INTRODUCTION
Building Regulations are a set of minimum regulations to ensure the health safety and welfare of people in and around buildings and to conserve energy and fuel in England and Wales. The regulations cover the following areas.DO I NEED BUILDING REGULATION APPROVAL?
The easy and the best answer is to ask the Building Regulations officer at your local council! At the most basic level major works require approval but many minor works do not. The rules are very complicated. We can only give basic information and guidelines. You will probably need Building Regulation Approval for the following:BUILDING WORK REQUIRING APPROVAL
These include:- ERECTION OF A NEW BUILDING
- EXTENSION OF AN EXISTING BUILDING
- MATERIAL ALTERATION OF A BUILDING
- MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE OF A BUILDING
- INSTALLATION, ALTERATION OR EXTENSION OF A CONTROLLED SERVICE
EXAMPLES OF WORK REQUIRING APPROVAL
These include:- HOME EXTENSIONS
- LOFT CONVERSIONS
- INTERNAL STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS
- INSTALLATION OF BATHS, SHOWERS AND WC’S
- NEW HEATING APPLIANCES
- NEW CHIMNEYS
EXEMPTIONS
Exemptions include:- Buildings not frequented by people
- Greenhouses
- Some agricultural buildings
- Temporary buildings
MAIN PARTS OF THE REGULATIONS
The regulations are split into various parts, which are:- STRUCTURAL ADEQUACY
- MEANS OF ESCAPE AND FIRE SAFETY
- SITE PREPARATION AND MOISTURE RESISTANCE
- TOXIC SUBSTANCES IN CAVITY WALLS
- SOUND RESISTANCE IN WALLS AND FLOORS
- VENTILATION AND CONDENSATION
- HYGIENE AND HOT WATER STORAGE
- DRAINAGE AND WASTE DISPOSAL
- HEAT PRODUCING APPLIANCIES
- PROTECTION FROM FALLING AND IMPACT
- CONSERVATION OF FUEL AND POWER
- ACCESS AND FACILITIES FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
- GLAZING SAFETY
WHAT ARE THE EXACT REQUIREMENTS?
It is best to approach the Building Regulations Officer direct for this type of information. The requirements are very complicated and precise. However the Approved documents provide assistance.APPROVED DOCUMENTS
The levels of safety and standards acceptable within the regulations are set out as guidance in the Approved Documents. Compliance with the detailed standards of the guidance is evidence in itself that the regulations have been complied with. The Approved documents are available for purchase from the HMSO website.APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL
There are two methods of applying for Building Regulations approval. Either aFULL PLANS APPROVAL
Which is a formal application involving the submission of detailed plans, specifications, calculations and other supporting detailsOR
BUILDING NOTICE APPLICATION
Which is a less formal application more suitable for small works.There is clearly a flexible approach to compliance with the Building Regulations to allow innovative design and variation of circumstances in each building.
