Building regulation drawings are technical drawings that set out in detail such as construction methods and types of materials that should be used throughout the build.

• New Build Residential Properties.
• Extensions and Alterations.
• Change of Use.
• Internal Structural Alterations.
• Loft and Garage Conversions.
• Installing a WC.
• Loft Conversions

*  Please note this list is not exhaustive, if you require further information contact you’re local building control office or contact us.

Building Regulation approval can be obtained through either a Full Plans Application or for smaller DIY projects a Building Notice. A full plans application comprises of a completed application form, a detailed set of building regulation drawings and the correct fee. Throughout the Building Regulations process a building control inspector will visit the site to make sure that the work which has been undertaken meets the required standards.

A full plans application will need to include a completed application form, the correct fee and a detailed set of plans.  Once the submission is deemed fit for purpose, you will be issued a pre-construction plans approval notice stating that they have been sanctioned.

Once works start on site Building Control will inspect the work to ensure compliance at particular stages.

• Commencement
• Excavations before concrete is poured
• Foundations after concrete is poured
• Oversite before covering up any hardcore plus damp proof course
• Drains laid before and after they are covered
• Drains test before occupation

Once building work is finished the project has to go through a completion inspection for and a completion certificate will be issued. This is a vital piece of paper and will be needed if you want to re-mortgage or sell your home in the future.

Although we would not generally recommend it unless there are pressing circumstances, building notices can used for small domestic DIY alterations, and require only a completed application form and the correct fee.  Moreover, you can start work two days after your notice is submitted. You do not get a formal approval as you do with full plans.  It

You can apply for regularisation that is a retrospective approval for work already carried out without consent from a local authority Building Control body only, but only if the work was carried out after the 11th November 1985.

Obtaining Building Regulation Approval from you’re the Local Authority is a legal requirement when carrying out certain types of building work. If you chose to carry out applicable work without Planning Permission it can lead to enforcement action being taken by the local authority.

If you think you should not have to comply, ask your local authority to ignore all relaxed one or more to the Building Regulations.  Private Building Control body is unable to do this.

If you think your project Y should not have to comply with Building Regulations you can appeal. Alternatively, ask for a determination if you have been refused approval and you think the decision unfair.

If your authority still says you have to comply you can appeal to cut government and will have a month to make the appeal.

Building Regulations are regularly being updated, and consist of parts A-P. Below is a brief explanation of each.

This part is concerned with the structural stability of buildings. Areas covered include design of foundations, walls, floors and roof components and also in limiting the extent to which parts of the building may collapse if a major catastrophe, like a gas explosion occurs.

Approved Document A – Structural Safety 

This part includes requirement for providing early warning of a developing fire, satisfactory escape routes, preventing fire spread both within and to other buildings and providing good access and fire fighting facilities for the Fire Services.

Approved Document B – Fire safety 

This part contains the recommendations of making sure your property remains free from damp penetration, condensation, from any contamination that may be in the ground, and watertight.

Approved Document C – Site Preparation and Resistance to Contaminates and Moisture 

This part provides guidance on the prevention of toxic substances permeating into the building when inserting insulation into cavity walls.

Approved Document D – Toxic Substances 

This part includes requirement aimed at reducing sound transference between dwellings, flats, from certain types of rooms and between communal areas and dwellings.

Approved Document E – Resistance to the Passage of Sound 

This part provides for adequate levels of ventilation to buildings and prevention of condensation forming in roof voids.

Approved Document F – Ventilation 

This part is concerned with providing sanitary conveniences and adequate washing facilities. It also includes requirements associated with unvented hot water storage installations.

Approved Document G – Hygiene 

This part deals with the disposal of sewerage, waste water and storm water drainage together with details for solid waste storage (household refuse).

Approved Document H – Drainage and Waste Disposal 

This part covers safety requirements when installing either solid fuel, gas or oil heating appliances.

Approved Document J – Combustion Appliance and Fuel Storage Systems 

This part is concerned with staircase design, headroom, handrails, balustrading and guarding of landings, balconies and other raised areas.

Approved Document K – Protection from Falling, Collision and Impact 

This part provides minimum standards of energy efficiency to all parts of the building. This section also provides design criteria for space heating and hot water storage.

Approved Document L – Conservation of Fuel and Power 

This part deals with the design of buildings to enable all people to gain access, and be able to use the facilities of the building. It also includes requirements to help people with sight, hearing and mobility impairments use buildings.

Approved Document M – Access to and Use of Buildings 

This area is concerned with providing safety glass in critical locations (glazing you are likely to walk into or fall against).

Approved Document N – Glazing Safety

• Dwelling houses and flats;
• Dwelling and business premises that have a common supply – for example shops and public houses with a flat above;
• Shared amenities of blocks of flats such as laundries and gymnastics.

• In or on land associated with the buildings – for example Part P applies to fixed lighting and
• Pond pumps in gardens;
• In outbuildings such as sheds, detached garages and greenhouses.

Approved Document P – Electrical Safety

Approved Document for Regulation 7 – Material and Workmanship