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Building regulations approval

Do I need approval?

The following questions and answers are for general guidance only. If you require more specific advice, please contact one of our Building Control Surveyors.

The following questions are some of the more common ones that are asked.

Do I need approval to build an extension to my house?

Yes; however, a porch or conservatory built at ground level and under thirty metres squared in floor area is exempt, provided that the glazing complies with the safety glazing requirements of the Building Regulations (part N) and does not contain any services or fittings. Calderdale Building Control Services can give advice on safety glazing. It is advisable to ensure that a conservatory is not constructed so that it restricts ladder access to windows serving a room in the roof or a loft conversion, to ensure means of escape in an emergency.

Do I need approval to build a garage extension to my house, shop or office?

Yes; but a car port extension built at ground level open on at least two sides and under thirty metres squared in floor area is exempt.

Do I need approval to build a detached garage?

Yes; but a single storey garage at ground level, with no sleeping accommodation, under thirty metres squared in floor area is exempt provided either:

Do I need approval for a loft conversion?

Yes; approval is required for a loft conversion. The main areas to consider will be structural work, the means of access, means of escape in case of a fire, insulation and ventilation to both the roof and the proposed room.

Do I need approval to make internal alterations within my house, shop or office?

Within my house

Yes; if the alterations are to the structure such as the removal or part removal of a load bearing wall, joist, beam or chimneybreast, or would affect fire precautions of a structural nature either inside or outside your house. You also need approval if, in altering a house, work is necessary to the drainage system or to maintain the means of escape in case of fire.

Within my shop or office

Yes; approval is required. There may be implication with regards to means of escape in the event of a fire.

Do I need approval to install replacement doors or windows in my house, shop or office?

Yes; since April 2002, all replacement windows have been subject to strict control. The replacement of the glass only, within an existing frame however is not controlled and an application is not required.
On selling a property, the purchaser's surveyor will ask for evidence to show that any glazing replaced after April 2002 complies with the building regulations. To provide this evidence there are two ways of doing this:

1. Show that a registered FENSA (FENestration Self-Assessment) installer has carried out the work. The FENSA scheme allows companies to self-certify that their work complies with the Building Regulations. Samples of work carried out by the installers are inspected by FENSA to ensure standards are maintained. This scheme only applies to domestic properties at the moment.
2. Show that the local authority has approved the installation under the Building Regulations. A Building Regulation application can be made using a Building Notice form.

Do I need approval to install, alter or replace my shop front?

Yes; unless safety glass is installed and it is a direct replacement of identical size.

Do I need approval to carry out repairs to my house, shop or office?

No; if the repairs are of a minor nature. This includes replacing the felt to a flat roof up to 25% of the roof area, repointing and replacing floorboards.
Yes; if the repair consists of more major work such as removing a major part of a wall and rebuilding it or underpinning a building. In the case of reroofing, if the tiles are the same type then no approval is needed. If the new tiling or roofing material is substantially heavier or lighter than the existing material or if the roof is thatched or is to be thatched where previously it was not, then an approval under Building Regulations is probably required.

Note: That the repair of more than 25% of a thermal element requires an application such as replastering, re-flooring or screeding or work to a roof surface or ceiling.

Do I need approval to convert my house into flats?

Yes; you need to comply with the Building Regulations with regard to sound insulation, ventilation, means of escape in the event of a fire, drainage, heating appliances and hygiene.

Do I need approval to convert my house to a shop or office?

Yes; even if you are not proposing any building work to make the change, unless the existing structure is adequate to comply with Building Regulations (parts A, B and M) for the proposed use.

Do I need approval to convert part or all of my shop or office to a flat or house?

Yes; this would be classed as a change of use of the property. The main implications are the provision of fire and sound resistance and a satisfactory means of escape (from fire).

Do I need approval to install fittings and appliances within my house, shop or office?

1. To install or alter the position of a WC, bath and so on
   No; unless the work involves new, or an extension of, drainage or plumbing.
2. To install or alter the position of a heating appliance?
   • Gas. Yes; unless the work is supervised by an approved installer under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1984.
   • Solid fuel. Yes; unless the work is supervised by an approved installer.
   • Oil. Yes; approval is required, unless the work is supervised by an approved installer.
3. To install hot water storage?
   Yes; if the water heater is unvented (has no vent pipe to atmosphere) and has storage capacity greater than 15 litres. Such systems are required to be installed by competent persons.

Do I need approval to install or replace electric wiring?

Yes; for notifiable work (for clarification please contact Building Control) unless the work is carried by an electrician/installer who is registered with a Competent Person Scheme.

Whoever undertakes electrical work it should be acceptably safe. This can be achieved by ensuring full compliance with BS 7671 and IEE Regulations (Institution of Electrical Engineers). If you use an electrician they should be complying with the Electricity at Work regulations, which for domestic buildings work are usually enforced by Local Authority.

Do I need approval to insert cavity wall insulation?

Yes; although if installed by an Approved Installer, they will submit a 'Type Approval Notice' on your behalf.

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