Building Control Information
Essential information to help you determine if you need to obtain building control approval before starting your project
When you need approval
You must check if you need approval before you construct or change buildings in certain ways.
Building regulations approval is different from planning permission. You might need both.
Work covered by building regulations
The Building Regulations 2010 cover the construction and extension of buildings.
You might also need building regulations approval for many alteration projects, including if you plan to:
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replace fuse boxes and connected electrics
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install a bathroom that will involve plumbing
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change electrics near a bath or shower
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put in a fixed air-conditioning system
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replace windows and doors
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replace roof coverings on pitched and flat roofs
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install or replace a heating system
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add extra radiators to a heating system
You could need approval, or to follow special rules, for works not listed here - so always research your particular project.
Check with a building control body if you cannot decide if you need approval.
When you do not need approval
You do not need to apply for approval yourself if the work is not covered by building regulations.
Work that does not need approval
You do not need building regulations approval for some exempt projects, including:
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most repairs, replacements and maintenance work (except heating systems, oil tanks, fuse boxes and glazing units)
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new power and lighting points, or changes to existing circuits (except around baths and showers)
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like-for-like replacements of baths, toilets, basins and sinks
Find out more about common projects and check when you do and do not need approval.
Check with a building control body if you’re still not sure what to do.
How to apply
Building regulations approval: How to apply - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)