Roman Construction - home extensions, building contractors, building extensions, uk

Which work is controlled?

For Building Regulation purposes, the term "building work" means any of the following:

The erection or extension of a building
An alteration to a building
The provision, extension or alteration of a controlled service or fitting (drainage, boiler or other heated appliance, unvented hot water systems, mechanical ventilation systems) and replacement windows
*A material change of use of a building or part.
(*A change of use is where a building is now a dwelling, flat or hotel/boarding house or public building, where previously it was not).

Frequently asked questions

Q1. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to build an extension to my house?

Yes, unless the extension is exempt, e.g. porch or conservatory (see 7, 8, 9 & 10)

Q2. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to convert my loft into a room?

Yes. Speak to your Local Authority Building Control office for details.

Q3. Do I need approval to convert my garage into a habitable room?

Yes, even if it is only a store or hobbies room.

Q4. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to make internal alterations within my house?

Yes, if the alterations are of a structural nature e.g. the removal or part removal of a load bearing wall, or removal of part or the whole of a chimney, or if they effect fire safety e.g. changed layouts, etc.

Generally, if the alteration involves the insertion of a beam or lintel or will effect the stability of the building then the alteration is a structural one. If you are unsure if the alteration will require approval then seek the advice of an expert or call in reception to see our duty officer.

Q5. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to install cavity insulation into my house?

Yes. But if you use an approved installer they will generally submit a Building Notice on your behalf as a matter of course.

Q6. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a detached garage?

No, provided that the garage meets the following conditions:

It is less than 30 square metres floor area
single storey
one metre from any boundary or constructed of non-combustible materials (including the roof)

Any other garage will require an application.

Q7. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a carport?

No, provided its floor area is less than 30 square metres and it is open on at least two sides.

Q8. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to provide a covered yard or covered way to my house?

No, provided the floor area is less than 30 square metres.

Q9. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a porch?

No, provided the floor area is less than 30 square metres, it is separated from the house by a door, and any glazing in critical locations are is safety glass.

Q10. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a conservatory?

No, provided the floor area is less than 30 square metres, it is substantially of clear or translucent materials and is separated from the house by an external quality door. Any glass within critical locations should be safety glass.

Q11. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a small detached building on my land?

No, provided it contains no sleeping accommodation, is less than 30 square metres, it is single storey and is either more than one metre from the boundary or is constructed of non-combustible materials. A detached greenhouse or shed usually falls within this class of building.

Q12. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to install new or replacement windows to my house?

Yes, this is a new requirement since 1st April 2002.

Q13. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to carry out repairs to my house?

No, if the repairs are of a minor nature and you are replacing like for like. This includes replacing the felt to a flat roof, repointing, replacing a small area of brickwork etc.
Yes, if the repair involves the removal of a major part of a wall and rebuilding it. In the case of re-roofing if the tiles are of the same type then no approval need be sought. If the new tile or roofing material is substantially heavier or lighter than the existing material then an approval under Building Regulations will be required.

Q14. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to convert my house into flats?

Yes, this is a change of use.

Q15. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to underpin my house?

Yes, this is a structural alteration.

Q16. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a boundary wall?

No, not at present. But be aware of the civil requirements of the Party Wall Act. For details please download the Explanatory Booklet from the OPDM.

Party Wall Act 1996 explanatory booklet.pdf (external link)

Q17. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to install fittings and appliances or carry out drainage work?

All drainage work in connection with a building requires an application (including the installation of a sink or toilet)
Installation of heating appliances and boilers
Self assessment schemes are now available:
Solid fuel - check if your contractor is registered with HETAS
Oil fired - check if your contractor is registered with OFTEC
Gas - unless the installation is carried out by a CORGI installer
Altering the position of a bath or w.c. etc

		Which work is controlled? For Building Regulation purposes, the term "building work" means any of the following: The erection or extension of a building An alteration to a building The provision, extension or alteration of a controlled service or fitting (drainage, boiler or other heated appliance, unvented hot water systems, mechanical ventilation systems) and replacement windows A material change of use of a building or part. (A change of use is where a building is now a dwelling, flat or hotel/boarding house or public building, where previously it was not). Frequently asked questions Q1. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to build an extension to my house? Yes, unless the extension is exempt, e.g. porch or conservatory (see 7, 8, 9 & 10) Q2. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to convert my loft into a room? Yes. Speak to your Local Authority Building Control office for details. Q3. Do I need approval to convert my garage into a habitable room? Yes, even if it is only a store or hobbies room. Q4. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to make internal alterations within my house? Yes, if the alterations are of a structural nature e.g. the removal or part removal of a load bearing wall, or removal of part or the whole of a chimney, or if they effect fire safety e.g. changed layouts, etc. Generally, if the alteration involves the insertion of a beam or lintel or will effect the stability of the building then the alteration is a structural one. If you are unsure if the alteration will require approval then seek the advice of an expert or call in reception to see our duty officer. Q5. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to install cavity insulation into my house? Yes. But if you use an approved installer they will generally submit a Building Notice on your behalf as a matter of course. Q6. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a detached garage? No, provided that the garage meets the following conditions: It is less than 30 square metres floor area single storey one metre from any boundary or constructed of non-combustible materials (including the roof) Any other garage will require an application. Q7. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a carport? No, provided its floor area is less than 30 square metres and it is open on at least two sides. Q8. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to provide a covered yard or covered way to my house? No, provided the floor area is less than 30 square metres. Q9. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a porch? No, provided the floor area is less than 30 square metres, it is separated from the house by a door, and any glazing in critical locations are is safety glass. Q10. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a conservatory? No, provided the floor area is less than 30 square metres, it is substantially of clear or translucent materials and is separated from the house by an external quality door. Any glass within critical locations should be safety glass. Q11. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a small detached building on my land? No, provided it contains no sleeping accommodation, is less than 30 square metres, it is single storey and is either more than one metre from the boundary or is constructed of non-combustible materials. A detached greenhouse or shed usually falls within this class of building. Q12. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to install new or replacement windows to my house? Yes, this is a new requirement since 1st April 2002. Q13. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to carry out repairs to my house? No, if the repairs are of a minor nature and you are replacing like for like. This includes replacing the felt to a flat roof, repointing, replacing a small area of brickwork etc. Yes, if the repair involves the removal of a major part of a wall and rebuilding it. In the case of re-roofing if the tiles are of the same type then no approval need be sought. If the new tile or roofing material is substantially heavier or lighter than the existing material then an approval under Building Regulations will be required. Q14. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to convert my house into flats? Yes, this is a change of use. Q15. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to underpin my house? Yes, this is a structural alteration. Q16. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to construct a boundary wall? No, not at present. But be aware of the civil requirements of the Party Wall Act. For details please download the Explanatory Booklet from the OPDM. Party Wall Act 1996 explanatory booklet.pdf (external link) Q17. Do I need Building Regulation Approval to install fittings and appliances or carry out drainage work? All drainage work in connection with a building requires an application (including the installation of a sink or toilet) Installation of heating appliances and boilers Self assessment schemes are now available: Solid fuel - check if your contractor is registered with HETAS Oil fired - check if your contractor is registered with OFTEC Gas - unless the installation is carried out by a CORGI installer Altering the position of a bath or w.c. etc