Alterations requiring Building Regulation approval

Whilst there are some buildings that are exempt from the need to gain approval, you will generally need to submit a Building Regulation application before you start any building work. There are many alterations that you may consider undertaking yourself in the home, which do require building regulation approval.

Although seemingly trivial it will become a problem when you sell your property, as well as leaving you liable for prosecution, if you have not obtained building regulation approval before carrying the work out. You can seek to apply for a Regularisation Certificate. You will also need to visit the Planning Portal website to see whether your proposal requires planning permission.

Examples of alteration work requiring Building Regulation approval

• An extension to an existing house, such as a new bedroom, enlarged kitchen or living room
• Conversion of a loft, garage or basement in to a habitable room
• Alterations, e.g. moving a staircase, installing a roof light, forming or widening an existing opening, removing a wall or chimney, installing solar panels or a wind turbine, installing cavity insulation, closing the side of a carport, underpinning
• Electrical installation work for houses and flats including common areas and shared amenities, unless you use an electrician/ installer who is registered on the Competent Person Scheme. Visit the Competent Person Scheme website or read the Competent Person Scheme information on the Gov.uk website for more details

Building Regulations for kitchens & bathrooms

In the majority of cases, refitting a domestic kitchen or bathroom with new units and fittings will not require Building Regulations approval. However, adjusting the existing physical layout, and drainage or electrical works that form part of the refit, may require Building Regulations approval. Building Regulations approval is likely to be required when fitting a bathroom or kitchen in a room where there wasn't one before.

These are some further alterations that would require Building Regulation approval

• Drainage works installing new drainage or appliances, altering the layout of appliances or below ground drains
• Installing an unvented hot water cylinder, boiler and heating system
• Changing the current use of a building, i.e. into flats, barn conversions
• Non-structural alterations that worsen fire safety or access for people with disabilities   
• The replacement of windows and doors in dwellings
• The repair or renovation of the existing thermal elements of the building e.g. roof, wall or floor construction, which affects over 25 percent of its relevant area - this includes the re-covering of roofs with similar materials