Building Control Frequently Asked Questions

Questions we are asked the most and their answers

Click on the questions below to see the answers.

Do I need building regulations approval for the works I am undertaking?

If I want to build, or alter, a garden wall or boundary wall, will the building regulations apply?

If I want to build a detached garage under 30m2 in floor area, will the building regulations apply?

If I want to build a garage extension onto my home, will the building regulations apply?

If I want to build a new home of any type (i.e. a house, bungalow, maisonette or a block of flats) or any other type of new building, will the building regulations apply?

If I want to build an extension to my home, will the building regulations apply?

What do I have to do to make my building conform to the Disability Discrimination Act?

If I want to convert my home into a shop or office, will the building regulations apply?

If I want to convert my house into flats, will the building regulations apply?

If I want to convert part, or all of my shop, office or any other type of non-domestic building into a flat, or any other type of home, will the building regulations apply?

What are the required dimensions of a unisex toilet to comply with the building regulations?

If I want to install a fixed, flueless, gas appliance such as a cooker or fire, will the building regulations apply?

If I want to put up a greenhouse, or a small detached building, such as a garden shed or summerhouse in my garden, will the building regulations apply?

If I want to install, alter or replace my shop front, will the building regulations apply?

If I want to install fittings such as a WC, shower, washbasin, or kitchen sink within my home, or any other type of building, will the building regulations apply?

If I want to install or replace electric wiring, will the building regulations apply?

If I want to install or replace a hot water cylinder, will the building regulations apply?

If I want to install or replace an oil, or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) tank (and/or connecting pipe work) outside my home, will the building regulations apply?

If I want to install, replace, or alter the position of any type of fuel burning appliance (including a gas boiler with a flue), will the building regulations apply?

If I want to insert insulation into a cavity wall, will the building regulations apply?

If I want to carry out internal alterations within my home, or any other type of building, will the building regulations apply?

If I want to carry out a loft conversion to my home, will the building regulations apply?

My neighbour is building an extension/carrying out building work next door and it is affecting my property. Can the Local Authority sort out the problem for me?

If I want to lay new drains and/or install a septic tank, within the boundary of my property, will the building regulations apply?

If I want to carry out repairs to my home, or any other type of building, will the building regulations apply?

If I want to replace one or more windows in my home, or any other type of building, will the building regulations apply?

If I want to underpin all, or part of the foundations to my building, will the building regulations apply?

What will happen if my premises and services do not comply with Part 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act ?

If I want to alter in any way the construction of fireplaces, hearths or flues, or to repair them in any way that could affect their safe operation and containment of heat, will the building regulations apply?

Am I required to consult my neighbours about my proposed building work?