Building regulations approval
Check if you need building regulations approval before you start any building work – your builder will usually do this for you but as the owner of a building you may be held responsible.
You usually need building regulations approval if you:
- put up a new building
- extend or alter an existing building
- install services or fittings in a building, eg washing and sanitary facilities, hot water cylinders, foul water and rainwater drainage, replacement windows and any fuel burning appliances
Building regulations approval is separate from planning permission – you may need to get both.
Apply for building regulations approval through your local council or a private approved inspector.
Sometimes your installer (eg of windows or boilers) can self-certify the work if they’re registered with a competent person scheme. This means you don’t need to apply for approval yourself. Check with your installer and read about what type of work can be self-certified.
You must follow the safety and energy efficiency rules even if you donÂt need to get formal approval.