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Building improvements
Do I need to apply for Building Regulation approval?
You must apply for Building Regulations approval if you want to:
- construct a building such as a new home, office, shop and so on.
- make structural alterations to a building, for example, remove a load-bearing wall or a chimney breast.
- build an extension on an existing building, for example, building a kitchen extension.
- convert a roofspace to be used as storage or an extra room.
- install fittings or services in a building, for example, installing or converting a central-heating system, installing a heating appliance, flue, unvented hot-water system or micro generation technology.
- install a solar panel or other renewable-energy technology.
- alter or install drainage or provide new sanitary accommodation such as a toilet or bathroom.
- make material change of use to a building, for example, convert offices into flats.
- provide access ramps and other facilities for people with disabilities.
- install cavity-wall insulation or roof-space insulation.
What are the Building Regulations?
The Building Regulations set performance standards for the design and construction of buildings.
They are arranged in 15 parts:
- Part A: Interpretation and general
- Part B: Materials and workmanship
- Part C: Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture
- Part D: Structure
- Part E: Fire safety
- Part F: Conservation of fuel and power
- Part G: Resistance to the passage of sound
- Part H: Stairs, ramps, guarding and protection from impact
- Part J: Solid waste in buildings
- Part K: Ventilation
- Part L: Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
- Part N: Drainage
- Part P: Sanitary appliances, unvented hot water storage systems and reducing the risk of scalding
- Part R: Access to and the use of buildings
- Part V: Glazing
Parts B to V refer to technical booklets which give guidance. In most cases, if you follow these booklets, your building will meet the Building Regulations.
A room is defined as a conservatory if more than three-quarters of its roof area and more than one-half of its external walls are made of translucent material such as glass.Conservatories do not need an application if the:
- floor area less than 30m
- area is separated from main building by exterior quality doors to retain the thermal performance of the building
- construction gives resistance to moisture and other ground contaminants that may be required by Part C of the Building Regulations
- safety glazing is used if needed (Part V of the Building Regulations), and
- heating is not extended into it and a fixed heating appliance is not installed.
Porches
A porch must have a door into the building and an external door out of it.Porches do not need an application if the:
- floor area less than 5m2
- construction provides resistance to moisture and other ground contaminants that may be required by Part C of the Building Regulations
- safety glazing is used if needed (Part V of the Building Regulations), and
- heating is not extended into it and a fixed heating appliance is not installed.
Domestic greenhouse
Domestic greenhouses are exempt.
Carport
- If it is open on at least 2 sides and has a floor area of less than 30m²
- Covered area or covered way with a floor area less than 30m²
- Detached single storey building with a floor area up to 15m², not used for sleeping and which is at least 1m from a dwelling
- Detached single storey building (such as a domestic garage) with a floor area up to 30m², not used for sleeping and is either 1m or more from any dwelling or boundary, or else constructed substantially from non-combustible materials (such as with brick walls and a tiled roof).
What happens if I don’t get building control approval?
Carrying out building work without building control approval could result in one or all of the following:
- Enforcement action against you – you will have to make the appropriate application and may face court proceedings and fines.
- Extra costs – you may have to pay another builder to make alterations or in the worst case, you may have to remove the works you have done.
- Hold-ups to your plans – you may not be able to sell or re-mortgage your home.
Please visit the Department of Finance and Personnel website for more information on building regulations.