When Is Building Control Required

Building Control is required in the UK whenever construction, alteration or improvement work affects the safety, structure, energy efficiency or use of a building. It applies to both residential and commercial properties and ensures that all works meet the minimum standards set out in the Building Regulations. These regulations cover everything from fire safety and drainage to insulation, ventilation and structural integrity. Failing to comply can result in enforcement notices, delays in property sales or even costly corrective works.

What Does Building Control Cover?

Building Control applies to a wide range of works, including new builds, extensions, conversions, and many types of internal alterations. The regulations are there to protect both the building’s occupants and the broader public by ensuring that construction is safe, habitable and energy efficient.

Common examples of works that require Building Control include building an extension, converting a loft or garage, removing load-bearing walls, underpinning, replacing structural floors or roofs, and installing new bathrooms or kitchens where plumbing is altered. It also covers fitting windows, doors, heating systems, electrical wiring and chimneys where new openings or flues are created.

When You Must Notify Building Control

You must notify Building Control before starting any work that involves structural changes, impacts fire safety or alters access routes. This includes major works like new dwellings, extensions, and conversions, but also smaller jobs such as changing drainage systems, installing rooflights or building porches and conservatories that do not meet exemption conditions.

If the works include electrics or gas installations in high-risk areas such as kitchens or bathrooms, you’ll either need to use a certified installer under the Competent Person Scheme or notify Building Control directly.

Work on commercial premises, flats, or buildings with shared access typically has tighter requirements, especially where fire separation or escape routes are involved. Any work that affects the external appearance or energy performance of a building may also fall under Building Control.

When It Is Not Required

You do not need Building Control for general cosmetic improvements or repairs that do not affect the structure or safety of a building. Painting, plastering, tiling, fitting new carpets, installing kitchen units without moving pipes or electrics, and like-for-like repairs to windows or doors are usually exempt.

Detached buildings such as sheds, greenhouses or small garages may also be exempt if they are under 15 square metres and not used for sleeping, or under 30 square metres with non-combustible materials and set away from boundaries. However, size and placement are crucial, and you should always confirm exemptions with your local authority.

How Building Control Works

There are two main routes to getting Building Control approval. The first is through your local authority’s Building Control team. The second is by appointing a private Approved Inspector. In either case, you must submit a Full Plans application or a Building Notice depending on the nature and complexity of the work.

Once the application is submitted, Building Control officers will visit your site to inspect the work at key stages. These inspections ensure that the project meets all regulatory standards. Once the work is complete and passes the final inspection, a completion certificate is issued.

Why It Matters

Complying with Building Control is not optional. Without it, you risk enforcement action, the invalidation of home insurance, and major issues when trying to sell or remortgage your property. Lenders and solicitors will usually request proof of compliance for any recent work. A missing completion certificate can hold up sales and may even lower property value.

Examples in Practice

A homeowner in Newcastle added a 25 square metre rear extension to their bungalow. They submitted a Full Plans application to their local council and had five inspections throughout the build. Building Control confirmed compliance and issued a completion certificate, allowing for a smooth remortgage later that year.

In contrast, a couple in Essex removed a load-bearing wall to open up their living space but failed to notify Building Control. When they came to sell the property, the buyer pulled out after discovering no completion certificate existed. They were later forced to apply for retrospective approval and pay additional inspection and engineering costs.

Conclusion

Building Control is required whenever building work affects the structure, safety, efficiency or use of a property. Whether you are extending, converting or altering your home, it is essential to understand when to involve Building Control and how to stay compliant. By doing so, you ensure that your property is safe, legal and protected from future complications.