Frequently
Asked Questions

If you are building a brand-new structure or extending, or structurally modifying the existing one, then you need to 1) produce the architectural drawings representing your vision and 2) planning permission from your Local Authorities (e.g. Council) which is about the principle of whether new development should go ahead or not. More details: https://www.gov.uk/planning-permission-england-wales

If your project needs planning permission and you do the work without getting it, you can be served an ‘enforcement notice’ ordering you to undo all the changes you have made.

To apply for planning permission, contact your local planning authority (LPA) through your local council.

Many jobs in the home need to be notified to and approved as being compliant with Building Regulations by a Building Control Body, either your Local Authority Building Control or a private sector Approved Inspector unless carried out by installers registered with a Competent Person Scheme who can self certify that their work is compliant.

The Building Regulations are designed to ensure new buildings meet health, safety, welfare, convenience and sustainability standards.

Here are some examples of work that you do need to tell a Building Control Body about: 1) installation of a new or replacement heating system or boiler, regardless of fuel type; 2) installation of a new or replacement oil tank; 3) installation of a bathroom if new plumbing is installed or existing plumbing is altered; 4) installation of a fixed air conditioning system; 5) addition of a radiator to an existing heating system (may not need notifying in some circumstances); 6) installation of a new or replacement fuse box (or consumer unit) or any new electrical circuit connected to the fuse box, and alterations to electrical installations; around a bath or shower; 7) replacement of window and door units; 8) replacement of roof coverings on pitched and flat roofs.

Here are some examples of work that you do not need to tell a Building Control Body about: 1) most repairs, replacements and maintenance work; 2) additional power points or lighting points or any other alterations to existing electrical circuits (except around baths and showers); 3) like-for-like replacements of baths, toilets, basins or sinks.

It is illegal to not comply with Building Regulations. Such work may not be safe and could cause health problems, injury or even death. It may also not meet energy efficiency standards. And you could be prosecuted. In addition to that, if the work has not been notified to a Building Control Body or carried out by a Competent Person Scheme registered installer, the local authority will have no record that the work complies with Building Regulations. These records will be important when you come to sell your home as you may be asked to provide certificates of compliance with the Building Regulations.

An installer who is registered with a Competent Person Scheme is qualified to carry out specific types of work in accordance with Building Regulations and should 1) notify the local authority of the work and 2) within 30 days of completion issue you a certificate of compliance with Building Regulations either directly or through their scheme operator. Also, you will be given financial protection to cover the event of non-compliant work being found where the installation company has gone out of business.

If you do not use an installer registered with a Competent Person Scheme then you will have to submit a building notice or full plans application and pay a fee to have a Building Control Body come and inspect the work you have carried out.