Building Regulations
The Building Regulations are made under powers provided in the Building Act 1984 and apply in England and Wales. The majority of building projects are required to comply with them. They exist to ensure the health and safety of people in and around all types of buildings (domestic, commercial and industrial). They also provide for energy conservation and for access and facilities for disabled people.
Anyone wanting to carry out building work which is subject to the Building Regulations is required by law to make sure it complies with the regulations.
Complying with the Building Regulations rests with the person carrying out the building work. If you are carrying out the work personally the responsibility will be yours. If you are employing Worth Building the responsibility will be ours. This will be confirmed with you prior to commencement of work.
The following types of project amount to ‘Building Work’ which require Building Regulations:
- the erection or extension of a building
- the installation or extension of a service or fitting which is controlled under the regulations
- an alteration project involving work which will temporarily or permanently affect the ongoing compliance of the building, service or fitting with the requirements relating to structure, fire or access to and use of buildings
- the insertion of insulation into a cavity wall
- the underpinning of the foundations of a building
There are a number of classes of new buildings or extensions of existing buildings that do not need Building Regulations approval – subject to certain criteria on size, construction and position relative to boundaries being met. The following are examples of such buildings and extensions but they may require planning permission.
- garden sheds
- summer-houses
- domestic garages
- greenhouses
- conservatories
- porches
- covered way
- covered yards
- carports
