access to and use of buildings;
The insertion of insulation into a cavity wall; and
The underpinning of the foundations of a building.

Projects which involve changing the use of an existing building may also be subject to an approval where the building as a whole no longer complies with the requirements for its new type of use.

Should the Building Regulations apply to your project, the works themselves must meet the relevant technical requirements in Schedule 1 and they must not make other fabric, services or fittings less compliant than they previously were.

It is worth bearing in mind that where a project is not subject to the Building Regulations, it may still be subject to other statutory regulations. Some works may also affect the compliance of your neighbours property. Points to watch out for are, for example:

Work involving any form of construction close to your own home or your neighbours boundary which might, for example; obstruct ventilation grills to ground floors, obstruct or cause the malfunctioning of boiler flues, or produce boiler fumes that are a nuisance to a neighbour.
Adding a floor screed or decking to an existing balcony. This may not always be subject to control under the Building Regulations but may result in a reduction in the effective height of the balconys guardrail.
The removal of a tree close to a wall of your house or an adjoining property. This could affect the foundations or structural stability of the building.

If you are in doubt as to whether your works are subject to a Building Regulations approval, or require additional advice in cases where no formal approval service is required, please feel free to contact us for further guidance on 0207 491 1914, or consult the legislation at: www.communities.gov.uk

For further information please contact: Paul Timmins/Andrew Maple on 020 7491 1914.

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Approved Inspector Services

When do the Building Regulations Apply?