Building Regulations are a key component of a project, ensuring that the construction is safe and structurally sound, while also meeting the expected standards of living.
In essence, these can be viewed as a set of Regulations and Specifications that a building needs to comply with. With other words, it is the Law that governs design and specifications in construction. Therefore, when planning to have a house extension, loft conversion or a new build, it’s very important that the architects in London or anywhere across the UK you work with, are familiar with the UK’s Building Regulations.
What are Building Regulations? A bit of detail
Minimum Standard for Construction
Building Regulations are the minimum standard for construction, design and alternation to buildings built anywhere in the UK. Most of the construction projects must comply with the current Building Regulations. This ensures that your building is safe for occupancy, structurally robust, has proper water and energy efficiency for the occupants, and built to accommodate those with disabilities (if explicitly required).
For example, the local structural engineers will provide with designs compliant to Part A of Building Regulations – covering Loading, Ground movement and Disproportionate collapse. In essence this refers to the structural integrity of a Building.
More Insightful and Detailed than Regular Planning Drawings
When working with experienced architecture firms, either near you or away, you will find that Building Regulations drawings are a lot more insightful and detailed than regular planning drawings. They indicate the construction methods and details within the drawing package and contain highly accurate calculations, specifications and software-aided drawings done by your local structural engineer. These are needed as ‘proof’ to show to the relevant authorities that your proposed construction works are in line with the latest Building Regulations.
Building Regulations are Grouped into 15 Technical Categories
Building Regulations are grouped into 15 unique, technical categories, referred to as approved documents. Ranging from A to Q, each alphabet corresponds to a unique aspect – such as ‘B’ for fire safety or ‘P’ for electrical safety. The full Building Regulations breakdown can be found here for reference.
When do Building Regulations apply?
A lot of uncertainty is around to when the Building Regulations apply. In general, where the space is inhabitable, the following guidelines stand true:
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For small works – such as a beam removal – Part A of building regulations will be applicable – i.e. ensuring structural integrity.
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For residential refurbishment projects – things like changing the boiler, adding new heating systems or other replacement works – all these works might require a sign-off under the specific part of Building Regulations – check with your Local Authority first about the requirements for your specific project.
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Residential extensions – Applicable parts of the Building Regulations will almost definitely be required to be complied with depending on the scope and extent of the project.
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Larger works or new builds – Here is likely that nearly all parts of the Building Regulations will be applicable to your project.
In addition the following apply for works to non-inhabitable places, such as garages, sheds or agricultural buildings:
- If building exceeds 30m2 in area than a building control application is required. Works will be required to comply with Part A of Building Regulations – Structural Integrity.
- For temporary buildings – if they stand erected or in use in excess of 30 calendar days – applicable parts of Building Regulations are required to be complied with.
How to get Building Regulations Approval for your Project?
Before undertaking any kind of building or alteration work in your home, including house extensions, you must first confirm if the scope of the work needs to comply with Building Regulations. If it does, before the build starts you will need to apply for Building Control. Within this application you will need to submit all required or mandatory details - usually plans and specifications, so the Building Control provider can review and approve the designs.
There are two routes to apply for Building Control:
- Route 1: Building Notice or Initial Building Notice – this route is suitable for small residential projects and usually is the recommended one. Approval is usually secured within 5 – 7 working days.
For small residential project, the minimum compliance that requires to be demonstrated at the application stage is Part A. In essence this means you need to procure the services of a Structural Engineers to prepare plans, details and calculations that will typically accompany a Building Notice. Once submitted, the Building Control body will check the designs. If everything complies they will issue a Notice allowing works to proceed on site.
- Route 2: Full Plans Application or Full Building Regulations Application – this route is required for all new builds. Approval is usually secured within 5 – 7 weeks days, but an initial plan check and Notice can be secured faster.
If you are starting your house design journey, be aware this is a requirement for all New Builds and larger projects. To demonstrate compliance, complete Building Regulations plans and specifications need to be procured and produced at the time of the application. The BCO will then issue a letter highlighting any comments on the designs submitted, and, if appropriate, allowing works to proceed.
In both cases, either through Building Notice and Full Plans Route, the BCO usually issues a schedule of inspections. The inspector needs to be invited on site at key stages to sign-off the works. Either the plans have been submitted at application stage or not, compliance still needs to be demonstrated on site throughout the build. Where details are not available, clients usually must rely on contractor’s design to comply with Building Regulations, which can expose them to the risk of un-compliant works.
More Guidance & How to secure BC Services?
There is plenty of Building Regulations guidance available here for a variety of projects.
For Building Control services and your Building Control application you have two options:
- Option 1: You could go through the Local Council’s Building Control Office. This is a separate department within the services offered by your Local Council. This was previously known as District Surveyor or other denominations across UK’s regions.
- Option 2: at times the Local Authority might be busy or just slow. A quicker, more practical option is to look for a local Building Control provider. These are companies authorised by the Local Authority, that provide Building Control services. A good place to start is Planning Portal – they have a section for Approved Inspector Search.
It is important to work with Reliable Experts
When planning to have a house extension, loft conversions or a new build, it is very important that the experts you work with are familiar with the UK’s Building Regulations. If you are wondering where to find reliable experts to start working on Building Regulations drawings, Expert Plans can help you. Get in touch with reliable experts to complete your project while keeping Building Regulations compliance in check.
Expert Plans helps you get started with your project in no time, shortlisting the best, most reliable experts near you. Check out our platform and find the right expert for your project!