Building Regulations

What are Building Regulations / Building Control drawings?

Building Regulations promote high standards for construction and energy efficiency of buildings.
It considers all types of people, including those with disabilities by requiring easy access in and around buildings.

Building regulations are divided into 14 categories (parts), and are updated on a regular basis.
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

These regulations have been approved by the Secretary of State for the purpose of providing practical guidance with respect to the requirements of Schedule 1 and Schedule 7 of, the Building Regulations 2010. These documents can be obtained from the planning portal, or by clicking here.

Once the building regulations are approved by the council’s Building Control department, the building works can be carried out.

4D Planning can produce all the relevant Building Regulations Drawings to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regs and Building Control requirements.

There are a number of classes of new buildings or extensions of existing buildings that do not need Building Regulations approval - subject to certain criteria on size, construction and position relative to boundaries being met. The following are examples of such buildings and extensions. Please note that they may require planning permission.

• garden sheds  - Construction of a small detached building such as a garden shed or summerhouse in the garden will not normally require Building Regulations if the floor area of the building is less than 15m2. If floor area is between 15 & 30m2 you will not normally require Building Regulations providing that the building is either at least 1m from the boundary or it is constructed of substantially non-combustible material.
• summer-houses
• domestic garages
• greenhouses
• conservatories  - A conservatory built at ground level and less than 30m2 in floor area is exempt provided that glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the applicable requirements of the Building Regulations. Full details of exemptions can be found in Schedule 2 of the Building Regulations. 
• Porches - Construction of a porch built at ground level of less than 30m2 in floor area is normally exempt from the need to make an application provided that the glazing and any fixed electrical installation complies with the applicable requirements of the Building Regulations. Work on the roof if you want to carry out repairs or recover a pitched or flat roof of an area that is less than 25% you will not normally need to submit a Building Regulation application.
• covered way
• covered yards
• carports
• Door & Windows - If you want to replace broken, fogged double glazing units, rotten sashes or rotten sections of the main frame members, Building Regulations will not apply, providing they are the same size and installed by a 'competent' installer.
• Manhole drains - If you wish to repair or replace an existing drainpipe, manhole or associated fitting, approval under the Building Regulations is not normally required if the replacement is like for like.

Example of 4D Planning's Building Regulation Drawings in London:

Approved Inspectors assess the Building Regulations for most development types including extensions, conversion to flats and other building works. Building Control is not the most glamorous of professions and certainly not particularly new worthy, but it is an important part of the development process to ensure compliance with all regulations. Safety is always a priority and Building Control’s role is to ensure that the built environment is safe and secure.

The Building Regulations Application process is as follows:

1. Architectural Drawings and Structural Calculations are produced by 4D Planning and the Structural Engineer.
2. The Building Inspector will issue a quote once they have received the drawings, a description of the works and the site address.
3. Once the quote is approved by the client, the initial notice will be issued by the Building Control Inspector which confirms that they have jurisdiction over the building regulations approval. The Building Control Inspector will serve notice to the local authority 5 days before the works start on site. If the works have already commenced, then you will need to use the Council’s Building Control service and not an approved Inspector.
4. Once the notice has been accepted by the local authority then Building Control will arrange for a site visit and will assess the development. They will usually need a full set of architectural drawings, structural calculations and any possible mechanical and electrical information which they can then approve. They will also liaise with the water authority to make sure that the drains are adequate and the fire service to ensure that all fire regulations are compliant.
5. The Building Inspector will visit the site during the works at key stages and identify any issues with compliance. They will help find a solution to resolve any non-compliance.
6. For a typical house extension, they will look at the foundations, floor construction such as damp proof membranes, roof insulation and drains.
7. On completion of the project, the approved Building Inspector will carry out a final inspection to ensure that everything is OK. They will then issue a certificate of completion of works. This certificate will be sent to the local authority for their records.