The Building Regulations

The Building Regulations incorporate measures to conserve fuel and power and prevent waste, undue consumption, misuse or contamination of water. They also ensure that facilities for people with disabilities are provided.

The current Building Regulations were introduced in 2010. The following projects are typical work that needs approval:

• New buildings (domestic, commercial or industrial).
• Home extensions such as a kitchen, bedroom, lounge or garage.
• Loft conversions.
• Internal structural alterations, such as the removal of a load-bearing wall.
• Installation of new heating boilers and other similar appliances.
• New chimneys or flues.
• New windows in walls or roof space.
• Installation of cavity insulation.
• Underpinning of foundations.
• Replacement of roof coverings with a heavier or lighter material.
• Replacement glazing and doors.
• The 'material alteration' or 'material change of use' of a building.
• Domestic electrical installation works.
• Demolition of a building.

Please note, the above list is not exhaustive but is intended merely as a guide. 

If you are carrying out work near a neighbouring boundary, the Party Wall Act etc 1996 may apply.

There are many ways in which compliance with the Building Regulations can be achieved. Generally, compliance is achieved with the use of Approved Documents. 

These are technical documents that detail how to show compliance with a particular regulation. 

Each document contains:

• General guidance on the performance expected of materials and building work in order to comply with each of the requirements of the Building Regulations
• Practical examples and solutions on how to achieve compliance for some of the more common building solutions.