Photo: Brett Sayles

What can I build without building regulations?

Works exempt from Building Regulations A detached building, having a floor area not exceeding 15m2, which contains no sleeping accommodation e.g. a greenhouse/garden shed.

haringey.gov.uk - Do I Need Building Regulations Approval? | Haringey Council

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Most building work whether new, alterations, extensions or change of use require Building Regulations approval. Listed below are some common types of building work and information about whether or not Building Regulations approval is required. If your proposal is not listed below then there is a wide range of information available on the Planning Portal - Do you need permission page (external link) which includes useful interactive guides and common building work projects, or please do not hesitate to contact us. For more information about the Building Regulations, from what they are to what is covered by them, then please see our Building Regulations page.

Building Regulations Approval required

If Building Regulations Approval is required, your next step is to make an application. Please see our how to make a building control application page for information about how to do this.

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Common types of building work

Do I need Building Regulations Approval to:

1. Build an extension to my house?

Yes, unless the extension is exempt from Building Regulations Approval, for example, a porch or conservatory (see works exempt from Building Regulations approval and point 8, point 9, point 10 or point 11).

2. Convert my loft into a room?

Yes, this work impacts on means of escape from the dwelling and the structure.

3. Convert my garage into a habitable room?

Yes, even if it is only a store or hobbies room.

4. Make internal alterations within my house?

Yes, if the alterations are of a structural nature. For example, the removal or part removal of a load bearing wall, partition, beam or a chimney breast. The insertion of a beam or lintel which affects the structural stability of the building will also require approval.

5. Convert my house into flats?

Yes, even where construction work may not be intended as this is a defined 'material' change of use under the Building Regulations.

6. Install cavity insulation into my house?

Yes, unless the work is carried out by an approved installer and registered with a ‘Competent Person’ self-certification scheme. See 'Why should I use someone in a Competent Person Scheme?' on the LABC website (external link).

7. Construct a detached garage?

No, provided that the garage meets the following conditions:

less than 30 square metres floor area

single storey

at least one metre from any boundary or constructed of non-combustible materials for example brick/block, concrete panel, tiles roof

contains no sleeping accommodation

Note any electrical installation installed in the garage may require approval – see 'carry out electrical work' for more information.

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8. Construct a carport?

No, provided its floor area is less than 30 square metres and it is open on at least two sides and single storey. Note any electrical installation installed in the carport may require approval – see 'carry out electrical work' for more information.

9. Provide a covered yard or covered way to my house?

No, provided the floor area is less than 30 square metres. Note any electrical installation installed in the covered area may require approval – see 'carry out electrical work' for more information.

10. Construct a porch?

No providing the porch meets the following requirements:

single storey

less than 30 square metres internal floor area

separated from the dwelling via an external quality door

glazing in doors, adjacent windows and windows within 800mm of floor level must be safety glazing

not contain a WC etc

Note any electrical installation installed in the porch may require approval – see 'carry out electrical work' for more information.

11. Construct a conservatory?

No providing the Conservatory meets the following requirements:

single storey

less than 30 square metres internal floor area

separated from the dwelling via doors/windows glazed to external quality

must not restrict exit from any escape windows/doors

any fixed heating installed should have separate on/off controls

have at least 50 percent of its external wall area glazed

have a translucent roof

glazing in doors, adjacent windows and windows within 800mm of floor level must be safety glazing. Note any electrical installation installed in the conservatory may require approval – see 'carry out electrical work' for more information.

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12. Construct a small detached building on my land?

No, provided it contains no sleeping accommodation, is less than 30 square metres internal floor area, it is single storey and is either more that one metre from the boundary or is constructed of non-combustible materials. A detached greenhouse or shed usually falls within this class of building. Note any electrical installation installed in the building may require approval –– see 'carry out electrical work' for more information.

13. Install new or replacement windows or doors to my house?

Yes, unless the work is carried out by an installer and registered with a ‘Competent Person’ self-certification scheme. See 'Why should I use someone in a Competent Person Scheme?' on the LABC website (external link).

14. Carry out repairs to my house?

Generally no, if the repairs are of a minor nature and you are replacing like for like, but see also 4 above, for certain works that may need approval.

15. Carry out any electrical work?

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Yes, unless the work is carried out by an installer under a ‘Competent Person’ scheme. See 'Why should I use someone in a Competent Person Scheme?' on the LABC website (external link).

16. Carry out any drainage works?

Yes.

17. Install solar panels on my roof?

Yes, the adequacy of the existing roof to take the increased loads will need to be assessed, and some strengthening may be required. If Building Regulations Approval is required, your next step is to make an application. Please see our how to make a building control application page for information about how to do this.

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Works exempt from Building Regulations

Some types of domestic work are exempt from the requirements of the Building Regulations. These include:

Detached buildings

A detached single storey building, having a floor area not exceeding 30m2, which contains no sleeping accommodation and has no point of which is less than 1 metre from the boundary of its curtilage; or which is constructed substantially of non-combustible material e.g. a detached garage. A detached building, having a floor area not exceeding 15m2, which contains no sleeping accommodation e.g. a greenhouse/garden shed.

Extensions

The extension of a building by the addition at ground level of: a conservatory (that is not permanently open to the house), porch, covered yard or covered way; or a carport open on at least two sides where the floor area does not exceed 30m2. In the case of a porch or conservatory any glazing should meet the requirements of the Building Regulations. (i.e. glazing in most doors and adjacent windows and in windows with a sill level less than 800mm above floor level should be in a safety glass). If you are unsure whether your building works are exempt or not you can get further information on these exemptions - contact us to find out more. Even though your proposals may be exempt from the Building Regulations you may still require Planning Permission. Please see our Do I need planning permission page or contact the Planning Service for further information.