What is Building ControlA Householder’s Guide to Building Control: FAQs

Building Control Advisory Leaflet

PH30

A HOUSEHOLDER’S GUIDE TO BUILDING CONTROL:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why should I use Building Control?

You are required by law to have your work inspected to ensure that it complies with the minimum standard of the Building Regulations (more information on the Building Regulations is available on www.planningportal.gov.uk and www.communities.gov.uk).

What are the Building Regulations?

The Building Regulations are legal requirements that set performance standards in the design and construction of buildings. The main purpose of the Regulations is to safeguard the health and safety of people in or around buildings. They also incorporate measures to ensure energy efficiency, and access and facilities for disabled people.

Who administers Building Regulations?

St Albans City & District Council’s Building Control section performs this role. Highly qualified and experienced teams of surveyors will examine plans and carry out site inspections of works in progress. Their extensive knowledge of materials and construction methods and local conditions is available to you at all stages of the construction process.

What is the difference between Building Control and Development Control?

Building Control is the process by which any new building work is checked to ensure that it is designed and built to exacting standards laid down in the Building Regulations. Development Control is the section of the planning department responsible for determining whether or not the proposed works are appropriate for the site concerned. You may need to apply to Development Control for planning permission in addition to making an application to Building Control.

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How do I make an application to Building Control?

You can make an application in two ways, either by submitting Full Plans or a Building Notice. Please see our leaflet, Advice on Building Regulation Applications, or contact Building Control on 01727 819289 for further information.

Do I have to pay the Local Authority anything when I make an application?

Yes, the Local Authority are obliged to make a charge for the work of administering the Regulations at the plan and inspection stages. The total charge will be the same for either a Full Plans or Building Notice application. However, with Full Plans part will be payable on submission of the plans and the rest will be payable after work commences. With a Building Notice, the whole of the fee is payable on application. The fees for both vary, depending on the scale of the works involved. The scale of charges is available from the Customer Service Centre at the Council offices and on our website: www.stalbans.gov.uk.

What do I do if I need general advice on a building project?

You can visit us at St Albans City and District Council, District Council Offices, St Peter’s Street, St Albans or telephone 01727 819289. Building Control staff are available for consultation between the hours of 9am and 10.30am and 3.15pm and 4.45pm on weekdays, and at other times by prior appointment. General information is also available on our website: www.stalbans.gov.uk.

Can I draw the plans myself?

Yes, but it is not a good idea unless you have experience and are fully conversant with the requirements of the Building Regulations.

When can I start work?

You may start work after you have submitted either a Building Notice or a Full Plans application and at least two days’ notice has been given of your intention to commence work (preferably in writing).

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Either you or your builder should then notify us at each of the stages listed below (where appropriate):

foundation excavations prior to concreting; foundation concrete; oversite (ground floor) prior to concreting; damp proof course prior to covering; foul water drainage prior to backfilling; surface water drainage prior to backfilling; drains ready for testing; occupation prior to completion; completion of works.

The surveyor may also request notification at other stages of the work that is not specifically included within the Regulations, for example roof timbers. The above statutory framework for inspections is obviously not appropriate for all types of work. For example, in the case of loft conversions, after the commencement visit inspections of the structural elements will normally be required prior to covering up.

What do I do on completion?

When your work is finished you should contact Building Control to arrange a final inspection. Once they have confirmed that your work meets the required standards, they will be pleased to issue you with a completion certificate.

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

Yes, but certain porches, carports, conservatories and detached garages are exempt from Building Regulations, although Planning Permission may be required. Contact your Building Control Surveyor for more advice or see our leaflets Conservatories, Porches and Greenhouses and Domestic Garages.

Do I need approval for the conversion of the loft space?

Yes, the loft space conversion will need to comply with the Building Regulations in terms of structural strength, fire safety, safety of the stairs and sound insulation. You may also require planning permission and if the project is subject to the Party Wall Act, you

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may also be required to give adjoining neighbours notice.

Do I need approval to make internal alterations to my house?

Yes, if any form of structural alteration is intended (ie removal of a load-bearing wall, joist, beam or chimney breast). Also an application would be required if there are any proposals to alter or provide new drainage or alterations affecting fire safety or means of escape.

Do I need approval to replace the windows in my house?

Yes, if you are replacing the whole of the fixed frame and opening parts. If your installer is FENSA registered, you will not need to involve Building Control, although your installer will need to provide the local authority with a certificate that the work complies with the Building Regulations. Unregistered installers will need to make a Building Regulations application using a ‘Replacement Windows’ application form. If you are only replacing glass or certain rotten sections of the sashes or frames, you will not normally need to involve Building Control. However, if your building is listed or in a conservation area, you should check with Building Control first.

Do I need approval for repair work to my house?

Generally no, providing this is of a minor nature (ie replacing roof tiles with the same type and weight of tile, re-felting a flat roof, re-pointing brickwork or replacing floorboards). However, if there are proposals to add or alter drainage, then an application will be necessary. Please note that if your house is listed, you are likely to require Listed Building Consent for certain repair work. Contact your Building Control service for advice if in any doubt.

Do I need approval to re-tile my roof?

Yes, but only if the new tiles are substantially different in weight from the existing ones.

Do I need approval to convert my house into flats?

Yes. You will also require planning permission.

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Do I need approval to convert part of my home into an office?

No, provided the works will not affect the structure of the building, the means of escape or affect the access to or use of the building.

Do I need approval to erect a detached garage?

Yes, unless it is situated more than one metre from your boundary or is constructed substantially of non-combustible material and in either case does not exceed 30m2 in floor area. It must also be single-storey and contain no sleeping accommodation.

Do I need approval to convert an integral or attached garage into habitable use?

Yes. You may also require planning permission.

Do I need approval for a greenhouse, summerhouse or garden shed?

No, provided the summerhouse or shed does not exceed 30m2 in floor area and is either more than one metre from your boundary or constructed of non-combustible material. Greenhouses are generally exempt from Building Regulations. However, any fixed electrical installations must comply with the Building Regulations.

Do I need approval for a garden or boundary wall?

No, but you may need planning permission depending on the height and location of the wall. You may also need to give your neighbour notice under The Party Wall Act.

Do I need approval to insert cavity wall insulation?

Yes. You are required to submit a Building Notice. The supplier will normally do this for you.

Do I need approval to underpin all or part of my foundations?

Yes, the regulations define this as building work.

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Do I need approval to install or replace a boiler or hot water cylinder?

Yes. Unless your installer is registered with an appropriate body such as CORGI or OFTEC, you will need to make an application using a Building Notice. Gas-fired boilers must always be installed by a CORGI-registered installer.

Do I need approval to install or replace electric wiring?

Yes, unless you are using a registered installer. If not, you will need to involve the Building Control service for certain notifiable works. Please check with Building Control if you are unsure.

Do I need approval to install fittings such as WC, shower, washbasin or sink?

No, providing the work does not involve alterations to, or new connections to, a drainage stack or underground drain. Please check with your Building Control service.

Further information

If you are unsure whether or not your proposed work requires Building Regulations approval, please contact Building Control on 01727 819289. This advisory leaflet is intended to be a helpful and useful source of information and not binding on any party. The Council offers no guarantee or warranties concerning the accuracy of the information supplied. For more information about the contents of this leaflet contact: Building Control St Albans City and District Council St Peter’s Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3JE Telephone: 01727 819289 Email: buildingcontrol@stalbans.gov.uk Website: www.stalbans.gov.uk

Produced by St Albans City and District Council Issued August 2007. PH30(a)

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