What building control do I need?

At HollandGreen, we can take control of the whole Building Control application process from generating Building Control Drawings and Specifications to commissioning Structural Calculations.  We’ll then run the whole process through the Building Control Plans submission to approval so that you can be confident that the final design and structure not only meets your aspirations but also the increasingly challenging Building Regulations.

Below, we’ve put together a quick and easy guide to understanding the level of building control you need for different types of project work.

Extensions and loft conversions

Any extension to a house requires Building Regulations approval and will need to be inspected during construction. The conversion of a roof space into a habitable room or rooms also requires Building Regulation approval and inspection.

Converting the loft into a habitable space is regarded as adding an extra floor to the property and may affect Part B of Building Regulation, fire safety (this often results in the need to enclose the stairwell at lower levels and the need to install fire doors and self-closing mechanisms to all existing doors that separate the stairwell from existing and new habitable spaces). Extensions and loft conversions may also be subject to the Party Wall Act 1996.

Internal alterations and garage conversion into a habitable space

Building Regulations approval is required when building work involves internal alterations to the structure of the building, for example, the removal of load-bearing walls to create an open-plan space, which in turn could affect escape or other fire precautions (Part B of Building Regulations).

The conversion of a garage into a habitable space also requires Building Regulations approval, and the existing structure must be brought in line with today’s demanding Building Regulation standard, including thermal and sound insulation.

Construction of porches and conservatories

Construction of porches and conservatories does not require Building Regulations approval, but must be built at ground level, not exceed 30m in floor area and be single storey. Glazing and fixed electrical installation must comply with Part N and Part P of Building Regulations. Porches and conservatories must have at least 75% translucent roof and 50% translucent walls and also have a separating door to the main property.

Construction of Greenhouses, Garden Sheds, Summerhouses and other outbuildings do not require full Building Regulations approval, unless they have a floor area of over 30m . They must be built at ground level and be single storey, any glazing and fixed electrical installation must meet Part N and Part P of Building Regulations.

Replacing windows

Building Regulations approval is required if replacing the whole of the fixed-frame and opening parts of a window. If you employ a FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme) registered installer, you will not need to involve Building Control. Building Regulations approval is not required if replacing broken glass, double glazing units or rotten sashes.

Installation of insulation into cavity walls

Building Regulations approval is required when installing new insulation into cavity walls, ensuring the appropriate insulation material is used for that particular wall construction.

Fitting a WC

Building Regulations approval is required if there are alterations to existing WC’s or new connections made to a drainage stack or any underground drain.

Attached Garages

Building Regulations approval is required when constructing a new attached garage.

Detached Garages

Detached garages do not require Building Regulations approval if the floor area is under 30m and the structure is single-storey with no sleeping accommodation. Additionally, it must be built of non-combustible materials and be no less than 1m from the boundary of a property.

Car port extensions

Car port extensions do not require Building Regulations approval, but must be open on at least two sides and be under 30m in floor area.