Building Regulations Explained: What They Are and Why You Need Them
Building regulations are essential legal requirements enforced by Building Control to ensure that new builds, loft conversions, renovations, and extensions—whether residential or commercial—meet standards for safety, health, and performance.
Obtaining building regulation approval is a legal requirement mandated by the government and is a crucial step in any construction project.
In this article, we will delve deeper into what these regulations entail, outline the steps necessary to secure building regulation approval and answer frequently asked questions to help you navigate the process with confidence.
What are the requirements of the building regulations?
Building regulations cover many aspects of a project, including structural integrity, fire safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, acoustic performance, fall protection, and electrical and gas safety.
Additionally, these regulations establish standards for drainage systems, ventilation, resistance to water ingress, and safeguards against contamination from hazardous substances like methane and radon gas.
Projects that require building regulations approval include:
Constructing a new building
Extending or altering an existing structure
Converting a loft
Installing services or fittings within a building, such as drainage systems, replacement windows, or any type of fuel-burning appliances
Undertaking various electrical works within buildings
Learn more about building regulation requirements on the official government website.
When do I need to obtain building regulation approval?
You will need to obtain building regulation approval once your planning permission application is granted.
In most instances, both planning permission and building regulation approval are necessary. However, in certain cases, such as internal alterations, building regulation approval may be required even when planning permission is not.
Still need to obtain planning permission? At FORMA Architecture, we support you throughout the planning application process. To give your application the best chance of approval, we provide the planning officer with comprehensive drawings illustrating the building's thoughtful response to the surrounding cultural, historical, and environmental landscape. We also detail the structure’s form, scale, orientation, material, and more.
What drawings do I need for building regulations?
For building regulations approval, you will need a full technical drawing set. Your architectural designer will create the set for you and submit it to Building Control for building regulations approval, and to an engineer for their input pertaining to the structure.
The technical drawing set will comprise detailed, dimensioned drawings that illustrate extensive information, including material assembly within foundations, floors, walls, and roof, along with structural, insulation, waterproofing, and air-tightness details. The set will also include building services drawings (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), along with specifications and schedules covering materials, doors and windows, rainwater goods, fixtures, trims, and more.
How much does building regulation approval cost?
Building regulation costs for single dwellings in the UK vary by local council and are influenced by factors such as the project’s size and complexity. Each council establishes its fees, typically ranging from around £100 for minor works to several hundred pounds for more extensive renovations or new builds.
Generally, projects involving single dwellings incur lower costs compared to larger developments. It’s essential to consult your local authority for specific fees, as well as any additional charges related to inspections and plan assessments, to ensure your project stays compliant and within budget.
How do I submit a building regulations application?
You can submit your plans through either Local Authority Building Control (LABC) or a private building control service, where you’ll be assigned a private approved inspector for your project. The choice between the two is yours. There are three main application types available:
Full plans: This is the most comprehensive option, requiring detailed drawings and specifications. The approval process can take up to five weeks, or up to two months with your consent. A certificate of completion is issued eight weeks after your building works are finished.
Building notice: This application is suitable for smaller projects and allows you to start building work two days after submission. However, it does not provide formal approval like the Full Plans route.
Regularisation: This is a retrospective application for work that has already been completed without the necessary consent. Only building works carried out after November 1985 are eligible for this application.
In most cases, especially for extensions or new builds, the full plans application is the typical method used, as it ensures a thorough review and formal approval, providing peace of mind and compliance with building regulations.
When will I receive building regulation approval?
Acquiring building regulations approval through a Full Plans application typically takes up to five weeks for a decision, or up to two months if you consent to an extended timeframe. Following approval, a certificate of completion is issued eight weeks after the building works are finished. It’s important to check with the specific local council, as individual processing times can vary based on their workload and procedures. Planning ahead and submitting your application early can help ensure a smoother project timeline.
What happens if building regulations are not met?
Don’t panic. Your architectural designer will work with Building Control to understand their concerns, answer their questions, and incorporate any feedback into your technical drawing set.
It's important to address any issues promptly to avoid delays in the construction process. Overall, open communication and cooperation with the Building Control team is key to resolving any compliance concerns effectively.
What happens after building regulation approval?
You can then take your architectural designer's technical drawing package and submit it for tender, which is a term used for soliciting quotes from builders for the cost of construction. Once you’ve settled on a quote you’re happy with, you can carry out the work!
Secure building regulation approval with FORMA Architecture
Taking the necessary steps toward achieving your house goals can be daunting. The process of obtaining planning and building regulation approval can feel unclear and uncertain.
FORMA Architecture will walk you through each stage of the architectural process, from preparing your brief to securing planning and building regulation approval and starting your build so you can carry on living life while you get excited about the new life you’re building.
Schedule a free 30-minute consultation to get started today.
FAQs
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The cost of building regulations approval drawings depends on the project type, scale, and complexity. Your architectural designer will be able to provide a detailed quote based on the specific requirements of your project. It’s advisable to discuss your needs with them to understand the costs involved and ensure that all details meet regulatory requirements.
For a quote, please contact FORMA Architecture here.
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A structural engineer is often required for building regulations, especially for projects involving significant structural changes or new builds. They assess structural integrity, provide design input on foundations and load-bearing elements, and ensure compliance with building codes.
For complex projects like large extensions or new constructions, consulting a structural engineer is essential for identifying potential issues early and ensuring adherence to regulations.
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Yes, building regulation drawings are typically required for an extension. They ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental standards set by local authorities. Key focuses include fire safety, accessibility, and structural integrity, among other things.
Submitting these drawings is part of the approval process, allowing local councils to verify that all regulations are met before construction begins.
Engaging an architectural designer or structural engineer to create these drawings is advisable for compliance and a smooth approval process.
For assistance with building regulations approval, please contact FORMA Architecture here.
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Building regulation drawings and structural drawings are distinct but related. Building regulation drawings ensure compliance with safety, health, and energy performance standards and include overall design and materials. They may also cover ventilation and heating system details.
In contrast, structural drawings focus on the building's structural elements, detailing how it supports loads and withstands forces, including foundations, beams, and columns.
Both types of drawings are essential for meeting regulatory requirements in construction projects.
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Whether you need structural drawings depends on your project. They are typically required for significant structural changes to new builds, extensions, or renovations.
Many local authorities require these drawings to ensure compliance with building regulations regarding safety and stability.
For complex designs, they provide essential details about the overall structural system, including foundations, beams, and connections.
If you're unsure, consulting an architectural designer or structural engineer can help clarify your needs and ensure compliance.
For assistance, contact FORMA Architecture here.
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Building regulation approval is generally required for most permitted development rights. While these rights allow certain works without a full planning application, compliance with building regulations regarding safety, structural integrity, and energy efficiency is still necessary. Some minor works may not need approval, but this varies by local authority. It's best to consult your local council or a professional to confirm the requirements for your project.
For assistance, contact FORMA Architecture here.
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Yes, structural calculations are often required for building regulations, particularly for new builds, significant structural changes, or alterations to load-bearing elements.
These calculations ensure compliance with building codes and demonstrate that the structure can safely support loads and withstand environmental forces. Typically prepared by a structural engineer, they provide essential information for the design and approval processes, ensuring safety and stability in construction projects.
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The 10-year rule for building regulations in the UK refers to the time limit for local authorities to enforce actions regarding breaches of building regulations. Specifically, they can take action up to 10 years after the completion of non-compliant work, such as new constructions or extensions.
After this period, if no enforcement action has been taken, the local authority cannot require compliance or removal of the work.
Homeowners can also submit a regularisation application within this timeframe to obtain formal approval for any work completed without the necessary approvals.
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In the UK, most construction projects require building regulations compliance for safety and efficiency.
However, small-scale projects like minor extensions or garden sheds may qualify as permitted development and not need full approval, though they must meet basic safety standards.
Certain buildings, such as agricultural structures, may be exempt, and minor works that don’t affect structural integrity might not require approval.
It's crucial to check with local authorities, as non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions.
For assistance, contact FORMA Architecture here.
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Most extensions in the UK require building regulations approval, even if they qualify as permitted development.
However, there are a few specific exemptions that might apply in rare cases. For instance, small structures or certain agricultural buildings may not require full building regulation approval if they meet specific criteria.
Nonetheless, it's crucial to verify with your local authority regarding any potential exemptions and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
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In the UK, there are three types of building regulations approval:
Full plans approval: Requires detailed plans and typically takes up to five weeks for review.
Building notice: Suitable for smaller projects, allowing work to start two days after submission without formal approval.
Regularisation: A retrospective application for work completed without prior approval, applicable to projects finished after November 1985.
For most extensions, renovations, or new builds, full plans approval is the most common method used to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
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Yes, building regulations are a legal requirement in the UK, designed to ensure that construction projects meet standards for safety, health, energy efficiency, and performance.
Compliance is mandatory for most building work, including new builds, extensions, and building renovating.
Failing to adhere to these regulations can lead to enforcement actions and costly rectifications, making it crucial to obtain the necessary approvals for all construction projects.
