So, Do I Need Building Regulations Approval?
If you are planning building work, one of the most common questions is whether Building Regulations approval is required. Many homeowners confuse building regulations with planning permission, yet they serve very different purposes. Understanding when approval is needed helps you avoid delays, extra costs, and problems later when selling your home.
Working on projects across Kent, I often speak to homeowners who assume approval only applies to large extensions. In reality, building regulations apply to a wide range of work, including many internal changes. I explain what building regulations are, when approval is required, how the process works, and what happens if you do not follow it.
What are building regulations
Building regulations are legal standards that ensure building work is safe, energy efficient, and structurally sound. They cover areas such as fire safety, insulation, ventilation, drainage, electrics, and structural stability.
Unlike planning permission, which focuses on how a building looks or affects its surroundings, building regulations focus on how the work is carried out. Even if planning permission is not required, Building Regulations approval may still be necessary.
Guidance on current requirements is set out in Building Regulations, which apply to most types of domestic building work.
When Building Regulations approval is required
In many cases, approval is required for work that affects the structure or safety of a building. This includes both major projects and some smaller changes that homeowners do not always expect.
Common examples where Building Regulations approval is needed include structural alterations such as removing or altering load bearing walls, extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions, and changes to drainage or insulation. Electrical and plumbing work may also fall under building regulations, especially when it involves new circuits or significant alterations.
If you are unsure whether your project requires approval, it is best to check early. This avoids work being delayed or having to be altered later.
The difference between planning permission and building regulations
Planning permission and building regulations approval are often confused, but they are separate processes. Planning permission deals with the external impact of development, such as size, appearance, and location. Building regulations deal with how the work is constructed.
Some projects require both. Others require only one. For example, many internal alterations do not need planning permission but still require Building Regulations approval.
If you are checking whether planning permission applies to your project, the Planning Portal is a useful starting point. Even when planning permission is not needed, you should still consider building regulations.
Who checks building regulations compliance
Compliance is usually checked by Building Control. In most residential projects, this is handled by Local Authority Building Control, who inspect work at key stages to ensure it meets the required standards.
Inspections may take place before work starts, during construction, and once the work is complete. These checks help ensure the work is safe and compliant and provide certification once everything is approved.
A professional building service will plan these inspections into the project so work progresses smoothly without unnecessary delays.
What happens if you do not get approval
Failing to obtain Building Regulations approval can cause serious problems. If work is carried out without approval, you may be required to open up completed work so it can be inspected or corrected.
In some cases, enforcement action can be taken, and you may struggle to sell the property later without the correct certificates. Mortgage lenders and solicitors often ask for evidence that work complies with building regulations.
Addressing approval early is far simpler and more cost effective than trying to resolve issues after work has been completed.
Building regulations and renovations
Renovation work is one of the most common reasons Building Regulations approval is required. Even when work appears minor, it can still affect safety or performance.
For example, updating layouts, improving insulation, or altering floors may all fall under building regulations. Our experience delivering full renovations shows that early checks around compliance help projects stay on schedule and avoid unexpected changes later.
Renovations planned with building regulations in mind tend to deliver better long term results and fewer complications.
Extensions and structural work
Extensions almost always require Building Regulations approval because they involve new foundations, walls, roofs, and drainage. Structural calculations, insulation standards, and fire safety measures must all meet current requirements.
Through our work on extensions and conversions, approval and inspection are planned from the outset. This ensures new spaces are safe, comfortable, and properly integrated with the existing building.
Skipping this step on extension projects can lead to serious delays and additional costs.
Kitchens and bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms often involve plumbing, electrics, and ventilation, all of which can fall under building regulations. While replacing units like for like may not require approval, changes to layout or services often do.
Professional kitchen fitting ensures that services are positioned correctly and comply with relevant standards. Similarly, bathroom fitting work must consider ventilation and drainage requirements to meet regulations and perform well long term.
Health and safety considerations
Building regulations work alongside health and safety requirements. Construction work involves risks such as working at height, manual handling, and the use of tools and machinery.
Professional builders follow guidance from the Health and Safety Executive to manage these risks on site. Good practice includes safe access, tidy working areas, and correct handling of materials.
Manual handling is particularly relevant during structural and renovation work. Following HSE Manual Handling Guidance helps reduce the risk of injury and keeps projects running safely.
How to get Building Regulations approval
The approval process usually starts with submitting details of the proposed work to Building Control. This may include plans, specifications, and structural information depending on the project.
Once work begins, inspections are carried out at agreed stages. After completion, a final inspection takes place, and a completion certificate is issued if everything meets the required standards.
A well managed project will include this process as part of the overall schedule rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Seeing compliant work in practice
Looking at completed projects can help homeowners understand how compliance fits into real building work. You can view examples of compliant projects by visiting our work, which shows how planning and regulation are integrated into building services across Kent.
Reviews and reassurance
Many homeowners feel more confident once they see feedback from others who have completed similar projects. Luckily, we have had some of our previous customers leave amazing reviews on AGC Carpentry & Building Services, and we have also added a widget on the website which displays them.
These reviews often highlight the value of clear advice and proper compliance from the start.
Conclusion
So, do you need Building Regulations approval? In many cases, yes. Any work that affects structure, safety, insulation, or services is likely to require approval, even if planning permission is not needed.
Understanding requirements early helps avoid delays, extra costs, and legal issues later. If you are unsure whether your project needs approval, it is always better to check before work begins.
If you are planning building work and want clear guidance, you can contact us to discuss your project. At AGC Carpentry & Building Services, the focus is on practical advice, compliant building work, and results that stand the test of time.
