A-Z of Self Build Guides Building Regulations

Date Published:

22/01/2009

How To Find Out More

To see for yourself what the Building Regulations relate specifically to the work you want to carry out, visit The Planning Portal Interactive House. The model house is fully interactive and at the click of your mouse not only informs you what Building Regulations apply - it also outlines if any planning permission is required.

For example, if you want to build an extension or an addition, the portal outlines that Building Regulations generally apply if you want to build an extension to your home. 'However, a porch or conservatory built at ground level and with a floor area of no more than 30 m sq is normally exempt…'

A click through to another page within the Planning Portal more fully details what Building Regs apply for any given job, and also advises what you may or may not do without planning permission. The interactive house model also details 'a greener homes' section, which outlines the benefits of eco technologies. It’s an invaluable first port of call for all aspects of building.

The Building Control Inspector

Assuming you have progressed to build, either with Full Plans or via Building Notice, at certain times during construction the builder needs to call Building Control to inspect the work - such as the digging of the foundation trench, the completion of walls to wallplate level, structural steelwork, etc.

Harris notes this gives the Inspector an opportunity to check workmanship and to ensure that site conditions are in accordance with the assumptions made during design.

'It is worth noting that the roles are generally split between office based Building Control Officers who check the documentation, and site based Building Control Inspectors who inspect the work. Builders may also refer to "the DS" which is short for the old title of District Surveyor.'

As a further complication, Harris notes, the process of certifying compliance has been deregulated. In other words, certain companies and individuals have been authorised to issue Building Control consent in place of the local authority.

'These are called Approved Inspectors and can be well worth considering. They are more willing to offer advice during the application process, which is rarely the case when applying via the Local Authority.'

'Simple enquiries about Building Control can be directed to the local authority department - bear in mind that officers tend only to respond in the early morning or after about 4pm. As ever, there are numerous ways to comply and more involved queries will require the input of an architect or similar professional.'