Creating your dream home

When you think about creating a beautiful new extension, building a conservatory, home office or converting your loft – possibly one of the last things you consider is contacting your local council’s Building Control team.

Watching Sarah Beeny’s Little House Big Plans, browsing design magazines or Googling ideas are probably your first port of call for inspiration.

But when planning any improvements to your home, one of your first considerations should be just what building regulations need to be adhered to before you make a start.

We are impartial, independent, local professionals and not for profit. Our experienced surveyors have the best knowledge of local  ground conditions and will provide the reassurance that your project is on track.

We believe all new buildings, conversions and extensions can be delivered to the right standards by coordinating the design, specification, construction, assisting from the start of the project through to completion. Our surveyors care about the health and safety of people, energy conservation, security, and access to buildings.

But what are building regulations?

To put it simply, building regulations are a set of standards that ensure a property is safe to live in, and also that it's comfortable, energy efficient and reducing its contribution to carbon emissions.

When do I need building regulations approval?

No matter what your project is, most construction work will require building regulations compliance to some degree – of course, if you're building a new home from scratch, you'll be required to meet a lot more than if you're just undertaking some minor remodelling to your home.

When do I need building regulations approval?

No matter what your project is, most construction work will require building regulations compliance to some degree – of course, if you're building a new home from scratch, you'll be required to meet a lot more than if you're just undertaking some minor remodelling to your home.

The regulations will apply if you are:

• Putting up a new building
• Extending or altering an existing building
• Converting a loft, a garage, or part of a garage, into habitable space
• Extension of a roof, adding a balcony or a roof terrace
• Adding a basement or extending a basement
• Providing services and/or fittings in a building
• If you are replacing/renovating more than 50% of your roof

Some work can be carried out without informing Building Control if you're using a registered installer from a competent person scheme.

The regulations may apply to some outbuildings, garden office accommodation, porches, and conservatories. In doubt? It’s best to check with us first if the work meets the necessary requirements.