Building Regulations
What are Building Regulations?
Building Regulations ensure high standards for construction and energy efficiency. They also address accessibility needs, including those for people with disabilities. These regulations require easy access in and around buildings. The regulations are divided into 14 categories and are updated regularly. These categories are:- A – Structural Safety
- B – Fire Safety
- C – Resistance to Contaminants and Moisture
- D – Toxic Substances
- E – Resistance to Sound
- F – Ventilation
- G – Sanitation, Hot Water Safety, and Water Efficiency
- H – Drainage and Waste Disposal
- J – Heat Producing Appliances
- K – Protection from Falling
- L – Conservation of Fuel and Power
- M – Access to and Use of Buildings
- N – Glazing Safety
- P – Electrical Safety
What Building Works Should Comply with Building Regulations?
Regulation 3 of the Building Regulations defines ‘Building Work’ as:- erecting or extending a building
- installing or extending a service or fitting controlled under the regulations
- making alterations that affect the building’s compliance with structure, fire safety, or access requirements
- inserting insulation into a cavity wall
- underpinning a building’s foundations
- means of escape from fire
- air supply for combustion appliances and their flues
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What Buildings and Building Works Are Exempt from Building Regulations?
Some new buildings or extensions do not need Building Regulations approval if they meet certain size, construction, and boundary criteria. Here are some examples:- Garden Sheds – Small detached buildings like garden sheds or summerhouses with a floor area under 15m² generally do not need approval. Buildings between 15 and 30m² usually do not need approval if they are at least 1m from the boundary or made from substantially non-combustible material.
- Summerhouses
- Domestic Garages
- Greenhouses
- Conservatories – Ground-level conservatories with a floor area under 30m² are exempt if the glazing and electrical installations meet Building Regulations.
- Porches – Ground-level porches under 30m² are generally exempt if the glazing and electrical installations comply with Building Regulations. Roof repairs or covering an area less than 25% usually do not need approval.
- Covered Ways
- Covered Yards
- Carports
- Doors & Windows – Replacing broken or fogged double glazing units, rotten sashes, or frame sections does not require approval if replacements are the same size and installed by a competent installer.
- Manhole Drains – Repairing or replacing existing drainpipes, manholes, or fittings usually does not need approval if the replacement is like-for-like.
Example of 4D Planning’s Building Regulation Drawings in London:
Why Does Building Control Exist?
Building control ensures that buildings are designed and constructed according to Building Regulations and related legislation. 4D Planning Consultants work with building control on your behalf. Our goal is to ensure that your development complies with regulations concerning structural stability, fire resistance, weather resistance, thermal insulation, and more.
Building Control also handles demolition notices and oversees competent person schemes. Additionally, they offer a 24-hour response service for dangerous structures.
At 4D Planning, we are well-versed in Building Regulations. Our designs are crafted to adhere to all relevant regulations. Building Regulations in England and Wales set standards for building design and construction, focusing on health, safety, welfare, and convenience for people in or around buildings.
Building control teams generally perform tasks such as plan checking, site inspections, handling demolitions and dangerous structures, and managing competent persons schemes and certificated work. We have a strong working relationship with a private approved Building Inspector in London and can recommend their services upon request.
What Do Building Control Inspectors Do?
Approved Inspectors evaluate Building Regulations for various development types, including extensions and conversions. Although not the most glamorous profession, Building Control is crucial for ensuring compliance with regulations. Their primary role is to ensure that the built environment is safe and secure.
The Building Regulations Application Process:
- Architectural Drawings and Structural Calculations are prepared by 4D Planning and the Structural Engineer.
- The Building Inspector will provide a quote after receiving the drawings, a description of the works, and the site address.
- Upon approval of the quote by the client, the Building Control Inspector will issue an initial notice. This notice confirms their jurisdiction over the Building Regulations approval. The Inspector will notify the local authority 5 days before the work begins. If work has already started, you will need to use the Council’s Building Control service.
- After the local authority accepts the notice, Building Control will schedule a site visit to assess the development. They typically require a full set of architectural drawings, structural calculations, and any mechanical and electrical information for approval. They will also coordinate with the water authority to ensure adequate drainage and with the fire service to confirm fire regulation compliance.
- The Building Inspector will visit the site at key stages during the construction to check compliance and help resolve any issues.
- For a typical house extension, inspections will cover foundations, floor construction (including damp proof membranes), roof insulation, and drains.
- Upon project completion, the approved Building Inspector will conduct a final inspection. If everything is satisfactory, they will issue a certificate of completion, which will be sent to the local authority for their records.
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