FAQs
Do I need to make a Building Control application:
- For a roofspace conversion?
- To build an extension to my house?
- To build or alter a garden or boundary wall or to build a retaining wall?
- To install a WC under the stairs?
- To remove internal walls, remove the chimney breast or make internal structural alterations?
- To convert an attached garage into a room?
- For a conservatory or porch?
- To install replacement windows?
- To carry out repairs to my house?
- To insert cavity wall insulation into an existing wall?
- To install a heating appliance?
- To install a new roof window?
- To build a detached garage?
- To build an attached garage?
1. Do I need to make a Building Control application for a roofspace conversion?
A. Yes. A roofspace is generally a structural alteration and can be one of the most complex alterations. You should seek advice from a competent person.
2. Do I need to make a Building Control application to build an extension to my house?
A. Yes, although a porch at ground level, not exceeding 30m2 in area, which protects an external access door to a building is exempt, but the glazing must comply with Part ‘V’.
3. Do I need to make a Building Control application to build or alter a garden or boundary wall or to build a retaining wall?
A. No, but planning approval may be required. The construction of all walls should be undertaken with care and may require to be designed by a Structural Engineer
4. Do I need to make a Building Control application to install a WC under the stairs?
A. Yes.
Back to top
5. Do I need to make a Building Control application to remove internal walls, remove the chimney breast or make internal structural alterations?
A. Yes, alterations of a structural nature require Building Control approval. Generally the installation of a beam or lintel is required.
6. Do I need to make a Building Control application to convert an attached garage into a room?
A. Yes, consideration of damp proofing, ventilation, means of escape and fire detection are some of the things that will need to be considered.
7. Do I need to make a Building Control application for a conservatory or porch?
A. No, providing it is an extension to a building, is at ground level, and has a floor area not exceeding 30m2. Conservatories must have at least 75% of the roof and 50% of the external wall made of translucent material. Glazing must conform to Building Regulations. Any heating must be controlled.
8. Do I need to make a Building Control application to install replacement windows?
A. No, but the work of replacement shall in all aspects meet any relevant requirements of the Regulations. If in doubt seek Building Control advice.
Back to top
9. Do I need to make a Building Control application to carry out repairs to my house?
A. No, providing the repairs are of a minor nature and you are replacing like with like. Consult your local Building Control Office for further information.
10. Do I need to make a Building Control application to insert cavity wall insulation into an existing wall?
A. Yes.
11. Do I need to make a Building Control application to install a heating appliance?
A. Yes, unless it is the replacement of an existing appliance where no structural alteration takes place.
12. Do I need to make a Building Control application to install a new roof window?
A. Yes.
Back to top
13. Do I need to make a Building Control application to build a detached garage?
A. No, provided it does not exceed 30m2 in floor area and is either built substantially of non-combustible material or is not less than one metre from a dwelling or boundary of the site or a road.
14. Do I need to make a Building Control application to build an attached garage?
A. Yes, but a carport, open on at least two sides, or a covered way or similar structure at ground level is exempt, provided it does not exceed 30m2 in area.
Back to top
If you are not sure whether the work you propose to do attracts The Building Regulations, contact the Building Control Office on 028 71376521 and speak to one of the Building Control Officers.