Do I need approval?
In general most building work requires building regulation
approval which includes the erection of a new building or
re-erection of an existing building, extension of a building
or material alteration to a building, material change of
use of a building installation and alteration or extension of
a controlled service or fitting to a building.
Typical examples of work needing approval include:
- home extensions such as: a kitchen, bedroom, lounge, larger
conservatories or loft conversions
- internal structural alterations, such as the removal of a
load-bearing wall or partition.
- installation of certain heat producing appliances
- new chimneys or flues
- installation of baths, showers, WCs which involve new drainage
or waste plumbing
- underpinning of foundations
- altered openings for new windows in roofs or walls
- replacing roof coverings
- installation of cavity insulation (unless the work
is carried out under an approved Competent person
Scheme)
- erection of new buildings, that are not exempt
- access improvements for disabled people.
- replacement windows
- most domestic electrical systems - new or replacement - inside
or outside
Exemptions
There are certain buildings and works that are exempt from
control. This is generally because they are buildings controlled by
other legislation or are not normally occupied. These include:
- small detached buildings
- buildings not frequented by people
- greenhouses and agricultural buildings
- temporary buildings (temporary in this case means no more than
28 days)
- certain porches and conservatories to dwellings (less than 30m2
and subject to the installation of appropriate safety glazing)
Non-compliance with the building regulations
We prefer to work with our customers in order to meet minimum
acceptable building standards rather than take action for a breach
of the regulations. Formal enforcement action is usually taken as a
last resort and is very rare. Contravention of the building
regulations is a criminal offence and action may be taken under
section 35 of the Building Act 1984, against a person who
contravenes them. You may appeal against this judgement and
ultimately the situation will be brought to the attention of the
Local Magistrates Court. If convicted, that person is liable to be
fined up to £5,000 for each offence and may also have to pay a
daily fine if the default continues after conviction.
Section 36 of the Building Act allows a Notice to be served
requiring the owner: (a) to pull down or remove any work
contravening the Regulations or (b) to bring the work into
compliance with the Regulations. Please remember we are here to
help you. Should you have a problem in complying with building
standards, please contact us as soon as possible and we will
endeavour to help you "engineer" an appropriate solution.
What are the Health and Safety Responsibilities?
The regulation of Health and Safety of the construction process
itself on most building sites comes within the remit of the Health
and Safety Executive (HSE).
Clients, contractors and designers may have duties under health
and safety legislation and may need to notify the Health and Safety
Executive (HSE). Find out more about the Construction
(Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007). Although a
domestic client does not have duties under CDM 2007, those who work
for them on construction projects will.