Check if you need building regulations approval
You must apply for building regulations approval for many types of building work. This includes new buildings, extensions, structural changes, and work that may affect fire safety or energy use.
You may not need approval if the work is done by someone registered with a competent person scheme, or if the work is exempt.
Building work that needs approval
You must apply for approval for:
- erecting a new building
- extending an existing building, for example, a kitchen extension or loft conversion
- making structural alterations to an existing building, for example:
- underpinning
- removing or altering load-bearing walls
- removing a chimney
- making alterations that may affect escape routes in case of fire, for example:
- changing the layout
- changing how rooms are used
- altering fire doors
- changing the use of an existing building, for example:
- converting a house into flats
- converting a shop into an office
- extending or altering certain services and fittings, for example:
- new drainage
- installing hot or cold water services
- installing boilers and wood burners
- replacing windows, if the fitter is not registered with an appropriate competent person scheme
- some electrical work
- renovating or replacing a wall, floor or roof, for example:
- replacing a roof
- re-tiling a roof
- replacing a floor
- re-plastering substantial areas
- changing a building’s energy status, for example:
- heating a space that was previously unheated
- installing air conditioning
You can find more guidance on the LABC Front Door website.
Using a registered tradesperson
The government allows some trade bodies to self-certify their members’ work. This means the tradesperson can confirm that the work meets building regulations.
These are called competent person schemes.
If you use someone registered with a competent person scheme, they can issue a Building Regulations Certificate when the work is complete.
You can find more information about using a competent person scheme on GOV.UK.
Before you choose a self-certified contractor
Before work starts, check that the contractor is registered for the type of work they will do.
For example, if you are having a new heating system installed, check they are registered as an installer. Do not rely on registration as a service engineer.
When the work is finished, make sure the contractor gives you a certificate. This confirms that the work complies with building regulations.
You may need this certificate if you sell your property.
If you are not sure what you need, contact the relevant trade association or contact the Building Control Team.
Work that may be exempt from building regulations
Some buildings and building work may be exempt from building regulations. There may be exceptions, depending on the details of your project.
If you need written confirmation that your project is exempt, complete the exempt building enquiry form.
There is a charge of £105.60, including VAT, for written confirmation. You can pay by telephone. We can also send you an online payment link after we receive your enquiry form.
Complete the exempt building enquiry form
You can also download the exempt building enquiry form (PDF)
Buildings not normally used by people
Detached buildings may be exempt if people do not normally go inside them.
They may also be exempt if people only go inside from time to time to inspect plant and machinery.
The exemption only applies if the building is at least one and a half times its height from either:
- the boundary
- any point of a building that people can, or normally do, go into
Greenhouses and agricultural buildings
Greenhouses are only exempt if they are not used for:
- retailing
- packing
- exhibiting
Agricultural buildings and buildings mainly used for keeping animals are exempt if they:
- are not used as a dwelling
- are at least one and a half times their height from any building with sleeping accommodation
- have a fire exit no more than 30 metres from any point in the building
Temporary buildings
Temporary buildings are exempt if they stay erected for less than 28 days.
Ancillary buildings
The following ancillary buildings are exempt:
- building site offices with no sleeping accommodation
- estate sales buildings
- buildings that are not dwellings or offices, and are used in connection with a mine or quarry
Small detached buildings
A single-storey detached building under 30 square metres may be exempt if it:
- contains no sleeping accommodation
- is built mainly from non-combustible material, or is at least one metre from the boundary
- has no heating or cooling system installed
This could include a detached single garage or shed.
A detached building with a floor area of no more than 15 square metres may be built from any material if it:
- contains no sleeping accommodation
- has no heating or cooling system installed
Crown property
Crown property is exempt from the Building Regulations.
Extensions to buildings
The following extensions may be exempt.
Covered yards
Covered yards are exempt if they are less than 30 square metres.
Covered ways
Covered ways are exempt if they are less than 30 square metres.
Car ports
Car ports are exempt if they:
- are open on at least two sides
- are less than 30 square metres in floor area
The ends can count as sides. Doors and windows are allowed between the house and the car port.
Conservatories
Conservatories are exempt if they:
- have a gross internal floor area of less than 30 square metres
- are at ground level
- have at least 50% of new walls made from transparent or translucent material
- have at least 75% of the roof made from transparent or translucent material
- are separated from the habitable parts of the dwelling by external-quality windows or doors
- have any heating or cooling systems on independent controls or a thermostat
For safety, the following glazing must be toughened or laminated glass, or polycarbonate:
- any glazing below 1,500mm in height in doors
- any glazing below 1,500mm in height within 300mm of a door
- any glazing below 800mm in height
Porches
Porches are exempt if they:
- have a gross internal floor area of less than 30 square metres
- are separated from the habitable parts of the dwelling by external-quality windows or doors
- have any heating or cooling systems on independent controls or a thermostat
Builders and contractors
You can view a list of builders and contractors who regularly use local authority building control (PDF)
These builders and contractors prefer to work with Swindon Building Control. This can help identify and resolve issues early, and may save time and money on a project.
We do not recommend or endorse any builders or contractors on the list.