Building Regulations apply whether you are self-building, renovating or extending. In fact, the majority of construction work – even fairly minor alterations – will require Building Regs compliance of some kind or other.
Of course, if you’re building a new home entirely from scratch, you’ll be required to get to grips with a lot more of these regulations than those who are extending or simply undertaking some light remodelling.
Building Regulations are statutory regulations intended to ensure that works on new buildings, extensions or conversions are undertaken in a safe and secure manner, and produces homes that are high performing as well as healthy to live in. Learning how they work, and who can help you comply with them, is important and having at least a basic understanding will help with decision making on many aspects of your project.
1 It’s essential to get to grips with them
“Building Regs are a set of minimum technical standards that key aspects of a building need to meet,” explains architect Tara Gbolade. “They cover, among other things, energy performance (ensuring that your building is insulated enough and has good airtightness so heat doesn’t leak out); ventilation; structural integrity; protection against falls; electrical and gas safety; accessibility and fire protection — ensuring there is safe passage from your home to a safe external area.”
2 They are not the same as planning permission
Planning permission
